Dear Zachary: A Letter To A Son About His Father (2008) dir. Kurt Kuenne.
6.2/10
Like a less complicated and more real life version of Gone Girl.
This is a documentary about the life and murder of a well-known man named Andrew Bagby by his ex-girlfriend Shirley. It reveals the fight that Bagby’s parents take on to have legal justice against Shirley and take parental rights of the child she had with Bagby.
I love how Kurt decided to research the life of Bagby and find all sorts of evidence of this guy’s existence and reveal how great he was. Even after realizing that this documentary might be pointless to make, he still finished it strong and showed to the world what a guy Andrew Bagby was. Love.
I hate how the criminal justice system allowed this injustice to occur. Of course, the documentary manipulates my view to show Bagby’s friends and family’s pov and not tell me the story of Shirley, but I think it is justifiable because she took innocent lives and she tried to be a victim.
An interesting connection on how we’re getting Huey Lewis in this weeks episode paying tribute to Clark Middleton aka Glenn “Jellybean” Carter!
Kurt Kuenne has directed several episodes of The Blacklist and a fan of the show. He’s also the composer of the beautiful piano song Dom played in The Artax Network 3.20, ‘Crime of Passion’.
We can always count on Kurt Kuenne to give us a gnome! Looking forward to trying to spot tonight's, and for sure, 607 when Ressler gets one! Awesome! (And why do we still not have a gnome emoji??)
these are some of my favorite docs, films, and series! these are my go-to’s for background noise or comfort or whatever
Just a warning, A. this post is way too long, and B. there’s adult content in some of these films, individual warnings will be under each entry!
ask me about any of ‘em, i’d love to talk about these!
Feature Length Documentary Films:
Happy Valley, (2014) dir. Amir Bar-Lev.
“A documentary that observes the year after Pennsylvania State University assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky's arrest on child sex abuse charges.”
Discussion of Child Sexual Assault
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son about His Father, (2008) dir. Kurt Kuenne.
“A filmmaker decides to memorialize a murdered friend when his friend's ex-girlfriend announces she is expecting his son.”
Murder, Strong Language, A completely Tragic Story
Cropsey, (2009) dir. Barbara Brancaccio, Joshua Zeman.
“Realizing the urban legend of their youth has actually come true; two filmmakers delve into the mystery surrounding five missing children and the real-life boogeyman linked to their disappearances.”
Discussion of the Murder and Disappearance of Severely Handicapped Children
Killer Legends, (2014), dir. Joshua Zeman.
“Delving into our collective nightmares, this horror-documentary investigates the origins of our most terrifying urban legends and the true stories that may have inspired them.”
Murder!!! Rape!!! Urban Legends!!!
Salinger, (2013), dir. Shane Salerno.
“An unprecedented look inside the private world of J.D. Salinger, the reclusive author of The Catcher in the Rye.”
J.D. Salinger’s questionable interest in young girls, Language?
Who Took Johnny, (2014) dir. David Beilinson, Michael Galinsky, Suki Hawley.
“WHO TOOK JOHNNY explores an infamous 30-year-old cold case: the disappearance of Iowa paperboy Johnny Gosch, the first missing child to appear on a milk carton. The film focuses on Johnny's mother, Noreen, and her tireless quest for the truth. Along the way there have been mysterious sightings, strange clues, bizarre revelations, and a run-in with a person who claims to have helped abduct Johnny.”
Abduction, Allegations of Rape, Human Trafficking, has a Conspiracy flavor to it
Matt Shepard Is A Friend Of Mine, (2014) dir. Michele Josue.
“An intimate portrait of Matthew Shepard, the gay young man murdered in one of the most notorious hate crimes in U.S. history. Framed through a personal lens, it's the story of loss, love, and courage in the face of unspeakable tragedy.”
Assault and Murder, discussion of rape, so many emotions
The Hunting Ground, (2015) dir. Kirby Dick
“An exposé of rape crimes on U.S. college campuses, their institutional cover-ups, and the devastating toll they take on students and their families.”
Discussing Sexual Assault and the blatant disregard for survivors by their Collegiate Institutions
Citizenfour, (2014) dir. Laura Poitras
“A documentarian and a reporter travel to Hong Kong for the first of many meetings with Edward Snowden.”
Strong Language, the unconstitutional surveillance of millions of americans
Risk, (2016) dir. Laura Poitras
“The story of WikiLeak's editor-in-chief Julian Assange as seen by documentary filmmaker Laura Poitras.”
Julian Assange is a warning unto himself, discussions of assault, leaks, us maltreatment of Chelsea Manning in prison
Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence In The House Of God, (2012) dir. Alex Gibney
“Alex Gibney explores the charged issue of pedophilia in the Catholic Church, following a trail from the first known protest against clerical sexual abuse in the United States and all the way to the Vatican.”
Child Abuse, strong language, Bigotry abounds
We Steal Secrets: The Story Of Wikileaks, (2013) dir. Alex Gibney
“A documentary that details the creation of Julian Assange's controversial website, which facilitated the largest security breach in U.S. history.”
Julian Assange again, Rape Allegations, depictions of war crimes, murder, strong language
Going Clear: Scientology and The Prison Of Belief, (2015) dir. Alex Gibney
“A devastating two hour documentary based on Lawrence Wright's book of the same name. Scientology is laid bare by a film that skilfully knits together archive footage, testimonials from former high ranking officials and public, and dramatic reconstructions.”
Strong Language, Descriptions of brainwashing, abuse, assault
My Scientology Movie, (2015) dir. John Dower
“Louis Theroux documents his investigation into what goes on behind the scenes of the infamous Church of Scientology.”
Reenactments of abuse, strong language, paranoia
Louis Theroux: Savile (2016) dir. Arthur Cary
“In light of numerous allegations of abuse and sexual violence against the late Jimmy Savile, Louis Theroux re-examines his media relationship with the enigmatic public figure.”
Descriptions of assault and rape, really creepy archival footage of Jimmy Savile being a gross old man
Cobain: Montage Of Heck, (2015) dir. Brett Morgen
“An authorized documentary on the late musician Kurt Cobain, from his early days in Aberdeen, Washington to his success and downfall with the grunge band Nirvana.”
Strong Language, Drug Use, Disturbing Imagery, Kurt Being Kurt lol
Joy Division, (2007) dir. Grant Gee
“A chronological account of the influential late 1970s English rock band.”
Strong Language, Suicide, Epilepsy
No Distance Left To Run, (2010) dir. Will Lovelace, Dylan Southern
“A documentary about the English rock band Blur.”
Strong Language, some discussion of heroin and alcohol abuse, feelings
Casting JonBenet, (2017) dir. Kitty Green
“The unsolved death of six-year-old American beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey remains the world's most sensational child murder case. Over 15 months, responses, reflections and performances were elicited from the Ramsey's Colorado hometown community, creating a bold work of art from the collective memories and mythologies the crime inspired.”
Speculation on the motive and killer behind the Murder of JonBenet Ramsey, including child abuse, assault, adultery, child sociopaths, kidnapping, human trafficking, and discussion of these in actors personal lives
League Of Denial: The NFL’s Concussion Crisis, (2013) dir. Michael Kirk
“The National Football League, a multibillion-dollar commercial juggernaut, presides over America’s indisputable national pastime. But the NFL is under assault: thousands of former players have claimed the league tried to cover up how football inflicted long-term brain injuries on many players. What did the NFL know, and when did it know it? In a special two-hour investigation, FRONTLINE reveals the hidden story of the NFL and brain injuries.”
Discussion of the destructive habits of NFL players with CTE who killed themselves, some footage of brains among other autopsy stuff
Documentary Series:
Bright Lights, Brilliant Minds: A Tale of Three Cities, (2014)
“Dr James Fox tells the story of three cities in three exceptional years - cities whose artists and thinkers, writers and musicians set the world on a new course.” BBC, Netflix
discussion of sexual content, drug use, poverty
The Keepers, (2017) dir. Ryan White
“A seven-part docuseries about the unsolved murder of a nun and the horrific secrets and pain that linger nearly five decades after her death.” Netflix
abuse!! rape!!! murder!!! the catholic church covering shit up yet again!!!!
Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends, (1998-2001, 3 seasons)
“Louis Theroux documents some of the US's most bizarre happenings, events and rituals, by getting involved himself…” BBC, Netflix
there’s some crazy shit that goes on in this series like dang
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, (2013-present, 9 seasons)
“Anthony Bourdain visits country's and delves into political issues as well as indigenous food and culture.” CNN, Netflix
some strong censored language
Feature Length Fiction Films:
Spotlight, (2015) dir. Tom McCarthy
“The true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core.”
abuse, strong language, the catholic church
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, (1992) dir. David Lynch
“A young FBI agent disappears while investigating a murder miles from Twin Peaks that may be related to the future murder of Laura Palmer; the last week of the life of Laura Palmer is chronicled.”
murder, assault, drug use, scary imagery, rape, incest, surrealism
The Big Short, (2015) dir. Adam McKay
“Four denizens in the world of high-finance predict the credit and housing bubble collapse of the mid-2000s, and decide to take on the big banks for their greed and lack of foresight.”
strong language, wall street fucks entire country at once
The Grand Budapest Hotel, (2014) dir. Wes Anderson
“The adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous hotel from the fictional Republic of Zubrowka between the first and second World Wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.”
some strong language and sexual situations, murder
Animated Feature Length Films
Evangelion Rebuild Series (2007-2012):
-1.0: you are (not) alone, (2007) dir. Hideaki Anno, Masayuki, Kazuya Tsurumaki
- “The fate of the world is threatened by seemingly monstrous entities known as Angels. NERV is an organisation set up to counter this threat and it is up to young pilots to protect Earth but exactly what are the real motives behind NERV?”
-2.0: you can (not) advance, (2009) dir. Hideaki Anno, Masayuki, Kazuya Tsurumaki
- “Under constant attack by Angels, NERV introduces two new pilots: the mysterious Makinami Mari Illustrous and the intense Asuka Langley Shikinami. Parallel to the incursion, Gendo Ikari and SEELE proceed the secret project that involves both Rei and Shinji.”
- 3.0: you can (not) redo, (2012) dir. Hideaki Anno, Masayuki, Kazuya Tsurumaki
- “Shinji Ikari has finally woken up fourteen years after causing the Third Impact. He hasn't aged at all since the incident, but everything else has changed. The earth is in ruins. The people he once protected treat him like a prisoner and threaten to kill him if he pilots another Eva. At NERV headquarters, Shinji meets pianist Kaworu. As the boys bond, the organization's true mission comes into focus. Lost in a labyrinth of deception, Shinji careens toward a mental breakdown that could bring about the end of humanity.”
~GIANT ROBOTS AND MENTAL ILLNESS
Metropolis, (2001) dir. Rintaro
“Metropolis is a visually stunning, rich, and memorable pleasure. It's contributors have brought us other classics such as Astroboy and Akira. The story takes place in the muti-leveled, fascinating, megalopolis called Metropolis. Metropolis is loosely ruled by Duke Red, who is close to presenting his ultimate work, an advanced AI robot girl named Tima. His son; however, is an opponent of AI and resents Tima. Tima finds herself deep within the labyrinth of Metropolis. She befriends the kind son of a police officer and begins exploring her new world. When Duke Red's son separates this new friendship, he puts much more at risk than anyone thought possible.”
destruction of infrastructure, guns, emotions, robot gore
Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror Of Shamballa, (2005) dir. Seiji Mizushima
“Edward Elric, an alchemist from an alternate world, races to prevent the Thule Society from harnessing alchemy to wage war on his home”
some language, violence, ed being only slightly taller
The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn, (2011) dir. Steven Spielberg
“Intrepid reporter Tintin and Captain Haddock set off on a treasure hunt for a sunken ship commanded by Haddock's ancestor.”
violence, drinking, destruction of property, tintin being a smart little shit
Fiction Series:
*Live Action Series
Twin Peaks, (1990) dir. David Lynch, Mark Frost
“An idiosyncratic FBI agent investigates the murder of a young woman in the even more idiosyncratic town of Twin Peaks.”
violence, drugs, assault, murder, surrealism, some damn good coffee
Broadchurch, (2013)
“The murder of a young boy in a small coastal town brings a media frenzy, which threatens to tear the community apart.”
some language, violence, and pain. david tennant’s scottish accent
*Animated Series
Over The Garden Wall, (2014) Patrick McHale
“Two brothers find themselves lost in a mysterious land and try to find their way home.”
spooky stuff, more pain, woods, “i’m toOO YOUNG TO GO TO FROG JAIL”
if you made it to the end im proud. i love these things with all my heart
