The Staircase

Such an interesting and gripping documentary about a murder case that I almost find it hard to believe that all this actually happened. The insight we get into it all (at least, from one point of view) is unlike any other documentary I've seen about these kinds of cases.

It doesn't matter whether he did it or not because this film is less about getting to "the truth of the matter" and more about how the legal system operates in accordance with game theory principles, where perspective is equivalent to truth, and where the outcome of man's life is decided amidst an emotionally draining war of prejudices and feelings. The film is all the more powerful because of how fully and empathetically it captures each of these perspectives, especially in the children.

Taken as an effort to show the prosecution has an unfair advantage in the American criminal justice system, this was a poor case to choose. Taken as a penetrating inside look at how both prosecution and defence are involved in a strange game of chess with bizarre rules and where money is king, it is a very good case to choose. Taken as an intimate document of a real-life courtroom drama, it is excellent. Cf.: https://www.academia.edu/12687013/From_Philosophical_Cinema_to_Cinematic_Politics_2007_

One of the most infuriating, unbelievable documentaries I've ever seen. Absolutely astounding how things turn out. It's quite one sided, but in the end, it's not really about Michael Peterson being innocent or guilty. It's about how crazy the court system can be in America. Many curse words and heated comments were made by me and the person who was watching this with me, during and after the episodes. Fuck.

Okay so I'll admit I watched this whole thing under the impression it was just a perfectly-observed, brilliantly-acted docu-drama... and finding out it's all real makes it even better. The credit can be given to the direction and editing, unveiling the story like a master crafted crime novel and keeping the did he/didn't he question balanced perfectly throughout. You're screaming for more, but this covers about as much as eight punchy 45-minute episodes allow. Amazing stuff.

This would be a perfect documentary if it was honest in its presentation of the facts. Unfortunately, Lestrade omits many important facts as he shoehorns reality into his thesis. Biased presentation aside, it is one of the most complete depictions of a murder trial - from the perspective of the accused and defense team - ever. Its 6 hour running length is justified; it is the cinematic equivalent of a page turner. Warning: you may feel manipulated after learning more about the case.

This is an absolutely superb documentary and what every courtroom drama strives to be. While it's slated in favour of the defendant, as the prosecution wouldn't let Lestrade film them I'm sure, it manages to present both sides of the case. In the end I really don't know whether or not it was a murder or a horrible accident however I do feel like there was reasonable doubt. How you may feel is certainly up in the air and that's why this is such a masterful documentary.

Although heavily slanted toward the defense's side, this courtroom documentary does an excellent job of showing the details of what goes into a murder trial. The insight into the very non-scientific process of criminal forensics is especially fascinating.

Real-life courtroom drama at it's most gripping.

I'll concede it's riveting, and technically well-made. But this is the most one-sided, biased "documentary" I've ever seen. When you research about the things left out of the series (his massive credit card debt, Kathleen's $1.4 mil insurance policy, his love affair with the series' editor), you will realize that you've been lied to. Michael Peterson is a sociopath, and regardless of how this shameless show tried to present him, obviously a murderer.