The Dangerous Art of the Documentary
Double Elvis Productions, Tiller Russell
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R.J. Cutler (Murf the Surf: Jewels, Jesus and Mayhem in the USA | MGM+)
R.J. Cutler’s new four-part documentary series explores the high-stakes Miami criminal underworld through the eyes of the most daring jewel thief in American history turned alleged murderer, Jack Roland Murphy, aka “Murf the Surf.” Featuring exclusive access to Jack Roland Murphy himself prior to his death in 2020, the series addresses the blurred line between fact and fiction, faith and delusion, sanity and madness—raising the timely question of who we believe, and why. In their conversation, R.J. discusses with Tiller how he learned at the feet of masters (3:00), the making of his and D.A. Pennebaker's iconic verité film “The War Room” about James Carville (9:20), why we’re so drawn to a murderous jewel thief as a main character (15:28), how Murf is the first true crime TV superstar (22:40), what it means to direct incredible collaborators (27:20), the symbolism behind his graphics and animation (31:31), what makes the documentary medium so malleable today (36:02), and whether Murf is a hustler, a liar, or truly born-again repentant (45:00).
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