Paradise Lost 2: Revelations
Dir: Joe Berlinger, Bruce Sinofsky
2000
*****
It was always going to be hard to match the impact that the first film had but then this is more of an update of events. The real problem the film makers had was that far less people were willing to talk to them and they were banned from filming inside the courts. Instead, they concentrate on the West Memphis Three supporters and the only parent of the deceased willing to participate, John Mark Byers. It actually turns into the John Mark Byers show for most of the film, but then he is probably one of the most fascinating (not to mention disturbing) people ever to appear on screen. His involvement into the murders is questioned but now with hindsight, you can see how he was suspected and accused with the same lack of evidence and discrimination as the WM3 themselves. I suppose the only issue with this film is that it is now out of date as a lot has happened and I've read about the case and what has happened since. It's still a great reference though, as is the first film. For me the best moment was when the Free the three members calmly and intelligently ripped the media to pieces, the media being just as bad as the courts in their ignorance. Part 2 of a shocking and astonishing documentary trilogy that is not to be missed.