PARADISE LOST 3: PURGATORY - On Demand → On Demand Weekly

PARADISE LOST 3: PURGATORY - On DemandJanuary 20, 2012

HBO

Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies and shows on demand from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: PARADISE LOST 3: PURGATORY - On Demand (HBO).

PARADISE LOST 3: PURGATORY - On Demand
Epic Filmmaking Can Change Lives (20 years later)

By Jean Tait

“Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory” continues the story of the Memphis Three, told in the documentaries “Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills” and “Paradise Lost 2: Revelations” by filmmakers Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky for HBO. If you missed the first two, there is enough background information in “Purgatory” that you won’t feel lost. However, if you can experience all three, it adds a depth and richness to the experience that one rarely experiences in documentary films.

The effect of these films cannot be overstated, as the reaction to the first of the trilogy kick-started the movement that resulted in the release which is the bittersweet but satisfying end of third film.

In 1994, Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky went to Arkansas to make a documentary about three teenage killers. As they witnessed events unfolding, their initial belief in the guilt of the West Memphis Three metamorphosed into the terrifying realization that innocents could be found guilty of murder and even sentenced to death based on nothing but the hysteria engendered by fear and prejudice. To listen to self-described “occult expert,” Dale W. Griffis talking about satanic rituals, and how black nail polish, hair paint (sic), and black t-shirts are indicative of devil worshippers is cringe inducing. If this took place in the 17th century, it would be understandable, but in late 20th century USA???

Fortunately, after seeing the first film, a number of people set up a website and fund to get a real defense team together. In the second film, it becomes obvious that even with the flaws of the first trial exposed, the West Memphis Three were still not going to get a new trial.

Yet in the third film, “Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory,” justice, well, doesn’t exactly prevail, but arcs in the right direction. In order to avoid the expense and humiliation of new trial, the State of Arkansas offers a plea bargain to the three men. So after nearly 20 years, Damien Echols, Charles Baldwin, and Jesse Misskelley are allowed to make an “Alford Plea.” They have to plead guilty, but can maintain their innocence, and they can’t sue the state. Had they waited for true justice, many more years of their lives could have been spent behind bars, or worse.

That tells you the outline of the story, but the films take you on a journey full of twists and turns with enough fascinating characters, gross incompetence, and grandiose emotions to fill a Wagnerian opera. (Paging John Adams, composer of “Nixon in China.” I’ve got your next subject!) The two-hour running time flew by.

If you aren’t already enthralled by this true crime story, Peter Jackson (LORD OF THE RINGS) will be at Sundance with his documentary film on the same subject! I can’t wait to see that one as well, but I can’t imagine it could be any better, than “Paradise Lost.”

- Jean Tait

Jean
Jean Tait is a contributing writer to On Demand Weekly. Currently the Director of Programming for the Connecticut Film Festival, Jean has programmed for the Jacksonville Film Festival and Sundance Channel.