Into the Abyss

Werner Herzog (Grizzly Man) examines the death penalty by talking to two inmates: Michael Perry, on death row; and Jason Burkett, serving a life sentence. Herzog takes a look at the crime that got both men (when they were just boys) into their predicament, and clearly takes an anti-death-penalty stance. Parts of the movie, especially the early scenes detailing the crime, are riveting, while other parts seem to go a little off-track. Overall, it’s an interesting watch, and Perry (who was later put to death) is a fascinating, tragic subject. This film was suspiciously omitted from the competition for Best Documentary in the upcoming Oscars.