Capturing the Friedmans (2003) on Netflix
NR20031h 47mBiographyDocumentary
In 1980s Great Neck, Arnold Friedman teaches computer classes to boys in his basement. A child pornography investigation leads students to accuse him and his son Jesse of abuse.
- Netflix3.5/5
- IMDb7.6/1029,026 votes
- Rotten Tomatoes97%
Trailer
Plot summary
In the late 1980s, the Friedmans live in Great Neck, Long Island. Arnold Friedman is a respected computer and music teacher; his wife Elaine is a housewife; their sons are David, Seth, and Jesse. A Postal Service interception of a child pornography magazine leads investigators to search the family home in 1987, where they find a collection. After authorities learn that Arnold ran computer classes for preteen boys in the basement, they interview his students. Some allege physical and sexual abuse by Arnold and by Jesse, who helped with the classes. Both are arrested and charged with hundreds of offenses, and the case divides the community. They post bail and return home to prepare for court, claiming innocence and pointing to a lack of physical evidence and coercive questioning of the students.
Cast
- Arnold Friedmanas Himself (archive footage)
- Elaine Friedmanas Herself
- David Friedmanas Himself
- Seth Friedmanas Himself (archive footage)
- John McDermottas Himself
- Frances Galassoas Herself (as Det. Frances Galasso)
- Anthony Sguegliaas Self - Detective, Sex Crimes Unit
- Joseph Onoratoas Himself
- Judd Martinas Self - Jesse's Best Friend in High School
- Howard Friedmanas Himself
- Ron Georgalisas Himself
Show all 20 cast
Did you know?!Facts and trivia about Capturing the Friedmans (2003)
Can contain spoilers, watch the movie first.
- Jarecki was making a short film about children's birthday party entertainers in New York City, including the clown David Friedman. During his research he learned that David's brother, Jesse, and his father, Arnold, had pleaded guilty to child sexual abuse, and he ended up making a film about the Friedmans.
- Jarecki was criticized for footage he left out on purpose: the film omits a third defendant, a teenager who turned state's evidence and corroborated some of the children's accusations, and a tearful confession of guilt Jesse Friedman made from prison on Geraldo Rivera's talk show in 1989. Some alleged victims and family members protested the film's Oscar nomination.
- Jarecki funded Jesse Friedman's appeal, and in 2014 he renewed his defense: "At the time, Capturing the Friedmans was celebrated for its ambiguity, but if you look at the prosecution of this case, it was an unambiguous disaster... If the police and the DA hadn't bullied everyone, it never would have gotten to this place."
