Documentary
United Kingdom,Germany,Italy
Roman Polanski: A Film Memoir is a documentary film directed by Laurent Bouzereau, released in 2011. The film chronicles an intimate and candid conversation between Roman Polanski and Andrew Braunsberg, a long-time friend and producer, conducted while Polanski was under house arrest in Switzerland in 2010. The film focuses on Polanski's life, work, and the controversies that have surrounded him.
The documentary features extensive footage from Polanski's iconic films, such as Rosemary's Baby, Chinatown, and The Pianist, as well as interviews with famous collaborators, such as Harrison Ford and Mia Farrow. Throughout the conversation, Polanski discusses his childhood in Poland, the murders of his wife Sharon Tate and their unborn child by the Manson Family in 1969, and his subsequent flight from the US justice system. The conversation is often frank and personal, and Polanski does not dodge questions about his criminal history or personal life.
The documentary was met with mixed reviews upon release, with some critics praising it as a fascinating look into the life and mind of one of cinema's greatest talents, while others criticized it as a biased and incomplete portrait of a controversial figure. Regardless of these criticisms, the film remains a fascinating glimpse into the personal and professional life of one of cinema's most illustrious directors.
