The Execution Of Wanda Jean (2002)
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83% of critics liked it
(12 reviews) -
83% of users liked it
(81 ratings)
Liz Garbus (The Farm: Angola, USA) directed this documentary that takes a close look at death row inmate Wanda Jean Allen. What sets this film apart from the average examination of a death row appeal is that the convicted killer is a lesbian African-American. If the state of Oklahoma goes through… More Liz Garbus (The Farm: Angola, USA) directed this documentary that takes a close look at death row inmate Wanda Jean Allen. What sets this film apart from the average examination of a death row appeal is that the convicted killer is a lesbian African-American. If the state of Oklahoma goes through with the sentence, she will become the first black woman to be killed by the state in almost a half century. Garbus interviews both Allen's legal team, as well as the parents of the victim. Since Allen certainly committed the act she has been convicted of, the legal drama hangs on if new evidence concerning Allen's mental state will sway the clemency board. This film was screened at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- Directed By
- Liz Garbus
- Genres
- Documentary, Special Interest
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Mar 17, 2002 Wide
- On DVD
- Nov 29, 2005
- Studio
- Seventh Art Releasing
Critic Reviews
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Jonathan Foreman, New York Post
Compelling but self-undermining documentary.
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Julie Salamon, New York Times
Offers an unusual opportunity to observe the inequities in the death penalty, not just the inherent immorality but also the haphazard administration of it and public misperception of how the whole thing works.
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Michael Miller, Village Voice
As Allen's execution date closes in, the documentary gives an especially poignant portrait of her friendship with the never flagging legal investigator David Presson.
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Michael Szymanski, Zap2it.com
Gripping documentary...
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Joshua Tanzer, Offoffoff
You will emerge with a clearer view of how the gears of justice grind on and the death report comes to share airtime alongside the farm report.
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