Here's Why Capturing The Friedmans Is One Of The Most Upsetting

Capturing the Friedmans is a 2003 HBO documentary film directed by Andrew Jarecki. It focuses on the 1980s investigation of Arnold and Jesse Friedman for child molestation. The film premiered at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival where it received critical acclaim as well as the Grand Jury Prize: Documentary. The film went on to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. [1]. Arnold Friedman maintained his innocence in this case, and pled guilty in an attempt to assist Jesse in his subsequent case. However, Mr. Jarecki's documentary points out that years earlier, the elder Friedman twice engaged in inappropriate behavior with young boys, unrelated to this case.

At the time, Arnold Friedman was a well-respected teacher and his computer classes were popular. His son Jesse was his assistant. By the end of the investigation, more than a dozen boys had come forward, alleging a list of horrific sex crimes, including sexualized games.. The victims include not just those Arnold and Jesse abused but the other Friedmans. David, as of Jesse's release, was not on speaking terms with his brother. Elaine Friedman - Arnold's wife and Jesse's mother - staunchly supported her son despite the furious arguments caught on tape by her husband.