Devil's Knot
Dir: Atom Egoyan
2013
**
There is absolutely nothing wrong with Atom Egoyan's adaption of the Devil's Knot, the story of the West Memphis Three. The casting, direction and turn of events are all well thought-out and thorough. The real people depicted are honestly portrayed, as are events and reactions. One of the points I liked about this dramatization the most was the fact that the film recognizes and features Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky and their Paradise Lost film crew (I was worried they'd been left out and ignored) but this leads me to the big Elephant in the room; Devil's Knot brings nothing new to the story. The Paradise Lost films and Amy Berg's West of Memphis documentary cover everything you could possibly want to know about the case and every person involved has their screen time and story told. Chris Morgan's story gets more time as does the bloody/muddy man seen in the local restaurant's toilet on the night of the murders, but this is where dramatization takes over unnecessarily. Both issues are analysed over four separate documentaries, as is everything else regarding the case. I'm not sure what Devil's Knot's purpose is, other than for people who don't watch documentaries, but then why should people not interested be catered for? If you're going to do a dramatization of the story that is worthy then you'd need to make a miniseries, which might not be a bad idea, this made for TV film doesn't do the story justice.

Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory
Dir: Joe Berlinger, Bruce Sinofsky
2011
*****
It goes without saying that this concluding part of the Paradise Lost series is a must see for those that enjoyed the two previous films. It's a must see for everyone really as the lessons learnt are important ones. The conclusion is both good and bad, I don't want to give to much away but the end could have been a lot worse for everyone involved. Some of the revelations are pretty shocking, at the end of the last film we all thought we had it sussed but more information is available now and and more important lessons have been learnt. We also have a new accused which makes for shocking viewing. A brilliant film but somehow I don't think this is the end. The trilogy should be watched and followed by West of Memphis to give the full picture of events. 

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.

Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills
Dir: Joe Berlinger, Bruce Sinofsky
1996
*****
Probably one of the most shocking, frightening and astonishing documentaries ever made. Having been on a Jury twice I'm not surprised by certain problems in the judicial system but I just couldn't believe my eyes and ears watching this case. I'm not that naive that I don't believe that Courts, Defence/Prosecutors and the media aren't always on top form but the display of ignorance, stupidity and dishonesty on show here boils the blood as well as chills to the bone. Bruce Sinofsky and Joe Berlinger really hit the jackpot with this one but then can this still be classed a documentary after their involvement with the case? It has to be seen to be believed.

West of Memphis
Dir: Amy J. Berg
2012
*****
The Paradise Lost films are some of the most important documentaries ever made and should be seen by all. West of Memphis isn't as redundant as I thought it might be with that in mind. It's good to see an overall telling of accounts and seeing as Peter Jackson has been so actively involved in the case, it's fair enough that he should produce his own movie, along with the brilliant documentary maker Amy Berg. There are bits of information involving the case that are not mentioned in the Paradise Lost films, being made slightly later than Paradise Lost III there are pieces of new evidence and theories too. We know about the murders and we know the WM3 didn't commit them, West of Memphis concentrates on the fact at hand that the person who did do it, and we all have our suspicions, is still in society and the law is not looking for them. It's so much more than a film about a murder though, this questions societies lack of rational thought, judgement based on lies, corruption and good old ignorance. It terrifying stuff and needs to be seen and discussed. I've looked on a few threads and it amazes me that so many people have missed the point of all four of the documentaries and still think the WM3 did it! Like I said, terrifying stuff!