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The show focuses on the journeys of several unique families in various phases of polygamous...
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Sarah (7798 KP) rated Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel in TV
Feb 22, 2021
Scarily glamourises internet sleuthing
Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel is the latest stylised true crime documentary from Netflix, and it’s a pretty scary watch, but not in the way you’d expect from something that has been advertised as a supernatural murder mystery.
The 4 episode documentary series focuses on a notorious hotel in downtown L.A, Hotel Cecil, and the disappearance of a Canadian student, Elisa Lam, who went missing from the hotel in unexplained circumstances and who was later found dead. On paper this has everything a true crime lover wants: CCTV footage of the victim acting strangely, a creepy hotel with a dodgy history and a lot of strange and unusual circumstances, which culminates in Elisa Lam’s decomposing body being found in a water tank on the hotel roof days after her disappearance, the same water that the hotel guests have been drinking all along. It’s a truly fascinating story and if done properly, would have been very interesting. However in the hands of director Joe Berlinger, the disappearance of Elisa Lam has been turned into a dull, drawn out affair that dangerously glamourises baseless conspiracy theories.
One of the two main problems is that this documentary has been drawn out over 4 hour long episodes, when realistically the true story of Elisa Lam’s disappearance could still have been told effectively in an hour, maybe two maximum, without detracting from the facts. And I guess that’s really the problem with The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel, it isn’t necessarily all that concerned about the facts but rather just wants to create a film-like entertaining story, with the facts almost an afterthought crammed into the final parts of the last episode. It features lengthy and pointless interviews from other guests and tourists to try and give us a feel of what life at the Cecil was like, and these are entirely unnecessary, as some short exposition from the hotel manager or officers involved would’ve sufficed. Every part of this case is stretched so thinly that you almost lose track after having to weed out the truth and facts amongst all the irrelevant interviews and chatter. It isn’t helped by the narration of some of Elisa’s Tumblr posts, which comes across as cheesy and irritating rather than emotional and meaningful like it was probably intended.
What is most irrelevant and dangerous about this documentary, and the second main problem, is the focus on internet sleuths. These are mostly YouTubers who have spent hours dissecting every aspect of the case and have put forward many outrageous theories, all of which are completely laughable. But instead of mocking these idiots, this documentary glamourises them and their theories, and has dedicated more of it’s runtime to them than it has to any of the real life detectives and investigators involved. Watching these people wheel out one ridiculous theory after another had me wanting to throw my remote at the screen to make it stop. The theories ranged from the questionably plausible (foul player or murder) to the downright ludicrous - someone copying the film Dark Water, possible links to the Lam-Elisa TB test and a vast cover up jointly orchestrated by the police, hotel management and coroners staff are the ones that made me laugh and cringe the most.
All jokes aside, this focus on internet sleuths is extremely damaging and dangerous and this is illustrated by the awful accusations they made about Pablo Vergara aka Morbid, who’s only crime was to make music that wouldn’t be considered mainstream. If this documentary had focused on slamming these people and highlighting the dangers of them getting involved, then it would’ve redeemed itself. But it doesn’t, it gives them centre stage and debunking their theories is almost an afterthought. They aren’t even condemned for their treatment of Pablo despite the obviously long lasting effects on his mental health. These people are crazy and this only serves to highlight the huge problem with internet, video streaming sites and social media – how Joe public can ever think they know better than qualified pathologists and investigators is beyond me. And how this documentary can indulge and glamourise these people is even worse. From working a day job in the emergency services, I know how damaging this sort of interference and public perception can be.
The story of Elisa Lam’s disappearance at the Hotel Cecil is undoubtedly an interesting one. However in Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel, the real story has been mauled and disrespected by the focus and respect given to the internet sleuths and their absurd theories. I feel like I’m being generous giving it a 3, it made me so angry.
The 4 episode documentary series focuses on a notorious hotel in downtown L.A, Hotel Cecil, and the disappearance of a Canadian student, Elisa Lam, who went missing from the hotel in unexplained circumstances and who was later found dead. On paper this has everything a true crime lover wants: CCTV footage of the victim acting strangely, a creepy hotel with a dodgy history and a lot of strange and unusual circumstances, which culminates in Elisa Lam’s decomposing body being found in a water tank on the hotel roof days after her disappearance, the same water that the hotel guests have been drinking all along. It’s a truly fascinating story and if done properly, would have been very interesting. However in the hands of director Joe Berlinger, the disappearance of Elisa Lam has been turned into a dull, drawn out affair that dangerously glamourises baseless conspiracy theories.
One of the two main problems is that this documentary has been drawn out over 4 hour long episodes, when realistically the true story of Elisa Lam’s disappearance could still have been told effectively in an hour, maybe two maximum, without detracting from the facts. And I guess that’s really the problem with The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel, it isn’t necessarily all that concerned about the facts but rather just wants to create a film-like entertaining story, with the facts almost an afterthought crammed into the final parts of the last episode. It features lengthy and pointless interviews from other guests and tourists to try and give us a feel of what life at the Cecil was like, and these are entirely unnecessary, as some short exposition from the hotel manager or officers involved would’ve sufficed. Every part of this case is stretched so thinly that you almost lose track after having to weed out the truth and facts amongst all the irrelevant interviews and chatter. It isn’t helped by the narration of some of Elisa’s Tumblr posts, which comes across as cheesy and irritating rather than emotional and meaningful like it was probably intended.
What is most irrelevant and dangerous about this documentary, and the second main problem, is the focus on internet sleuths. These are mostly YouTubers who have spent hours dissecting every aspect of the case and have put forward many outrageous theories, all of which are completely laughable. But instead of mocking these idiots, this documentary glamourises them and their theories, and has dedicated more of it’s runtime to them than it has to any of the real life detectives and investigators involved. Watching these people wheel out one ridiculous theory after another had me wanting to throw my remote at the screen to make it stop. The theories ranged from the questionably plausible (foul player or murder) to the downright ludicrous - someone copying the film Dark Water, possible links to the Lam-Elisa TB test and a vast cover up jointly orchestrated by the police, hotel management and coroners staff are the ones that made me laugh and cringe the most.
All jokes aside, this focus on internet sleuths is extremely damaging and dangerous and this is illustrated by the awful accusations they made about Pablo Vergara aka Morbid, who’s only crime was to make music that wouldn’t be considered mainstream. If this documentary had focused on slamming these people and highlighting the dangers of them getting involved, then it would’ve redeemed itself. But it doesn’t, it gives them centre stage and debunking their theories is almost an afterthought. They aren’t even condemned for their treatment of Pablo despite the obviously long lasting effects on his mental health. These people are crazy and this only serves to highlight the huge problem with internet, video streaming sites and social media – how Joe public can ever think they know better than qualified pathologists and investigators is beyond me. And how this documentary can indulge and glamourise these people is even worse. From working a day job in the emergency services, I know how damaging this sort of interference and public perception can be.
The story of Elisa Lam’s disappearance at the Hotel Cecil is undoubtedly an interesting one. However in Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel, the real story has been mauled and disrespected by the focus and respect given to the internet sleuths and their absurd theories. I feel like I’m being generous giving it a 3, it made me so angry.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated My Scientology Movie (2015) in Movies
Nov 5, 2017 (Updated Nov 5, 2017)
Hilarious and mostly frightening
Louis Theroux returns in this feature documentary film about probably one of the most controversial subjects out there - Scientology - mostly because of its secretive and yet obtrusive nature in to those who try and question it. It's about 25 per cent hysterically funny and 75 per cent just plain terrifying.
After the Church of Scientology refuses to cooperate in making a documentary, Theroux teams up with former senior church official Mark Rathbun to create dramatic reconstructions of incidents within the church witnessed by Rathbun and other ex-Scientologists. They focus in particular on alleged violent behaviour by the church's leader David Miscavige at its secretive Gold Base facility in California, which Theroux visits.
From being followed almost immediately at the start of filming, to being issued letters from lawyers of the Church of Scientology - their reputation precedes them. There is a sense of unease throughout, and even paranoia / claustrophobia. Theroux also raises questions about Rathbun's own former complicity in the church's "terroristic" activities, leading to tensions between the two. While it doesn't reveal as much as some documentaries, it's entertaining and reiterates everything Scientology seeks to distance itself from - being seen as a cult. Great watch.
After the Church of Scientology refuses to cooperate in making a documentary, Theroux teams up with former senior church official Mark Rathbun to create dramatic reconstructions of incidents within the church witnessed by Rathbun and other ex-Scientologists. They focus in particular on alleged violent behaviour by the church's leader David Miscavige at its secretive Gold Base facility in California, which Theroux visits.
From being followed almost immediately at the start of filming, to being issued letters from lawyers of the Church of Scientology - their reputation precedes them. There is a sense of unease throughout, and even paranoia / claustrophobia. Theroux also raises questions about Rathbun's own former complicity in the church's "terroristic" activities, leading to tensions between the two. While it doesn't reveal as much as some documentaries, it's entertaining and reiterates everything Scientology seeks to distance itself from - being seen as a cult. Great watch.
Russ Troutt (291 KP) rated Spielberg (2017) in Movies
Jul 2, 2019
Watched another amazing documentary from HBO tonight simply titled Spielberg, but there is nothing simple about the man behind the name. Growing up with Steven Spielberg movies has been a true blessing. The Duel between story and shot crafted in a way that ultimately results in everyone's Jaws dropping. It was nice seeing the cameras turned and getting what will surely be my Closest Encounter with him. He is a true Raider of cinema who has created a Temple of film and I've loved every second of his Crusade. His Empire of movies is so out of this world he could be classified an Extra-Terrestrial. A master of being able to Hook the audience with beautiful Color and Jurassic shots; I could go on forever making a List of praises. I'm sure you were able Catch my many inteded puns, but the One thing I wanted to make clear in my Bridge of words in this Post is my love for Spielberg and this great documentary. I know I left out some great titles in my play on words, but one I definitely did not forget and had to find a way to use is Saving Private Ryan. There, I used it :p
Andy K (10821 KP) rated Bob Ross: The Happy Painter (2011) in Movies
Jul 7, 2019
Bob makes everyone happy!
I found this documentary on the Bob Ross phenomenon on Amazon Prime and it is worth checking out.
It tells you a lot of Bob's childhood, his relationships with his parents, children and wives and his rise to fame doing what he loved best, painting. His passion was demonstrating the "wet on wet" technique he learned at a young age and teaching it to others. He argued anyone could learn to paint quickly and easily using the techniques he was teaching.
The documentary shows some of his appearances on other TV programs of the time like Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, John Rivers and Phil Donahue. It also talks about his love of animals and how he used to treat and care for them.
One of the points mentioned I thought was interesting was only about 3% of the viewing audience tuned in and actually painted along with Bob. The vast majority just tuned in because they enjoyed his calming voice, big hair and his colorful vernacular.
What a great talent Bob Ross was and he died way too young. I still watch his show almost every night before I go to bed as it is a great way to end the day.
It tells you a lot of Bob's childhood, his relationships with his parents, children and wives and his rise to fame doing what he loved best, painting. His passion was demonstrating the "wet on wet" technique he learned at a young age and teaching it to others. He argued anyone could learn to paint quickly and easily using the techniques he was teaching.
The documentary shows some of his appearances on other TV programs of the time like Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, John Rivers and Phil Donahue. It also talks about his love of animals and how he used to treat and care for them.
One of the points mentioned I thought was interesting was only about 3% of the viewing audience tuned in and actually painted along with Bob. The vast majority just tuned in because they enjoyed his calming voice, big hair and his colorful vernacular.
What a great talent Bob Ross was and he died way too young. I still watch his show almost every night before I go to bed as it is a great way to end the day.
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I Am Not Your Negro (2017)
10.0
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In 1979, James Baldwin wrote a letter to his literary agent describing his next project, Remember...
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Italian-born, Canadian-based documentary photographer Vincenzo Pietropaolo has made it his life s...
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Erika (17788 KP) Mar 1, 2021
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