Louis Theroux: A Place for Paedophiles

An hour was too short but this is the most compelling Theroux doc that I've seen. Unlike some of his other work, which isn't very informative but rather more entertaining, this actually gives insight into a bizarre place I've never heard of and some really fucked up people. I feel bad for everyone who thinks they are gonna change them because obviously you aren't. I'm glad Louis gave them a chance to speak and not just label them as scum (which they are, but that would be too easy).

Needed to be longer.

Raises numerous complex questions without quite pursuing them as far as it might have. Vividly portrays the nightmarish world of an institution built on crazed foundations in order to wish away a problem (that is, people) deemed too difficult and frightening to handle in any other way. The main impression is of the way in which, in such an institution, language functions as an instrument of control, leaving inmates the choice of either rejecting the process or learning to linguistically conform.

It's remarkable that, confronted with people who have committed some of the most heinous crimes imaginable, the main feeling you're left with after watching this Theroux piece is one of disgust at the unethical nature of the correctional facility itself. Oprah actually did a piece on a facility very similar to the Coalinga hospital that Louis is visiting here, so there are at least two such places in the US, and no doubt several more.

Probably the most terrifying Louis Theroux documentary made to date. What's terrifying to me is that you can obviously see that there is a breach of justice going on with the paedophiles as they have served the jail time for their crime but, on the other hand, I can't honestly say I want the majority of them back on the street. The man being released in this production admits to so many other crimes that you know he would never be released if he was convicted of them. Terrifying.

Somewhat interesting; but mostly just cold, lifeless, and dull. But such is the nature of state facilities.

Theroux takes another step into direction of more serious documentaries. It feels as just a glimpse was taken at a very complicated issue.

Every bit as interesting and insightful as I've come to expect from Theroux, but I can't help but feel that the subject deserves far more attention than this documentary's runtime allows.

Theroux does a great job of allowing you to pick your own emotions when you watch his documentaries. This place seems to be what most people say people who commit pedophilia deserve. But how would you feel to serve your time in prison only to be locked away again with no charge? From what is shown in the doc the people going through treatment are basically one step away from just being lobotomized to gain freedom.