Title: “Into The Abyss: A Tale of Death, A Tale of Life”

Director: Werner Herzog

The balance between life and death is extremely fine, and as a society we’ve accepted a pack to recognize that murder is not an acceptable way to act. But does that include all murder? What is justified and what is a crime of passion? Is the government justified in taking someone’s life after they commit a crime? Filmmaker Werner Herzog examines these notions while keeping true to the premise that murder is not acceptable no matter who is involved. In this way, I feel “Into The Abyss: A Tale of Death, A Tale of Life” is a fair, interesting and involving documentary.

This film follows the case of Michael Perry and Jason Burkett, two young men from Texas, who commit a triple murder after a burglary has gone wrong, 10 years earlier. Both men, state they are innocent of these charges but police evidence says otherwise. This film marks as Herzog’s personal statement of beliefs on the American death penalty, while at the same time showcasing the evidence against these two young men. Perry is sentenced to death, while Burkett is sentenced to life in prison. Herzog questions the value of life the state of Texas puts upon these two men. In this way, the film serves as a good crime and punishment procedural as well as a personal examination and the nature of life and death.

The way Herzog presents these cases is simply phenomenal. While the film firmly takes the side of these two men are guilty of the crimes charged upon them, it still puts a human spin on their situations by interviewing many of their loved ones and acquaintances, but Herzog also interviews the victims loved ones as a way to balance the film. Getting as much information to either back up or go against Herzog’s case is wonderfully put together. You never really get a sense of righteousness in this film’s presentation, but rather you get a sense of conviction.

“Into The Abyss: A Tale of Death, A Tale of Life” is a magnificent film that gives its viewers valuable insight on the U.S. justice system, vengeance and sorrow that come along with the mysteries of life. Masterfully constructed, Werner Herzog does a fantastic job in this film’s construction and narration. He has one of those voices that feel so familiar and soothing but at the same time confrontational and firm in the point he is trying to make about life and death. I feel this documentary sheds light on an issue that is not completely black and white, and allows the audience to sit in a grey area of right and wrong in morality. But Herzog doesn’t leave it up to the audience to decide if the death penalty is justifiable or not, he firmly states through the film it is not. The evidence and morality do not add up to the former, but rather Herzog holds up the idea of what is the right thing to do as civilized, compassionate people. This is something we should all aspire to be, albeit it is not the easiest way to be.

Technical: A-

Overall: A-

“Into The Abyss: A Tale of Death, A Tale of Life” is screening as part of the 2nd DOC NYC Documentary Film Festival:

at NYU’s Kimmel Center on Nov 2nd.

by @Rudie_Obias