Capturing the Friedmans

Meet the Friedmans: father Arnold, mother Elaine, and sons David, Seth and Jesse. They're a typical suburban family—until Arnold and Jesse are arrested on multiple charges of child sexual abuse. Nominated for a 2003 Best Documentary Feature Oscar® and the winner of the 2003 Sundance Festival Grand Jury Prize, this riveting film takes an intensely personal look at the family's disintegration amidst the strain of the case. The police contend that the pair molested dozens of young boys; Arnold and Jesse claim they are innocent, but plead guilty anyway. Who do you believe? Directed by Andrew Jarecki, the film follows the drama from the public's perspective and through unique home-movie footage of the family in crisis, shot mostly by eldest son David.