Voyeur

Gives a good sense that Foos is manipulating Talese, but also that Talese is manipulating Foos. The filmmakers seem rather too reticent to ask either party the pointed questions that are obviously begged. Also, part of the value of the Foos story supposedly lies in the observations and conclusions he makes concerning the changing character of American sexuality and behaviour, so the complete absence of any discussion of these observations or conclusions limits the potential interest of the film.

Once we get past the initial curiosity about what the motel owner was getting up to, this really turns into a bit of a character study about two egotistical men, each voyeurs and hoarders in their own ways. Interesting, and well made, although not exactly riveting throughout.

An interesting character study on the egos of and relationship between a journalist and a voyeur centered around the article and book the journalist was writing about the voyeur. Never really loses your grip but isn't the most gripping documentary to begin with.

The promising title belies a ho-hum doc centered on someone with a lot more ego than brains. By which I mean the motel guy, although since Talese published a book without fully checking out all the details surrounding ownership of the motel, that could apply to him, too--he certainly has ego to spare.

Feels more like a talking heads promotional documentary about Talese's book than an actual engrossing piece on disaster journalism extravaganza. It ends right where it was supposed to start, but still a fun, weird ride on ego and flawed notions of pride.

If only the whole documentary was filmed from the landing low angle. If only.

good documentary

A fascinating documentary of a voyeur and the reporter trying to tell his story.

Doesn't deliver as much as anticipated.