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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed movies.

Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired

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Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired reviews
78
9.0 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 16 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 2 votes
Read user comments
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Movie Info

Genre(s): Documentary

Written by: Marina Zenovich

Directed by: Marina Zenovich

Release Date:
Theatrical: July 11, 2008
DVD: January 27, 2009

Running Time: 99 minutes, Color

Origin: USA | UK

Language(s): English | French | German

Summary

RATING: Not Rated

Starring Roman Polanski

Reopening a case that has inspired curiosity, controversy, and confusion for over three decades, Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired is an extensive exploration of the circumstances that led up to – and the circus that followed – Polanski’s conviction for having unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. Zenovich had unprecedented access to several of the key players in the case, including the lawyers representing the case, the media covering it, and the unusually clear-eyed and candid victim. Unearthing a trove of telling footage from the past, and combining it with insightful interviews from today, she brings comprehension and clarity to events long clouded by myth and misconception. A thrilling examination of a case that became the prototype for innumerable Hollywood courtroom scandals to follow, the film becomes a brilliant discourse on the attraction/ repulsion that defines celebrity culture in contemporary America. (THINKFilm)

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Chicago Tribune Michael Phillips

This is a superb picture, sharp, open-minded, wised-up and cinematically accomplished.

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91

Christian Science Monitor Peter Rainer

As an anatomy not only of Polanski's psyche but also of the legal system he confronted, it's as baroquely compelling as "The Dark Knight."

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90

Variety Justin Chang

A mesmerizing portrait of the director as acclaimed artist and tortured human being.

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88

Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

The most significant fact of the film is that the prosecutor Gunson, a straight-laced Mormon, agrees with the defender Dalton that justice was not served.

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83

The Onion (A.V. Club) Noel Murray

Falls short of being a great film because it lacks a certain ambition.

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80

The New York Times Manohla Dargis

Its one-week theatrical run will make it eligible for Academy Award consideration, though given that organization's often pitiful record when it comes to nonfiction film, it seems unlikely that a movie this subtly intelligent would make its short list.

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80

New York Daily News Joe Neumaier

It was a true media circus, and despite Polanski's work before and since, the film shows how it will forever be his first association in the public consciousness. In the U.S., at least.

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80

The Hollywood Reporter James Greenberg

Engrossing and well-researched documentary.

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80

Chicago Reader J.R. Jones

The mesmerizing narrative recounts a media circus of unrivaled malignance.

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75

Portland Oregonian M. E. Russell

I wish Zenovich wasn't forced to skate surfaces when it comes to Polanski's perspective -- his interviews are vague and archival -- but she skillfully works around him to craft a maddening look at one of Hollywood's most infamous trials.

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75

The Globe and Mail (Toronto) Liam Lacey

The phrase in the title "wanted and desired" is offered by a producer friend of Polanski's who describes him as "wanted" in the United States, but "desired" in Europe, where sexual behaviour is treated more honestly and artists' dark sides are celebrated.

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75

Seattle Post-Intelligencer Sean Axmaker

The film walks a fine line between contempt for Polanski's crimes and sympathy for his trials and his screwed-up psyche, and it manages both while showing us why he fled the U.S. rather than face the corrupted judicial circus.

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70

Film Threat Jeremy Mathews

The film is most remarkable when it exposes the ease with which the press and a self-obsessed judge can pervert the country's justice system.

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63

Boston Globe Matthew Gilbert

If you go into "Wanted and Desired" with preconceptions, prepare to feel them challenged and altered, even if they are ultimately confirmed. The facts speak loudly.

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50

Village Voice Ella Taylor

Lively, exasperating documentary.

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50

San Francisco Chronicle David Wiegand

With a subject like Roman Polanski, you don't really need to do much to capture audience interest. But maybe that's the reason Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired doesn't live up to its promise.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this movie is 9.0 (out of 10) based on 2 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Ben D gave it a10:
A masterpiece of the documentary genre.

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