The Jinx: DVD Review

The Jinx: DVD Review

Rating: M
Released by Roadshow Home Ent

The Robert Durst story may be familiar to some, but not others.

However, back in March, the conclusion of this documentary mini-series blew the internet apart.

And rightly so, as the shock factor was incredible.

To the uninitiated, it's the story of Robert Durst, the heir to a New York empire who was accused of the murder of his former neighbour and his wife who disappeared 30 years ago. He was also suspected in the death of a close friend who had Mafia connections and appeared to have been executed on the eve of talking to the police.

Filmmakers Marc Smerling and Andrew Jarecki were drawn into this story when a fictional film version of the murders was released; and to their surprise, the accused Durst got in touch, wanting to set the record straight.

So, over six 45 minute episodes, the film-makers lay out the story, the accusations and intersperse it with interviews from Durst about his side of events.

To say more about The Jinx would be to rob you of the power of the doco series that revels in its true crime origins and is a superbly polished production. It's also phenomenally gripping too, with the subject matter like a Hollywood film and the twists so astounding. But not once do Smerling and Jarecki lay it on thick - straight story-telling, investigative journalism and a calm, measured presentation impress - and lead to a final episode shocker that throws everything on its head.

Utterly unmissable and an unlikely hit, The Jinx is simply a series you need to own and see to witness the capturing of a zeitgeist.

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