THE DAILY MOJO by Adam Daniel

After waiting for 2 1/2 months for the final 2 discs of the series (Thanks Quickflix), on Wednesday night my wife and I ploughed through the conclusion to what I have decided is probably the most enjoyable documentary I’ve ever watched (‘Hoop Dreams’ would be a close second).

First off, it helps to be a true crime buff like myself. ‘The Staircase’ examines the investigation and trial of American novelist Michael Peterson. Accused of murdering his wife and attempting to cover up her death, Peterson mounts a vigorous defense arguing that her death was actually from an accidental fall.

Directed by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, the film intimately follows the preparation of Peterson’s defence, including focus group testing of witness testimony, and speech and behaviour training. The access that Lestrade was granted is part of what makes the film so compelling. The coverage seemingly starts at the time of the 911 call to police (in reality they began filming weeks after) and ends at the verdict of his trial.

The leisurely length of the episodes and the film as a whole allows the filmmakers to really place you in the shoes of both the defendant and those who are judging him. The cameras seem to have unfettered access to the Peterson home, the court room, and the thoughts of his remarkable defense attorney David Rudolph.

Perhaps the only disappointment is that the film suffers from a bias towards the defense that may have been minimalised with more co-operation from the prosecution (or more objectivity by Lestrade). But even without this balance, Lestrade’s constant, watchful camera reveals enough in Peterson’s nature that the viewer is constantly challenged to assess their own beliefs of his innocence or guilt. With rapid personality shifts from indignance to despair, Peterson presents himself as both a sympathetic and suspicious character.

It is easy to be drawn into the story with the fly-on-the-wall access to Peterson’s family and the compelling figures in his defense team, yet even early on in the series the twists and turns of the narrative are so jaw-dropping that it almost feels scripted.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the story is the relationship of the family being torn apart by the accusations against their father so soon after the tragic death of their mother. One of his daughters soon becomes convinced he was responsible for his wife’s death, whilst the remainder of her siblings stand by their father.

The whole series can be found on this Youtube channel. Be warned: It’s a good six hours of viewing. But I would be surprised if you weren’t as fascinated as we were to watch a criminal defense autopsied with such clarity and precision.

For those that do watch it, this website presents another perspective on the case in opposition to the Peterson’s defense. But I would recommend you don’t browse it until after you watch the series.