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.
This show is fantastic...
i can't help but compare it to making a murderer...while i feel like it lacks the suspense and the shock value of making a murderer...it still is as profound and hard-hitting...
the story is built up slowly and the people being interviewed are introduced seamlessly at a point where their contribution is needed...it's very well done...
while it does feel like it wasn't wrapped up very well...the note on which it ends is very sublime...leaving you with questions and you're left wondering and shocked and puzzled...
the tone is well-suited...the pacing is great...it's very well told...what more can i say really...it's phenomenal!!
It moves you...and it tells the story of the man very well...just how a proper documentary can...there's hardly any flaws here...that's how good it is...
i can't help but compare it to making a murderer...while i feel like it lacks the suspense and the shock value of making a murderer...it still is as profound and hard-hitting...
the story is built up slowly and the people being interviewed are introduced seamlessly at a point where their contribution is needed...it's very well done...
while it does feel like it wasn't wrapped up very well...the note on which it ends is very sublime...leaving you with questions and you're left wondering and shocked and puzzled...
the tone is well-suited...the pacing is great...it's very well told...what more can i say really...it's phenomenal!!
It moves you...and it tells the story of the man very well...just how a proper documentary can...there's hardly any flaws here...that's how good it is...
10kajmel
Just finished the entire series. This was such a good watch!! At first it didn't sound interesting enough, but after a few episodes of seeing bits and pieces while my husband watched, I was hooked.
I won't give away any spoilers, but this show basically did the amount of investigative research that you'd hope police detectives would do (but apparently, in this case, didn't). Jarecki and his team did a wonderful job... I don't know how this could have been any better. Also love the scenes and music in the beginning credits (Fresh Blood, by Eels).
The last two episodes are just breathtaking. I don't think anyone expected the outcome of this show when they first watched (or started filming)!
This show definitely deserves some Emmys next year!!
I won't give away any spoilers, but this show basically did the amount of investigative research that you'd hope police detectives would do (but apparently, in this case, didn't). Jarecki and his team did a wonderful job... I don't know how this could have been any better. Also love the scenes and music in the beginning credits (Fresh Blood, by Eels).
The last two episodes are just breathtaking. I don't think anyone expected the outcome of this show when they first watched (or started filming)!
This show definitely deserves some Emmys next year!!
This is one of those movies\docs, that you'll find yourself waiting and crying for more and more ...still, you'll have the chance to drown into six episodes of a pure crime and suspense gem. I am I fan of shows such as True Detective, Fargo, etc, but this one, you'll have to see with a different eye, the eye that allow you to see through the detectives, director and, the killers eye ! Something that I do believe was never done before and that's what keeps this show one (or a thousand)steps further.Every time i do the shows review is because i do believe some shows are more than just good or great, they are imperative to watch,because we cannot pass through life without paying attention to some things that are really worth to be noticed, a lot of rubbish is dumped on TV ,but a lot of art is also available , you just have to make a choice,and i really want you to chose this one here ;)
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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Top Gap
What was the official certification given to The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (2015) in India?
Answer