Customer Reviews

Trial of Bernhard Goetz [VHS]

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I enjoyed this presentation tremendously. The entire cast is excellent. The script is extremely faithful to the trial transcripts, but the not-quite-literal direction and the slightly impressionistic set design invites the viewer into a world that is slightly removed from reality. The subtext is thick enough to cut with a knife in many scenes, and I found it absolutely engrossing.

Anyone interested in trial advocady will find this a terrific introduction. Notice how Barry Slotnik, Goetz's attorney, seizes control of the courtroom, completely intimidating the prosecutor. The famous and controversial "shoe incident" is beautifully protrayed; just how clear is it that the witness intended to throw the shoe at Slotnik. This is a tape that is well worth owning.

I watched this film on TV many years ago, then it disappeared. This film may be very different from the story you were told by the media. If you are interested in self defense, the 2nd amendment, or distortion of the news by the media, this film may be for you. They don't make a hero out of Goetz. He had been beaten and robbed before, so he started carrying a gun. When he got cornered by three criminals, he shot them. The prosecutors come out looking pretty dishonest. The criminals look like, well, violent young men. I recommend watching this film and passing it around to your friends.