The West Memphis Three HBO Paradise Lost Purgatory: Victims Parents Plea For No Oscar, Call Film Cruel Hoax
Beverly Hills, CA- Following an announcement that The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is considering the HBO documentary Paradise Lost III : Purgatory, as one of 15 submissions being considered for an Oscar in the documentary category branch of AMPAS, chaired by Rob Epstein- Todd and Diana Moore took action.
The Moores are the parents of James Michael Moore, one of three eight your old victims murdered on May 3, 1993 along with Chris Byers and Stevie Branch. Within days of an exclusive series on the murders appearing on www.blinkoncrime.com which included the discovery of potential new evidence; the nearly 18 year old case that resulted in 9 previous convictions of three suspects took a radical turn.
On August 19th Jessie Misskelley, Damien Echols and Charles Jason Baldwin pled guilty to the murders of all 3 children via an Alford plea and were immediately released from jail as convicted murders on parole.
Paradise Lost III produced by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky follows it’s predecessors I and II, released in 1996 after the initial convictions of the West Memphis 3.
Berlinger is a member of AMPAS, and has produced several unreleased documentaries of Hollywood A- listers including Charlize Theron, Hugh Jackman, Oprah Winfrey and Cameron Diaz.
Click below to read impassioned and unedited letter sent to Chairman Epstein.
The following is the unedited letter sent to Chairman Epstein by Todd and Diana Moore:
TODD MOORE
DIANA MOORE
PO Box 721
2004 Main St.
Hughes, AR 72348
November 22, 2011
Chairman Robert P. Epstein
AMPAS
Awards Office
8949 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills CA 90211
Re: Paradise Lost III: Purgatory
Dear Chairman Epstein and members of the Documentary Branch of the Academy:
We are Todd Moore and Dana Moore.
Our cherished eight-year-old son, Michael, was brutally murdered on May 5, 1993 by Jessie Misskelley, Damien Echols, and Jason Baldwin. Misskelley was tried and convicted in 1994. Baldwin and Echols were convicted by a separate jury later that year. All three entered Alford pleas to our son’s murder August 19, 2011. They are now, as they have been for the past 17 years, guilty as a matter of law. They have been guilty as a matter of fact since the moment water flooded Michael’s lungs after he was beaten, stripped, hogtied, and then discarded into a stream to drown.
Michael was the joy of our lives. In addition to our son, his murderers also tortured and slaughtered two other children, Christopher Byers and Stevie Branch. These three precious victims were classmates and friends, and their loss was a tragedy felt throughout the entire community.
We are horrified to learn that a documentary that glorifies Michael’s killers, Paradise Lost III: Purgatory, is among 15 documentaries being considered for an Academy Award. Because of public pressure that exploded due to gross misrepresentations of fact in two previous documentaries, Michael’s killers were unjustly able to enter into a plea agreement, were released from prison, and now pose additional threats to society. This third documentary further insulted the families of these three boys and may lead to further injustice. We implore the Academy not to reward our child’s killers and the directors who have profited from one of the greatest frauds ever perpetrated under the guise of a “documentary film.”
We realize that documentaries have a point of view and advocate a position to some degree or another. As with the two before it, this film crossed the line into a cruel hoax that had real-life consequences larger than even those of us who still mourn our horrific losses. It is not art. This film is cynical and exploitative deception that compounds our pain needlessly and rewards those who inflicted it. It and the two films that preceded it are simply tasteless tabloid entertainment presented as social commentary.
We are private individuals. The directors, Bruce Sinofsky and Joe Berlinger, are aware of this because we refused to participate in their last two films. We appeared solely in the first film because the directors lied and told us their purpose would be to “protect children.” You can imagine our shock and disgust when the first film opened with gruesome and gratuitous images of the crime scene and remained exploitative and salacious until the credits rolled. It did nothing to promote child welfare. It did everything to support child killers and to benefit monetarily from a ghastly crime.
We were hardly the only people Sinofsky and Berlinger misled or manipulated.
Consider what happened to John Mark Byers. He was Christopher Byers’ adoptive father. Confrontations between Mr. Byers and Echols’ supporters at hearings were staged. Of course, Berlinger and Sinofsky were there to film these episodes. Berlinger and Sinofsky would transport Mr. Byers to the hearings and wire him for sound beforehand. Furthermore, Berlinger and Sinofsky maneuvered Mr. Byers and Echols’ supporters in order to film the anticipated confrontations. Later, after the cameras were packed away, Mr. Byers acted like a different person. Instead of being belligerent, he was affable. When asked about his change in demeanor, Mr. Byers stated that he was supposed to act that way when the cameras were present. Mr. Byers was quoted as saying he received $500 per hour for “exclusive interviews.”
These contrived “confrontations” and other distortions caused many viewers to believe Mark was the “real killer.” It had a terrible impact on his life. We brought this to the attention of HBO. Our complaint was ignored because these falsehoods proved lucrative.
The complete list of distortions would be a long one. The above example is illustrative of the manipulation and distortions that are prevalent throughout the entire Paradise Lost franchise. The films are bereft of ethics, principles, or factual accuracy and basis.
Publicity from the first two films did generate millions of dollars in donations. Much of that money went toward the defense’s investigation of the case. Not a single piece of exculpatory evidence was produced. In other words, between $10,000,000 and $20,000,000 has been collected, although no one knows the exact amount collected or how it was spent. In eighteen years, nothing was found to clear the names of the actual killers. Late last year, the windfall that went toward the legal defense resulted in the granting of an evidentiary hearing which was set to be held a few weeks from now. Instead, the murderers opted to initiate a plea negotiation with the State. As a result, they remain convicted of the deaths of three children.
We have to note that this situation is similar to the one that confronted the Academy when Capturing the Friedmans was nominated for Best Documentary Film of 2003. Two of the Friedmans’ sexual abuse victims presented another Open Letter to the Academy. Capturing the Friedmans had much more artistic merit and integrity than Paradise Lost III: Purgatory, yet it did not receive the award. The Academy made the right decision then, and we pray it does so this time as well.
Sincerely,
Todd Moore Diana Moore
cc: (via eMail)
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With help or not… that is beautifully written…
God Bless the Moores
Where do we sign up to let advertisers know that we will boycott the Academy Awards if this film is even mentioned?
Wow, what has the country come to, to profiteer off the backs of 3 beautiful children who were brutally murdered. Mr. and Mrs. Moore, I applaud you for taking a stand and fighting the Hollywood machine.
I stand with you.
I don’t know about most, but for me, an oscar selection on the docu section is all about the message.
How could anyone believe promoting convicted murders as award worthy, I will never understand.
B
I have voted with my feet and money having NEVER attended any of the films, thank goodness.
You and me both, thank you for weighing in.
B
To think Paradise Lost III: Purgatory could be considered for an Oscar makes me want to throw up. I’ve never understood how these cold blooded murderers were released anyway. What about these three children? Their families? WTH are these people to think? A chunk of their hearts was stolen now a dagger is put through what remains. These Hollywood people are just out of control.
Bless your heart friendLY for keeping up the good fight.
I refuse to watch. My heart belongs to the real victims, our wee cubs. I’m grateful to see so many speak up for them and doing right by not making 1 stinking cent. The truth should never profit, only prosper.
I’m so appreciative of our special friendies’ relentless commitment to digging on regardless of outcome.
This has probably been expressed but it nags at me. No way 1 dude could tie up 3 boys simultaneously. Can’t get past that one.
-snipped-
It is not art. -The Moores
Amen.
Dear Mrs. and Mr. Moore, your letter has very touched me, I had a lump in my throat and couldn’t restrain my tears. I am more than upset that despite this major pain as you had with the loss of your son and still under such circumstances, you now have to confront such situation. Let us know where we can sign to help stop this.
Yours sincerely
Very thankful that BOC had in the recent past brought this case back to the forefront of our memories. I hope the Moore family and others affected by this horrible crime are able to impact this award possibility. The guilty ones should not be allowed anymore displaced Hollywood attention and anyone in the Hollywood sector promoting this award should be ashamed and should apologize for their past and current attempts to call attention to the Memphis 3 for an utterly heinous crime. The 3 who are now allowed freedom even though they admitted guilt need to move to Hollywood and see how many supporters they can find when they have nothing more to offer. Sick, sick, sick.
All my opinion.
Another good piece Blink.
The letter from the Moores is beautifully written. To think that such a piece of propaganda as this film could be considered for an Oscar is beyond my understanding.
I do not watch the Oscar’s on TV because it is mostly political. IMO this entertainment specticle is all about nothing.
I am curious if the Oscar selection committee has a web site. If so, maybe we can find it and express our disgust with this potential selection. I will do some searching.
God bless the Moore’s for having the fortitude to write the letter.
Errol Morris successfully argued an innocent man out of prison but he couldn’t get a nomination because his film showed a cop throwing a milkshake out of a car window…
Much like everyone else, my heart goes out to Mr. and Mrs. Moore and the rest of their family. There is no doubt that this family, along with the other victim’s families, have had NO closure. How could they after the original mocumentary aired and the cult numbers multiplied like wildfire over the years.
I firmly believe in the guilt of the WM3, but even if I didn’t—they are LEGALLY guilty and admitted their guilt in August even if their guilt has an asterisk next to it.
Heinous criminals should not be glorified, nor should the ones who have filmed them.
http://www.oscars.org/contact/general.html is the link to contact the Oscars. Please write to them and support the Moore family.
IIWII
Will the Memphis three get an ivite to the oscars? An invite to Johny Depps after show party perhaps.JB I watched that documentry about the murder of a patrol L E officer..I think the milkshake incident being a renactment an only his perception drew a lot of critisim at the time.Renactments were a big no no in documentrys at the time..Now they are common place.He used it to bolster his argument the the rookie female oficer never even left the veichicle an lied in her official statement about the incident.What was it called again Memphis Blue? It was an excellent documentry film.
This is heartbreaking. These poor people have not only lost their sweet child in the most horrific way, but they continue to be victimized over and over for the sake of profit. Will their nightmare ever end? Can their child ever rest in peace when his murder and his image continue to be exploited for the financial gain of his killers and the people who propagated the lies that set them free? Forget justice because it was discarded years ago, erased in the name of notoriety and money. The families of these children deserve peace. I hope that the Academy listens, and does not congratulate child murderers for a job well done.
My heart goes out to Moore’s and I agree100% with their request to the academy. The previous two films were tactless and disgraceful. I have already written to the academy in support of the Moore’s stance regarding the lies and propaganda that follows PL documentaries.
I am so glad you published this letter Blink. The Moores and the children need to be heard. These filmakers are profiting off the backs of three murdered boys and now they are up for an award. Despicable! I hope they don’t win. They should be ostracized, not celebrated. Remember the Real WM3 – Steve, Michael and Chris.
Blink, you’re my heroine for running this story.
I’ve been to the Academy’s website about this, too. I “wondered” if the fine people at the awards had considered that if the film is nominated then famous directors, actors, and the other film people will probably be sitting next to Mr(s) Echols, Baldwin, and Misskelley at the televised ceremony.
And on top of all that, I read that Sir Peter Jackson has already made another documentary with Damien Echols as Producer (Yes, producer) and he is giving interviews about all the new evidence that he has uncovered during the last several years. It all sounded like the same stuff that is already on Callahan’s site. Odd he didn’t see fit to give all this evidence to the WM3 defense team for the hearing that they had scheduled for this month back before they pled guilty to doing everything they had been originally convicted for. Is the world really this cynical now? And at Christmas time,too
The entire situation is beyond comprehension. Each man signed his name to 3 guilty pleas of the murders of 3 eight year old little boys. They said they did it. The state agreed, sentenced them to the time served plus additional years on parole and they were released. It isn’t fair.
It’s called the The Thin Blue Line and it’s probably the best docu of all time. I think it’s pretty obvious that Sinofsky and Berlinger tried to be the next Errol Morris. Morris blew the whistle on corrupt LE while Sinofsky and Berlinger made an extremely biased piece of crap that has tricked people into thinking three teens were railroaded. I just think it’s funny that they rejected what was arguably the greatest docu of it’s time because of a few reenacted scenes but 20+ years later they’re considering a film that stretches the truth for two hours.
@ IIWII-thanks for the academy link. Below is my submission(paradise lost was in the subject line):
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Academy,
As an annual viewer, and fan of the Academy awards, I implore you to please reconsider your recent nomination for the above mentioned documentary!! I know you hold your establishment in high esteem, as do I, and I have tremendous respect for the wide array of Artists you have awarded throughout the years. That being said, I will echo the sentiments of Mr. And Mrs. Moore, and will never consider the content of this project, to be art, in any form. A documentary honoring the memories of the 3 little victims would be hard to watch, but this project, which is the glorification of their convicted killers, is reprehensible. I cannot fathom a scenario, in which your establishment would want to be forever remembered as honoring such a work.
Respectfully submitted,
@ Slowroller: YW and Would it be okay if others copied and pasted your letter? Also, do you mind if I put it on one of the facebook groups that I belong too? The group is called WM3 Truth. Wonderful letter Slowroller!!!
I submitted a letter as well at that link, let’s encourage others to do the same!
I am sorry to read of The Moores continued pain and anguish. I would expect nothing less from BlinkOnCrime than to give a victims family a an outlet to voice their feelings and concerns.
Thank you for running this piece Blink.
I commend the Moores for doing what they feel in their heart is right inorder to stand up for their son.
They have joined the likes of other victims, and their families, voicing their concerns to the Academy, over a nomination of film- such as the victims and families did over The nomination of “Capturing The Freidmans” in 2003- which could be said, attributed to an August 17,2010- announcement by the District Attorney to appoint a committee and a panel of experts in law enforcement, law and social science to oversee the prosecutors’ panel, to re-examine the case, after the the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit denied Jesse Friedman’s bid to withdraw his guilty plea – BUT stated he was probably wrongly convicted and was pressured into pleading guilty to a crime he may NOT have committed because police, prosecutors and the judge in the case were overzealous and swept up in the hysteria of the times.
Perhaps instead of accepting the Alford Plea, the State and County should have opted to take it to trial- why didnt they? IDK
I know many attribute these Paradise lost films with spreading propaganda- and leading to the Alford Plea- but I can not- I have not watched them- all the questions and concerns I have over a fair trial and guilt or innocence came from reading Blinks pieces, callahans, and everyones comments- because I can not determine their definite innocence or guilt does that mean that BlinkonCrime attributed to the Alford Plea and to “propaganda” that led to their release?
I understand why the Moores feel it should not be considered- they are the grieving parents of little Michael Moore who was murdered in 1993, they believe the right killers were properly investigated, accused, prosecuted and sentenced for the murder. They have placed the blame for the growing support for a new trial, the later Alford Plea, and the ultimate release of the WM3, upon the success of the Documentaries.
The Moores have a right to stand up for their son, and for an injustice they feel is being perpetrated against their son, as does Mark Byers, Pam Hobbs and the families of the convicted 3, who feel that the injustice was that there was a rush to judgment and poor police work that MAY have led to the wrongful arrests and unfair trials/ and later wrongful convictions of the Wrong bad guys-
Both BlinkonCrime and these documentaries have brought many questions and concerns to the forefront, by covering a now decades old murder case- and we all have a right to voice our concerns over this case, and the documentaries and Blinks pieces and the injustices that were brought to out attention by reading or watching.
Without their coverage, would we be aware?? Would we be determined to right a wrong? I think not – so it seems to me, that both Blinkoncrime and the Paradise Lost series has its honorary place in advocacy – no matter what side of the fence you found yourself on after reading or watching…..
Is either worthy of an award?
I hardly ever agree with The Academy- and I always side with the victims and their families.-
I understand that many feel as though these films wrongfully enabled the glorification of 3 killers. BUT I also understand that many feel that these documentaries allowed them to see the injustices and blatant shortcomings of a poor investigation, and prosecution/defense which led to the wrongful convictions of 3 innocent men.
Who is right?
It seems to me, again, without having watched the films, that both those statements can not be true, unless the film allows the viewer to reach their own conclusions, or at the very least, prompts the viewer to take a harder look to asks questions and raises concerns about the murders, the investigation, the sentencing and the aftermath.
It seems to me that nomatter what- this analysis would be a good thing- as we have all been doing just that, here, after reading BlinkonCrimes ongoing coverage of this case.
The difference here seems to be, that unlike with the documentaries, Blink has come to the conclusion that the 3 are guilty, and the Alford plea was wrong, despite having said that there was mistakes in the investigation, in the trials, and in the deliberations, in essence, advocating a new trial- but not innocence…
Both films and BlinkonCrimes series have merit right? Both tell the story from a certain perspective, both claiming to reach a completely different decision- on guilt or innocence -after research and after completing the project…
Who is correct in their careful decision??
as The New York Times and Roger Ebert wrote on the Friedman Doc and I feel applies to this situation as well- …
“first impressions can’t be trusted and that truth rests with each person telling the story.”
“The film is as an instructive lesson about the elusiveness of facts, especially in a legal context. Sometimes guilt and innocence are discovered in court, but sometimes, we gather, only truths about the law are demonstrated.”
–In otherwords both make you think, both make you feel, and both urge you to take action- therefore there is merit in the telling, and in the newfound knowledge and promoted advocacy.
My prayers to The Moores and to their family, and to their son Micheal, and my prayers for his friends, Stevie and Chris and to their families and for the town and to all
Peace
AJMO
Dear Blink,
Thank you for your deligent work on this case. The Moore’s did
the right thing. IIWII- thanks for the link I have already sent a message.
I would rather die in prison maintaining my innocence than admit something as awful as these animals did. Damien Echols is an evil and scarily intelligent human being. May he burn in hell.
God bless those boys and their families.
I still have not come to a conclusion on the guilt of the WM3 but I agree that it would be insensitive (at the very least) to have that documentary nominated for an academy award.
The letter from the Moore’s was very well written and I consider it an honor to have read it. My prayers are with the families of these boys and my hope is that one day, they can rest in peace when all is said and done.
I am sending many prayers for the families and friends of Michael, Stevie and Chris. When a parent loses a child there is never ‘closure’, but I am wishing them peace this Holiday Season. May God be with them always.
I read this and had to fight back the tears. My heart breaks for the families of all three children.
Snipped from IIWII above – couldn’t agree more: “Heinous criminals should not be glorified, nor should the ones who have filmed them”
This SHOULD be a no brainer for the love.
@ IIWII- I don’t mind at all.
I really know very little about this case, but as I recall wasnt one of the boys stepfather abusive to one of the children which he admitted? He was beaten sometime that day and was abused by him for a long time.
All the children seemed to be from neglectful and/or abusive parents as far as I can recall. I saw parts of the first documentary but of course there might not be a lot of truth there It seems to me lately that many children are being lost in part also to neglectful and abusive parents. The Lisa Irwin case, where she was supposedly dead drunk when her child was taken (if in fact the child was taken which I doubt) the Jorelys Rivera case where the mother was asleep while her children played unsupervised, the Celina Cass case, taken while she slept having a nut for a stepfather out drinking that night with his buddies on the porch of there house and he had siblings and an uncle who were sex offenders. Im not saying these guys arent guilty. Its just that the parents of all these children are responsible for the lack of care of their children as well and that
negligence has consequences. They all cry when the children are dead and rail against the killers, but where were they for these children when they had them?
@ Mom
I don’t hink you can come to your humble opinion fairly, without having seen the films. All you have to see is the opening scene of the first one, to see that it uses shock value, for whatever reason, that is unnecessary. And highly insensitive to the victims, and their families. A glaring difference between them, and all of Blinks work, who goes to great lengths in all of her work to avoid serving up such atrocities for public viewing.
@ Liam says:
December 7, 2011 at 8:32 pm
At the end of the day, I’d have to agree with you. Freedom would be so tempting in this situation but I’d want a sound conviction of innocence when all is said and done. I’d want to walk free knowing the truth within myself has been validated in a court of law. Jason Baldwin wanted to fight for the truth? I can’t help but believe he was coached to say as such. He’s no more a hero than Satan.
OT….
God bless VT, the victims and their families. I’m so sorry this is happening all over again.
Slowroller says:
December 8, 2011 at 12:11 pm
@ Mom
I don’t hink you can come to your humble opinion fairly, without having seen the films. All you have to see is the opening scene of the first one, to see that it uses shock value, for whatever reason, that is unnecessary. And highly insensitive to the victims, and their families. A glaring difference between them, and all of Blinks work, who goes to great lengths in all of her work to avoid serving up such atrocities for public viewing.
–Slowroller-
Hello thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Much like the disagreement over guilt or innocence the viewers, have completely different perceptions on the film/S- and their message
Where some feel that it is all propaganda for the defense, others say it is not.
From reading everyones comments- I know that some came away from the film thinking they were guilty and others came away feeling as if they were innocent.
I have read countless retellings of Damiens “boogeyman ” quote and his “no more beer” quote and I have read of Jesses behavior in court and his lawyers prompting over the iq tests- and I have read of Jasons seeming indifference and awkward smiles and of Domini’s selfish tantrum after hearing the verdict…all of which was brought up to illustrate guilt- and total lack of compassion- none of which we would have documented without these films.
I have read of Mr Byers and Mr. Moores trip to shoot pumpkins and of Mr Byers trip to the ditch and of Pam Hobbs’ strange bandanna conversation, and of Terry Hobbs stillness and silence-and Mrs Moores anger over the state paying for court clothing and of Mrs Byers “and the mothers that bore them” comment- and the possible drug use ect- all brought up to to paint them in a less than favorable light.
Funny thing is -that when the “otherside” views these same clips -they do not see guilt or possible quilt- they do not see lack of compassion ect -
they see the tragedy and the horror and the grief played out-
they see loving, yet flawed parents, trying to keep their sanity and their families together-
they see the parents working through all the stages of grief- succumbing to their anger and disbelief-
they see 3 damaged young men- scared, and stupid – wrongly accused, succumbing to their anger and shock- yet innocent
they see a young mother succumbing to the realization that her babys daddy will never be hers – and they see the young mother lash out at the families of the victims due to immaturity…
They see human beings and all that entails all at the worst possible time of their lives
You wrote:
All you have to see is the opening scene of the first one, to see that it uses shock value, for whatever reason, that is unnecessary. And highly insensitive to the victims, and their families.
Slowroller- I know what scene you speak of- it is the clip of the crime scene and the ditch bank- it shows the LEO strewn throughout the area- and it shows the little victims lifeless bodies- sadly and gruesomely laying almost forgotten, seemingly discarded again – on the hard, cold dirt- helplessly alone and left without the simplest of coverings -no blankets, no sheets, no body bags- no CSI, no ME, viewable by all eyes, every camera, open to all the elements, every insect….
I do not think a documentary shows graphic footage for “shock value” and I do not think it shows it to be insensitive slowroller-
A documentary documents an event -a time -a place
Murder and other such atrocities are ugly slowroller, they are graphic- they are sickening – to understand this fully and completely- it must not be edited.
I do not think that scene was unnecessary Slowroller
It is not the directors that killed and disposed of those innocent little boys in a drainage ditch, naked and bound…. it was not the directors that wrongly decided to remove those little victims from the ditch…. it was not the directors wrong decisions that placed those little boys bodies haphazardly and insensitively upon the ditch bank – forever losing valuable evidence…. claiming on one hand they did it for the little victims, yet at the same time, not caring to afford them any semblance of modesty or protective measures-which would have also helped to protect the evidence- the forensics- the convictions -and the sentences-
The scene documents the truth of what happened at the crimescene slowroller, and in documenting this horrible and insensitive mistake, the viewer is immediately and forever aware of the horrors that befell these tiny, little, innocent playmates -their bindings, their murders, their recovery, the investigation, the trials and all the rest.
The film, from scene one- makes the viewer understand what has been lost- what has been stolen-and how brutally it was taken and the horror of it all- for everyone
Paradise was Lost
For the victims, for their families, for LEO, for the community, for the accused and their families
For us
As for Blink not serving up such atrocities to the viewing public- yes she does go to great lengths to refrain- that is her personal stance- and I respect it- but I also understand that without seeing and knowing -we will never come to understand for ourselves- we will never be able to see the truth that she sees or interpret for ourselves.
I can read a hundred times over about the Holocaust, slowroller, but until I saw- with my own eyes, the horrific images of those atrocities, those discarded victims, those ovens, and those camps- I could never begin to understand.
Slowroller,
I know that all the families were hurt by that scene- and I wish it was never so- I wish the boys were alive and well- I wish at the very least LEO would have made better decisions therefore denying the need of documenting such a scene….
alas, it can never be
Slowroller, your post helped me to decide to view the films-so thank you–I understand that I have not yet seen any of the Paradise Lost films, but how many here, have seen the latest? Have you all went and spent money to view this nominated film, how many of you are basing your thoughts on the past films or in your own perception on the 3′s guilt alone?
The Moores have every right to feel the way they do, even if they have not watched the films they STILL have a right to give their thoughts to the academy and to the world. Again, I commend Mr. Moore for doing what he feels is right for his little boy-
I can not pass judgment on any of his thoughts or feelings
Nor on anyoneelse’s
He feels that the right people were accused and convicted- he feels that these films aided and abetted his sons killers- I understand that- but not all the parents feel that way -not every viewer sees it that way either….. and I will not pass judgment on them either- surely the films have merit- nomatter the stance on guilt or innocence- and I would never expect The Moores to feel that way- nor would I fault the other families for feeling differently.
I agree with Blink it is all about the message-
My continued prayers to little Mike , Stevie and Chris, to their families, to the community and to all
Peace
AJMO
I am so humbled by your compassion and objectivity. It is truly a gift the way you can “shoot the gap” and see all sides. Thank you so for that.
B
Oh, please. Like the Academy is going to listen to a handful of overzealous would-be vigilantes. I sympathize with the Moores for the loss of Michael, but that doesn’t give them license to lie about scenes being staged. Spend that energy on bringing the REAL killer(s) of Michael, Stevie, and Chris to justice.
Vigilantes? Lol.
I am sure you meant respected advocates and you obviously know nothing about film making, scenes were staged and also edited to reflect the directors content choice.
B
@3.0
I must apologize. I wasn’t clear about what I disagreed with. I disagreed with your comparison of Blinks work to the Paradise lost series. Their respective motives. Their approach and tactics.
I gather from your post that you may believe Bin Laden is alive? Or are you able to understand he was killed by our brave men and women of the special forces, without seeing photos of his lifeless, bullet riddled body? Sorry for the tinge of sarcasm, but I am not going to buy into the thought process that one must see the graphic nature of an event firsthand to understand the atrocity it was.
Lastly, I have been a Blink poster for quite some time. I know blink and crew have placed you in some special category that few posters have attained. I found your response to me, which was affirmed by blink?, to be a little offensive quite frankly. “Murder and other such atrocities are ugly slowroller, they are graphic”. That comment is belittling. Finally, contrary to blink, I don’t see anything passionate about riding the fence…
Slowroller- I am sensing you may have taken me or Mom 3.o more personally than intended, and for that I owe you an apology. I also know that when we have educated, well researched advocates speaking their mind on a case, or a piece I cover, and there is a difference of opinion, all those skills seem to line up behind the line in the sand, for lack of a better analogy.
As my Mother always used to say when I was little, I love you all equally, but what I like best about each of you is different and special for just you and I. I have 2 sisters and we are all no more than 3 years apart in age, you can imagine that was an important sentiment between Mom and daughter trying to be loved and yet trying to be an individual. We are all now in our 40′s, and it continues, lol.
Not in a literal sense, because we are all of different ages and “stations”, but I do feel a bit like that because as you have heard me say ad nauseum, we are a sum of our parts. In particular, I think the WM3 case is particularly “dividing”.
What is an interesting side note however, is that one particular BOC editor, who mostly plays the contrarian role in case analysis and discussion, for the first time, 100% agreed with my conclusions in this case. I am talking .. “that never happens”.
Frankly, I like it that way because it makes me think harder, and keeps me honest about others opinions, so as rare as this was, it reminded me that critical thinkers can come together, and apart, and at the end of the day, that is what makes a solid team. You are solid, Slowroller, and if I have not told you that lately, I should have.
B
Thanks for saying that Blink, it means alot to me-
Dear Alexandra Kirk,
Hello, I appreciate you taking the time to voice your opinions here on BOC, I can tell that you are very impassioned about your stance, and I can also tell that you care about The Moores feelings, even though you do not agree with their evaluation/critique of the directors/films…
Alexandra, I understand your frustration over some voicing their opinions in a very negative, hurtful and hateful way.
I can understand that It bothers you when you are called derogatory names for having a difference in opinion- noone wants to be called stupid or idoitic-or a member of a cult ect- and noone should be made to feel as though they should have to be ashamed for standing up for what they believe is right- for sharing their opinion after viewing the case, the investigation, the evidence and then coming to the conclusion that they are innocent… I get that.
I also understand your disgust over others voicing their hateful words towards the WM3, whom you believe to be innocent-
Noone should be wished to hell and noone should be waiting for the day that the 3 will reoffend so that they can say say, I told you so- as if that would be a good thing and would prove their guilt.
Alexandra, I do understand- but there is something you’ve GOT to understand too…YOU are only perpetuating the problem- there are positive ways in which you could have voiced your opinions without name-calling and without putting others on defense- they will never be open to your stance if you continue this way.
You will only insight them to hold onto their hatred.
See what EVERYONE seems to forget is that there are only a hand full of people that know who killed these children and the same can be said of the 3 and their innocence-
No verdict is 100% positive- juries are made up of people just like us- people that have baises and people that have opinions and some can be swayed and some can not- and each of us puts a different value on a certain witness or piece of evidence -
The only people that can say with 100% certainty who killed these 3 little boys- is the victims and their killer/s and the only people that know that the 3 are innocent or guilty is the WM3
Are any of us the victims, are any of us the killer? Were we there? Are any of us 100% certain who the killer is? Are we 100% certain that the 3 arent innocent? Are we 100% certain of their guilt?-
The answer has to be no- so each of us is right in our stance but we need not continue the hate.
We need not deny others the right to their opinions nor should we deny them the right to voice their opinions-
We all want to help the little victims and we all want justice to be served to the killers
That includes the makers of this film- we can disagree on whether it deserves an award- but should our stance factor into that for anyone Except the families?
I think John Lennon said it best- during a time when he felt conflicted over the tactics of those who were impassioned to make a difference and take a stand-
No matter which “side” you are on This is for you:
You say you want a revolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
You tell me that it’s evolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
But when you talk about destruction
Don’t you know that you can count me out
Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right
All right, all right
You say you got a real solution
Well, you know
We’d all love to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution
Well, you know
We’re doing what we can
But when you want money
For people with minds that hate
All I can tell is brother you have to wait
Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right
All right, all right
Ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah…
You say you’ll change the constitution
Well, you know
We all want to change your head
You tell me it’s the institution
Well, you know
You better free you mind instead
But if you go carrying pictures of chairman Mao
You ain’t going to make it with anyone anyhow
Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right
All right, all right
All right, all right, all right
All right, all right, all right
AJMO
Peace
Mom3.0….you are the epitome of peace and brotherhood.
God bless you sister <3
Slowroller-
I understood that you disagree with the comparison- as for motives- ofcourse you have a right to your opinion- but IMO we can never claim to know what is anyones heart.
Slowroller-
I think you might have misread the entire post-
I never belittled you or your thoughts- nor did I attack you as a poster, unlike you seem to have done.
Frankly slowroller- I am quite taken aback by your response-
I do not understand why you found my post to be offensive -
I was not “belittling” when I wrote- I do not think a documentary shows graphic footage for “shock value” and I do not think it shows it to be insensitive slowroller-
A documentary documents an event -a time -a place
Murder and other such atrocities are ugly slowroller, they are graphic- they are sickening – to understand this fully and completely- it must not be edited. — you really need to read the entire post to get what I was trying to say- I realize I am long winded- and that I tend to stretch things out- that just my style
It seems to me that you snipped me – perhaps changing your perceptions- please read the entire post again-
Your comparison of Bin Laden’s corpse is just wrong Slowroller on every level it is wrong- and to sarcastically question my patriotism or my intelligence is wrong also. I never said that anyone has to see a corpse to know there was in fact a murder – nor did I say that one has to see every detail of a massacre or a genocide ect to understand the atrociousness-
Sadly, You have misunderstood me completely, or you are just being purposely obtuse.
I sense that you may feel some animosity toward me for your belief that I have some kind of untouchable and revered place here on BOC- I dont- I am no different than ANY poster here- if Blink and the posters here treat me like a friend or with respect, it is because I have tried my hardest to earn it and I have treated them in kind-
I am kind- I am honest- I am nice – I try to be fair minded.. I try to be a peacemaker-I like to think that I am funny- and I doggedly pursue justice and the truth-
I am a very passionate advocate slowroller – just because I can not jump on your side of the fence- does not mean that my advocacy for little Mike, Stevie and Chris and their families or for justice is any less than yours or needs to be mocked by you.
- I get that you are angry slowroller- what happened to those little boys makes a person angry… but if you want to blame someone for that scene and the insensitivity that led to that scene- then you must place the blame where it belongs slowroller- on the West Memphis Police department
I know you have been here for awhile – IIRC Morgans case first brought us together on the same thread- I hope to continue to see you around and that nomatter what side of the fence we are on, we will continue to be passionate advocates together.
PEACE AJMO
Ragdoll, sending you many thanks and many hugs-
I appreciate you for always being there to lift my spirits and to encourage me to keep on keeping on-
May God Bless you right back my friend
Dysthymia says:
December 6, 2011 at 10:42 pm
The entire situation is beyond comprehension. Each man signed his name to 3 guilty pleas of the murders of 3 eight year old little boys. They said they did it. The state agreed, sentenced them to the time served plus additional years on parole and they were released. It isn’t fair.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I can understand your sentiments, Dysthymia (and what an interesting hat you have). I keep reading in some of the posts that these men “admitted” they committed this crime. Many Blinksters have pointed out that this is a teaching blog as well, so I’ll just remind everyone that the Alford plea is NOT an admission of guilt–that is what sets it apart from other guilty pleas (i.e. nolo contendre or no contest). It is a guilty plea in which the defendant does NOT ADMIT committing the crime and is able to proclaim his/her innocence, and acknowledges that the state has enough evidence that *could* lead a jury or judge to find him/her guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Wishing the families of Mike, Stevie and Chris, and all you Blinksters peace during this Holiday Season.
As I read Mom3.0′s “conversation” recently with Slowroller, I think what SR is getting at, and I concur, is that these films purport to be “documentary,” factual, and they are not. They are, moreover, propaganda…seeking to persuade to a single point of view. If they were nominated in a different category– that admits of R rated Violent Drama (like a fictionalized biography)– I’d have no problem with nomination.
And Mom 3.0, fortunately many documentaries exist on the Holocaust and like genocides but are not staged nor deviate from facts. I find a genocide analogy to the WM3 “treated” account one that would raise real horror in less polite posters than read BOC.
Mom…I do hope you watch the films, you already know police mishandled a lot of the crime scene, and I do not think this was intentional by any means, nor do I want to come down on the police department…it’s just the way it happened. I hold the police responsible for not following precedure, not closing loop holes as they came acros them….things that the movies show that makes me sit and go “what wre they thinking???”
Lol…I am not angry at anyone…
You did what you are accusing me of when you thought I was attacking your patriotism…lol. I just so happen to always refer to our brave service men and women that way out of respect.
I don’t give a rip about where your # is on the speed dial here at BOC.
Look, I got it. You have Stevie, Michael, and Chris in the same boat as Ron, Nicole, and Caylee Marie, Only they, and their killers’ really know what happened. Got it.
Thanks for all your hard work blink!
Peace
Rose says:
December 10, 2011 at 5:54 pm
And Mom 3.0, fortunately many documentaries exist on the Holocaust and like genocides but are not staged nor deviate from facts. I find a genocide analogy to the WM3 “treated” account one that would raise real horror in less polite posters than read BOC.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rose, I am one of those who lost loved ones in the Holocaust, and I did not find Mom3.0′s remarks offensive in the least. And, I’m not just being polite. As I read her words, I felt she was explaining that when one visualizes the horror, it makes it all the more real in one’s mind. Imo, she was spot on in her analysis.
I am more offended by the sometimes subtle, but other times overt hostility shown by some BOC posters to those here who do not immediately subscribe to the belief that DE, JB, and JM committed these offenses. This tone seems out of the ordinary for BOC posters. There are a few of us here and countless others in the ‘outside world’ who have reasonable doubt. For me, this doubt did not come from watching any of the Paradise Lost films. I watched the two films only after reviewing all of JM’s confessions, the two trial transcripts and Rule 37 documents. It was a very time consuming effort, but well worth it. I mean no disrespect by saying this, but, imho, unless one has read all of this material, it is impossible to have a truly informed opinion on the case.
The first time I came across the original Paradise Lost film was many years ago when I was channel surfing and happened to catch a few minutes of the DE/JB trial testimony on HBO. DE’s demeanor in court repulsed me so much that I immediately changed channels. What an arrogant SNOT, I thought. I formed an opinion of his guilt on the spot. It wasn’t until Blink ran her recent WM3 series that I reluctantly, but carefully, began to review the documents at Callahan. What I found was not at all what I expected to find in the court records. I was truly surprised at the dearth of evidence and the content of the testimony at the trials — including the medical examiner’s speculations, and the “mail order PHD” cult “expert’s” testimony.
I agree with Blink that this case has divided posters more than any other case. I would urge anyone who hasn’t read all the documents at Callahan to do so if you have the time.
JMHO.
@ cbickel says:
December 10, 2011 at 10:08 pm
If one person knows how the investigation ran, it’s Mom3.0. She’s read every doc out there and probably knows this case better than anyone.
Forgive me, I don’t mean to pounce on you. No matter how you look at it, these films are slanted. They left out crucial info that could implicate the WM3, too. Personally, I commend her for not watching. She has her convictions (after the great deal of research she’s undertaken) and for that, we must respect her convictions.
Lots of love~~
RE:
Rose says:
December 10, 2011 at 5:43 pm
As I read Mom3.0′s “conversation” recently with Slowroller, I think what SR is getting at, and I concur, is that these films purport to be “documentary,” factual, and they are not. They are, moreover, propaganda…seeking to persuade to a single point of view. If they were nominated in a different category– that admits of R rated Violent Drama (like a fictionalized biography)– I’d have no problem with nomination.
__
Rose, Hello, thank you for reading through our thoughts, and for sharing yours.
I keep reading that these films are not a documentary because they portray a single point of view…I cant understand this, as every documentary incorporates a point of view…
Can you help me understand?
I also keep reading that these documentaries are not factual- again I have not seen them, would you or anyone else- please list these factual errors?
Next- it has been said that scenes were staged- what does that mean? I do not understand- from what I can decipher from everyones comments is- the film makers may have encouraged certain conversations and/or may have prompted participants to be filmed in a specific areas. – Is this what is being “staged” ? Please if you or anyone one could list these instances of staging, for further discussion, that would be helpful.
Here are my thoughts FWTW- Any form of media can be seen as “propaganda” by those who are reading, watching or listening with a differing view point or opinion.- and as I said, many come away from these films believing in their guilt- even the father of one of the directors, came away thinking they were guilty after watching…
so it seems the films leave the viewer to make their own choices- The films may raise questions and concerns, but ultimately, the answers are left to the viewer to answer for themselves- so I am not sure how that is propaganda…
I may be wrong- Help me understand
AJMO-
RE:
-Rose says:
December 10, 2011 at 5:54 pm
And Mom 3.0, fortunately many documentaries exist on the Holocaust and like genocides but are not staged nor deviate from facts. I find a genocide analogy to the WM3 “treated” account one that would raise real horror in less polite posters than read BOC.
__
Rose, hello again-
Yes, many documentaries do exist on genocide, on murders,on massacres….. and many exist about The Holocaust – Each film adds a different piece of information or focuses on a certain fact—or is told from a different perspective… each chooses to focus on a certain time period ( the lead up- the the aftermath ect-) told through a different person, whether it be by a survivor, or through a diary, or by military personnel or a different historian ect.
Each one having something important and compelling to aid – each account different, depending on who is being interviewed- all true and factual, yet different in the perspectives given-
All documented in the hope that we will never forget the human toll and loss- …all documented in the hopes that in knowing the history, the complete history, we will be vigilante and mindful and therefore we can and will make sure to prevent it from ever happening again. –
Rose, I am not sure if I understand your statement below:
“I find a genocide analogy to the WM3 “treated” account one that would raise real horror in less polite posters than read BOC.”
__
I was speaking of the value in documenting any atrocity by allowing the viewer to see and to know-
I am sorry if you feel that the senseless murder of many innocents was not a fair analogy to the senseless murders of three innocents…
I would hope that anyone, whether it was here on BOC amongst polite company, or if it was elsewhere,- those reading my words- would understand that I was not being disrespectful or in anyway minimizing the Holocaust- to me, all senseless murder is vile and abhorrent- and the grief is relentless- whether it be in the mourning of three or of 6 million— each life is precious and we are all one in our pain our loss and our grief…
Honestly, Rose-if I didnt know any better I would think you were trying to insight others to take offense-
I know that cant be true though-, I know you must have misinterpreted my words- as I know you understand that is not what I meant-
Just as I know that slowroller meant no offense, when he compared the murders of Mike Chris and Steve, to the death of Bin laden- nor did he mean any disrespect by his comparison of our brave men and women to the killers of little Mike and Steve and Chris.
Alas, it is so easy to misinterpret the written word- isnt it?
So much can be lost in the translation- which again was one of my points-
Nomatter how many adjectives we use to describe the horror of an atrocity – it will always fall short in depicting the complete and utter truth…..yet anyone seeing -even one picture- understands and is immediately and forever transported to the time, to the event, to the place- and can immediately feel and know the truth of the horrific loss and grief- and of the anger and disbelief
For one moment- we were all the parents of little Mike, Stevie and Chris– for one moment we were all a survivor of those camps- for one minute we were all part of the recovery team, and we were all for one moment- a child forever lost and mourned by many-
Many who are now determined to right the wrong, and make this world a safe and better place for all of our children.
AJMO
Peace
cbickel-
Hi- good to see ya CB-
I feel much the same-
I respect our LEO I understand they are only human, I understand that they are not perfect that they can make mistakes.
But as you so rightly pointed out, many mistakes were made- and if we do not speak of them, if LEO can not own up to them and learn from them, and if they and we can not understand that these mistakes could have led to larger mistakes and may have prevented justice rather than securing it-
Then how can we hope to prevent the same mistakes from happening again?
Cbickel- yes I will watch the documentaries- I have ordered the first 2 from my local library, the 3rd airs on HBO in January.
I do not know if any of my thinking will change after viewing- we shall see….
Just wanted to again send my prayers to Little Mike Stevie and Chris, to their families, to the community and to all
AJMO
The crime scene video at the beginning of the first Paradise Lost film was made by law enforcement, presumbably to be entered into evidence at trial. Blink, do you know who released a copy to the filmmakers?
I do. West Memphis Police Dept.
They willingly participated in the documentary, as did court officials and judges, etc.
The documentary did not air until 2 years after the Echols/Baldwin trial, and was highly slanted against the prosecution.
Det. Gitchell, as well as many other LEO were very upset at the editorial portions and stated they would never have agreed to participate had they been made aware of the intent of the editing of the final cuts.
Specifically, there were cameras allowed in the courtroom by motion, and NOT allowed during the alford plea proceeding, imagine that.
It is my personal opinion this would never occur today, and frankly, a violation of almost every State’s bar association rules. One has to read the Rule 37 hearings in detail to see the full effect.
B