
Movie spotlight
Till Death Us Do Part
This is a true crime story based on the book of the same title by prosecuting attorney, Vincent Bugliosi. (Bugliosi is the L.A. prosecutor that put Charles Manson away.) On December 11, 1966, a murder occurs in a small neighborhood of El Sereno, CA. In the middle of the night, Henry Stockton is shot three times in the head and twice in the chest and then his house is set on fire. The murderer left no clues, baffling the police, until a year later when a young pregnant woman is found bludgeoned to death in a Jaguar. Strangely, these two murders are related. As the mystery unfolds a horrific tale of greed, lust and ambition are revealed.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary by Nick Broomfield focuses on the life and crimes of Tony Martin, a man who gained notoriety for shooting a burglar in his home. The film delves into Martin's troubled past, his relationship with his wife Brenda, and the events leading up to the shooting, offering a raw and often disturbing look at violence, poverty, and the justice system.
Critical Reception
Till Death Us Do Part was met with significant attention for its unflinching portrayal of Tony Martin and his circumstances. Critics praised Broomfield's bold approach and the film's raw, unvarnished look at a controversial figure and the social issues he represented. While some found the content disturbing, it was widely regarded as a powerful and important piece of social documentary filmmaking.
What Reviewers Say
A disturbing yet compelling look at a man driven to extreme measures.
Nick Broomfield's signature cinéma vérité style creates an intimate and unsettling portrait.
Raises complex questions about self-defense, justice, and societal neglect.
Google audience: Audience reviews for this documentary are scarce due to its age and niche subject matter. However, viewers who have seen it generally acknowledge its raw and impactful nature, often commenting on the disturbing subject matter and the ethical questions it raises.
Fun Fact
Director Nick Broomfield famously gained the trust of Tony Martin by spending considerable time with him and his wife before the shooting, which allowed for an unusually intimate and candid portrayal.
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