Documentaries You May Have Missed

I love perusing the new release section as much as anyone, whether it is online at Netflix or at my local Blockbuster store. But, I do temper that pleasure by delving a bit deeper into the plethora of sub-categories, "special interest" sections, and old Roger Ebert archived reviews, and have consequently found some gems over the years because of it. Most filmophiles will be quite familiar with the 10 recommendations to be found in this article; they are not exactly obscure, but they are certainly not hugely marketed, large-budgeted mega hits for the masses, either.

Several of these documentaries are full-fledged or budding cult films, some are award-winning, but all are wildly thought-provoking, compelling, memorable and entertaining. So, if you saw An Inconvenient Truth, Super Size Me, or Spellbound recently, and are on the lookout for more great, but lesser known documentaries to add to your Netflix queue, this is the guide to get you on your way!

In no particular order:

1. Marjoe This documentary/expose won the 1972 Academy Award for best documentary, but has remained largely unwatched. The tent-revivalin', child-evangelin' Marjoe Gortner rocks to the Lor-duh and rolls in the money, literally. Priceless, and fairly new to DVD, finally.

2. Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills Three 'outsider' teenage boys are accused of an unimaginable crime; as the documentary radically unfolds, however, it is obvious that all is not as it seems, and the truth may be as elusive as it is obvious. Fans wanting more will be happy to find a sequel, Paradise Lost 2: Revelations, and an extensive, official fansite.

3. Brother's Keeper From the same directors as Paradise Lost. A complex and more than slightly creepy, satisfying crime story surrounding the mysterious circumstances of one back woods' brother's death.

4. The Staircase An epic 8-part, (4 DVDs) critically acclaimed documentary film from Sundance featuring the trial of writer and pseudo-elite Michael Peterson, for the strange, violent murder of his wife. Was it an accident, or murder? Is he a grieving widower or psycho-killer? Plot twist after plot twist leads to a suspenseful, satisfying verdict. Do yourself a favor and do not google the verdict-watch and savor this it in its entirety!

5. Grey Gardens This 1976 film is John Watersesque material for sure-but it's real. Big Edie, Little Edie, mom and daughter, ex-society Bouvier gals, living in a crazy, crumbling mansion, wearing furs and peeing in the corners. So eccentric it hurts.

6. My Best Fiend Even if you aren't familiar with Werner Herzog and Klaus Kinksi, and their almost archetypal love/hate relationship, you will enjoy this documentary. For lovers of film, biographies, or just great stories. You may also be inspired to rent Fitzcarraldo or Aguirre: The Wrath of God.

7. Keep the River on Your Right Recounts the bizarre adventure of the fascinating anthropologist Tobias Schneebaum; his notorious 1955 immersion into the Peruvian Jungle, and his unlikely yet fateful return 45 years later.

8. Devil's Playground: Those Amish kids really party-really! Who would have known? This documentary uncovers the seemingly strange practice of "Rumspringa", that is, the unleashing of 16 year old Amish kids into the "English" world of sex, drinking, drugs, and partying, etc.

9. The Gleaners and I: Beyond thrifty, beyond an occasional dumpster dive; this French film explores the lives and habits of people for which recycling, or scavenging, for whatever reason, is a passion or lifestyle.

10. 10^th District Court: Another French documentary, this film is well made, subtle, and surprisingly compelling. A simple, voyeuristic treat for those intrigued with court proceedings.

May your New Year rock with great movies!