Filmmaker Andrew Jarecki examines the complicated life of reclusive real estate icon Robert Durst, the key suspect in a series of unsolved crimes.Filmmaker Andrew Jarecki examines the complicated life of reclusive real estate icon Robert Durst, the key suspect in a series of unsolved crimes.Filmmaker Andrew Jarecki examines the complicated life of reclusive real estate icon Robert Durst, the key suspect in a series of unsolved crimes.
- Won 2 Primetime Emmys
- 8 wins & 14 nominations total
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Summary
Reviewers say 'The Jinx' is a gripping true crime documentary exploring Robert Durst's life and alleged crimes. It is lauded for its detailed storytelling, interviews, and reenactments. The series effectively builds suspense and engages viewers, though some critics note artistic liberties. Wealth, power, and the justice system are key themes, with Durst's behavior and the shocking finale drawing attention. Comparisons to 'Making a Murderer' highlight the genre's influence and raise ethical questions about documentary filmmaking.
Featured reviews
This is probably one of the best real crime docu-series out there. At least since documentaries like "Paradise Lost" or "The Staircase", we should know how important this genre has become, solving a lot of cases. Really recommend this one.
I don't write reviews that often,but i had to say something about this.It made me literally jump out of my skin,the whole time i was watching it.I can't even begin to explain what i liked the most.I guess i'll begin with the authenticity.It was like watching a fantastic crime TV show,but without the great looking actors.Imagine watching a TV show that combines True Detective,The Killing,CSI,Twin Peaks and all your favorite crime shows of all time(But,the most disturbing part is that this is 100% REAL).Secondly,the storyline was so well constructed.Began very slow and then it got more and more thrilling.I don't wanna say too much about the documentary,because i want you to experience it for yourself and just think about the whole case and draw your own conclusion.This is a must-watch.
This is the BEST true crime documentary I have EVER seen!! It starts off slowly, but don't give up - stick with it all the way, get the full story, and you won't be disappointed - the ending is explosive!! (Don't look it up beforehand, just go in cold and watch it - you'll see the documentary makers' true skill).
This is a documentary which follows Andrew Jarecki, as he pulls together the story of Robert Durst, who is suspected of killing his wife along with two others.
Robert Durst is part of the Durst family, a prominent property investment force in New York. Andrew Jarecki interviews Robert Durst extensively, along with other key players. He and his team are party to the uncovering of new evidence for these old crimes.
Amazingly, the tension is built and sustained then built again and again - I am sure whether to congratulate Andrew Jarecki as incredibly lucky for the revelations he gets to reveal, or his mastery as a film maker.
I believe that this series is a rare combination of both.
Highly recommended.
Robert Durst is part of the Durst family, a prominent property investment force in New York. Andrew Jarecki interviews Robert Durst extensively, along with other key players. He and his team are party to the uncovering of new evidence for these old crimes.
Amazingly, the tension is built and sustained then built again and again - I am sure whether to congratulate Andrew Jarecki as incredibly lucky for the revelations he gets to reveal, or his mastery as a film maker.
I believe that this series is a rare combination of both.
Highly recommended.
The Jinx is a great show. I am not American, and I had never heard about the case nor the Durst family before this show. Going in knowing nothing led to some of the revelations being really shocking. The fact that the show is so exciting is at least partly due to the case itself being absolutely bonkers on many levels.
But what makes it more exciting is the wealth of information, people and footage they got access to. You really felt that you were thrown into the middle of an investigation, and saw the case unraveling in front of you. And Robert Dust is a compelling figure. It's difficult to place him as either an eccentric evil genius, or a lucky loony. Probably he is somewhere in the middle. Some of the stuff he does seems more like a bumbling fool than an educated criminal, while other things seems really well thought out. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. His mannerisms and just his character in general is also perfect for a show like this. Because despite everything: He can be pretty funny.
So, as entertainment it was really good. That said: I did not like the reenactments. It felt cheap and out of place, and was not needed for the documentary. There were other parts that should have been left out as well, like when they start annoying a man working security in one of the Durst buildings.
But I guess one of the more important questions to ask yourself here is: should journalism go more in this direction? Because this was, have no doubt about it, made to entertain. Here's my initial thoughts: Except the literal victims here, there are no other victims of this show that I can think of. The friends and family of both victims and others involved seems to have gotten their say, or at least had the chance to. The producers did a really good job researching and investigating the case, and the presentation seems truthful enough. The focus on Robert never turns him entirely into a movie character. Througot the series you start to understand him more as a human being. Or at least the producers impression of him. For now I am in the position that journalism is probably going to go more in this direction, but it is a dangerous path, for it can very easily focus too much on the entertainment and to little on the responsibility of a journalist presenting a case.
But what makes it more exciting is the wealth of information, people and footage they got access to. You really felt that you were thrown into the middle of an investigation, and saw the case unraveling in front of you. And Robert Dust is a compelling figure. It's difficult to place him as either an eccentric evil genius, or a lucky loony. Probably he is somewhere in the middle. Some of the stuff he does seems more like a bumbling fool than an educated criminal, while other things seems really well thought out. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. His mannerisms and just his character in general is also perfect for a show like this. Because despite everything: He can be pretty funny.
So, as entertainment it was really good. That said: I did not like the reenactments. It felt cheap and out of place, and was not needed for the documentary. There were other parts that should have been left out as well, like when they start annoying a man working security in one of the Durst buildings.
But I guess one of the more important questions to ask yourself here is: should journalism go more in this direction? Because this was, have no doubt about it, made to entertain. Here's my initial thoughts: Except the literal victims here, there are no other victims of this show that I can think of. The friends and family of both victims and others involved seems to have gotten their say, or at least had the chance to. The producers did a really good job researching and investigating the case, and the presentation seems truthful enough. The focus on Robert never turns him entirely into a movie character. Througot the series you start to understand him more as a human being. Or at least the producers impression of him. For now I am in the position that journalism is probably going to go more in this direction, but it is a dangerous path, for it can very easily focus too much on the entertainment and to little on the responsibility of a journalist presenting a case.
Did you know
- TriviaRobert Durst agreed to be interviewed after he saw Andrew Jarecki's film Love & Secrets (2010), and wanted to give his side of the story. Durst seeing the film led to Jarecki being contacted to create this documentary.
- SoundtracksFresh Blood
Written by Mark Oliver Everett & Kool G. Murder
Performed by Eels
Courtesy of Vagrant Records
Details
- Runtime45 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.78 : 1
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What was the official certification given to The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (2015) in India?
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