Viewing this film prompted me to investigate the facts of the case in some detail. Apparently all three youths involved (attackers and victim) had longtime deep social issues.
In the case of the attackers, both young men had troubled childhood backgrounds, with a history of "meth"-addiction playing a large role in the proceedings. While intimidation was a motive, so also was robbery. It seems drugs took over, helping to release pent up rage which got out of control.
In the case of the victim, Matt's history also suggests a troubled history of cover-ups, suppressed emotions, and excessive pill-popping (the last probably a way of escaping reality). Some reports hint that he also may have been HIV-positive.
Writers John Wierick and Jacob Kruegar unfortunately failed to disclose full details of these pathetic kid's backgrounds, or paint a picture of the national attention given this case (including a Presidential statement). Omitted too was a disclosure of the source of the conservative opposition, characterized by banner-carrying throngs outside the courthouse. Much background and facts were likewise smoothed over, weakening the impact of this important story-- and the grainy, jerky "art shots" and erratic flashback sequences didn't help matters. All of the above make this a not-too-definitive representation of this event.
There were no problems with the powerhouse cast, headed by the great Stockard Channing as Judy. Sam Waterson as Dennis and Shane Meir as Matt also rendered wonderful performances, along with the talented supporting cast, all of whom deeply felt and executed their roles.
In the case of the attackers, both young men had troubled childhood backgrounds, with a history of "meth"-addiction playing a large role in the proceedings. While intimidation was a motive, so also was robbery. It seems drugs took over, helping to release pent up rage which got out of control.
In the case of the victim, Matt's history also suggests a troubled history of cover-ups, suppressed emotions, and excessive pill-popping (the last probably a way of escaping reality). Some reports hint that he also may have been HIV-positive.
Writers John Wierick and Jacob Kruegar unfortunately failed to disclose full details of these pathetic kid's backgrounds, or paint a picture of the national attention given this case (including a Presidential statement). Omitted too was a disclosure of the source of the conservative opposition, characterized by banner-carrying throngs outside the courthouse. Much background and facts were likewise smoothed over, weakening the impact of this important story-- and the grainy, jerky "art shots" and erratic flashback sequences didn't help matters. All of the above make this a not-too-definitive representation of this event.
There were no problems with the powerhouse cast, headed by the great Stockard Channing as Judy. Sam Waterson as Dennis and Shane Meir as Matt also rendered wonderful performances, along with the talented supporting cast, all of whom deeply felt and executed their roles.