"B+" Rating by Robert W. Hammerle

Of all the fine documentaries to recently visit Indianapolis, including "The Rape of Europa," "Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson" and "Man on Wire," it is safe to say that "Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired" is at the top of the list. Whatever your feelings and conclusions are concerning this extraordinary director, set them aside and immerse yourself in this enlightening and highly satisfying film.

For those of you who don't know, Polanski, now in his seventies, lost his parents in the Nazi Holocaust as a very young child. Growing up in France, he eventually emigrated to Los Angeles after making a name for himself as a director in London. ["Repulsion" (1965)] It was in London where he married the beautiful and down to earth Sharon Tate.

Once in Los Angeles, his career skyrocketed. In particular, "Rosemary's Baby" (1968) put him on the A-list of Hollywood directors.

In addition, his marriage was a genuine success by any definition. Largely rootless as a result of his tragic childhood, it was evident that he had found the one person in Ms. Tate who could provide him stability in an artistic world that largely lacked any, particularly in the 1960's.

And then it happened. In 1969, while on location in London shooting various scenes for the classic film "Chinatown," he received word that his pregnant wife and several houseguests were massacred by what was later determined to be the Manson Family.

Shattered beyond emotional support, the grieving husband returned to Los Angeles, only to be met by a flurry of scurrilous press accusations that he was somehow responsible for his pregnant wife's death. Horribly victimized by the Nazi's as a youth, he was re-victimized by the American press. As one might expect, he retreated into an emotional shell.

He emerged to finish "Chinatown" (1974) to great public acclaim. Not wanting to be alone, he soon began to be seen in the company of numerous women, young and old. Returning to Europe for a short stay, he participated in a photography shoot for Vogue in which he ended up having a very public affair with the actress Natasha Kinski, who was then 15 years old.

Shortly thereafter, having returned to LA, Polanski was accused of providing alcohol and drugs to at 13 year old girl and then having consensual intercourse with her. Charged with numerous offenses, he eventually entered a guilty plea to a lesser charge.

While awaiting sentencing, he quietly boarded a plane and fled to Europe in the late 1970's, and has remained there to this very day. A warrant remains out for his arrest, and he cannot, absent an agreement, return to the United States without facing immediate incarceration.

While many of you probably knew most of the above facts, what this provocative documentary demonstrates is how Polanski was victimized by the criminal justice system. Told by way of present day interviews with his defense lawyer, the prosecutor on his case and various newsmen covering the actual criminal proceedings, it is clear that the Judge, Laurence J. Rittenband, was an egomaniac who was determined to milk the press for his own benefit.

As an aside, I have spent over 30 years in the criminal justice system, and this documentary exposes the flaws in that system that are clear to participants like myself. Passions, prejudice and political influence permeate the judicial process from the original decision to file charges to the final sentencing act by the Judge. There is a reason why so many wrongfully convicted people have been cleared since the advent of DNA, and this film demonstrates how one Judge intentionally poisoned the entire process.

Make no mistake, this is not a documentary that invites sympathy for Polanski. To the contrary, he also is interviewed, and he fully admits his attraction for "young girls."

In addition, the 13 year old girl, now in her 40's, is also interviewed on screen. She is now married and the mother of 3 children, and has publicly forgiven Polanski. More importantly, she also acknowledges how her wishes at the time were thwarted by a narcissistic Judge who cared more about his own personal publicity than justice being done.

In the end, it is clear that Polanski fled the United States not to avoid justice, but to avoid injustice. Since that time, he has continued to prosper as a director, most notably winning the Oscar in that category for "The Pianist" (2002).

It remains a stain on our judicial system that Polanski's case has not been resolved where he can return to the United States. After all, if that 13 year old girl and her family can forgive him, surely we can.