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Stuart and Denise Fergus on Claire Byrne Live last night. RTÉ

Mother of murdered James Bulger asks Irish filmmaker to withdraw film from Oscars

James Bulger was just two years old when he was abducted from a shopping centre.

THE MOTHER OF murdered Liverpool child James Bulger has urged an Irish filmmaker who has been nominated for an Oscar to withdraw the film from the competition.

Speaking on Claire Byrne Live last night, Denise Fergus called for the short film to be boycotted and pulled from the Oscars nomination list because Irish director Vincent Lambe never sought her permission to portray her son. 

James Bulger was just two years old when he was abducted from a shopping centre in Liverpool by 10-year-old Jon Venables and his friend Robert Thompson, who tortured and murdered the boy on a railway line in 1993. 

The film Detainment shows police interviews with two 10-year-old boys who are under suspicion of abducting and murdering a toddler, and is based on interview transcripts and records in the Bulger investigation.

Denise Fergus said: “I have seen the trailer but I tried not seeing the child that was playing James, I didn’t want to see that but I seen it on the news one night.

“Just to see that, it just took me right back, it really did destroy me.

“It was like it was James but it wasn’t him. To get a child to play him without my permission, I just don’t know what he was thinking of.

“I would ask him to pull this film from the nomination because I don’t think it was right he done it in the first place.

“I don’t know what he wanted to gain from it to be quite honest.I can’t sit in front of him because he’s done it behind my back. I just wanted to know why [Vincent] didn’t inform us.”

“He had plenty of opportunities to do so. He said that he didn’t want us to know because we didn’t want the film to go ahead. That wasn’t the case at all.”

A statement from Vincent Lambe said it was never the film’s intention to bring about “further anguish” to the family. 

“The film was never intended to bring about any further anguish to the family of James Bulger and we never intended any disrespect by not consulting them.

“As we set out to make a fact-based film that was impartial, we did not attempt to contact any of the families involved but instead relied solely on transcripts and the factual material that has been public knowledge for 25 years.”

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    Mute Jaune Fujisawa
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    Jan 29th 2019, 8:55 AM

    Watched the interview last night and in my opinion there was never a good time to make such a movie. Theses parents are still grieving for their son.

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    Mute Jerriko17
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:36 AM

    @Jaune Fujisawa: She had no problem writing a book about the it & the guy was right not to have her or any other interested parties involved in his film…he seems to have just dramatised the event as per the transcripts & very well by all accounts.
    Very hard not to offend any interested parties in cases like these. The fact that they happen is infinitely more disturbing than any reporting or depiction of the events. .

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    Mute Dermot Dinan
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:54 AM

    @Jerriko17: “Very hard not to offend any interested parties in cases like these”……

    I disagree, it’s actually very easy not to offend them. Don’t make the film.

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    Mute Alan Watts
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    Jan 29th 2019, 11:15 AM

    @Dermot Dinan: it’s extremely sad his murderers are now free enjoying their life with everything provided for them and yet still breaking the law

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    Mute marg fitzgerald
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    Jan 29th 2019, 12:08 PM

    @Jerriko17: It wasn’t your son

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    Mute Phil Schueler
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    Jan 29th 2019, 1:33 PM

    @Dermot Dinan: That’s not up to you. It’s up to the Artist/Director.

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    Mute Eric Davies
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    Jan 29th 2019, 2:00 PM

    @Jerriko17: he has taken extracts from transcript to suit his agenda – nothing like the true events especially when it came to the lies and deceit these boys come out with while being questioned by merseyside police . a planned and deliberate act carried out without any regret or compassion . but that doesnt suit this guys agenda does it ?

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 7:16 PM

    @Eric Davies: Gwan Eric. Tell us how you know more than the director about this case. You’ve seen the movie too yeah?

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    Mute Wayne Whitty
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:03 AM

    He could have at least let the family know that he intended on making the movie.

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    Mute Simon Carroll
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:04 AM

    @Wayne Whitty: I’d say he was thing “It’s better to ask for forgiveness than for permission”

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:21 AM

    @Wayne Whitty: That would be crazy. Movies would never get made. Imagine having to ask every victims parents or next of kin about tragic events that occurred over the years. Do you think every Jew murdered by the Nazis should have their next of kin approached before making Schindler’s List? There’s a million educational and gripping documentaries out there that would have never been made.

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    Mute Fr Romeo sensini.
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:26 AM

    @TellingItAsItIs: 1 mother ,6 million jews.

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:28 AM

    @Fr Romeo sensini.: 6 minion people who parents and next of kin.

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    Mute Willie Murphy
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:29 AM

    @Fr Romeo sensini.:
    Wouldn’t bother. If he needs that explained to him, he’s lost!

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:32 AM

    @Fr Romeo sensini.: 6 million people who also had parents and next of kin. And what about all the people murdered up north and all the documentaries made about them. Do you really think their parents should have been contacted?

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:41 AM

    @Willie Murphy: Take your head out of the sand Wil.

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:46 AM

    @Fr Romeo sensini.: Just imagine a world where we had to censor the truth or ban certain documentary. We’d never learn the extent of pain and grief the clergy caused in this world. Education is never a bad thing.

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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:57 AM

    @TellingItAsItIs: That was an intergral part of world history that HAD be documented and the comparison is absolutely ludicrous. The film didnt asdk us to empathise with the Nazis for a start. This film accomplishes NOTHING. Hes not one of the countless detectives and psychiatrists who failed to understand why they did what they did. This filmmaker hasnt a clue.

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    Mute Chauncey Gardiner
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    Jan 29th 2019, 10:04 AM

    @Pauline Gallagher: you’ve seen the movie I assume Pauline?!

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 10:12 AM

    @Pauline Gallagher: “Accomplished nothing”. You couldn’t be more wrong. Here we are discussing it. It has and will educate millions as to the type of people we have in this world. It has shed more light on the story than I and many had known. We may have read about it but who really knew the details? It has and will entertain(like it or not). It has achieved and Oscar nomination(like it or not). I could go on but I think you get my drift. “Accomplished nothing” you say?

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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Jan 29th 2019, 10:21 AM

    @Chauncey Gardiner: Well obviously NO. The title detainment denotes a bias and empathy. It has been widely reported that it asks us to empathise with these two. Why would i denounce the making of a film then go and see it?!

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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Jan 29th 2019, 10:24 AM

    @TellingItAsItIs: So what has it accomplished, apart from us talking about it? The film suggests that these two were young and that they must have had their reasons ect. So what does that accomplish? do you agree with this suggestion? Do you agree that they should just be let live their lives and the past is the past? Do you understand why they did what they did? Just go see the film then, line this mans pockets and see if you think he has accomplished anything.

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 10:30 AM

    @Pauline Gallagher: I’ve seen it Pauline and it glorifies nothing nor excuses nobody. It’s good documentary making and compelling viewing on so many levels.

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    Mute James Dara Brady
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    Jan 29th 2019, 10:31 AM

    @Pauline Gallagher: so you could give an informed opinion? I think it could be a really important film to see, to try and understand ourselves what happened. I listened to the interview were he discussed humanising the two perpertrators as opposed to saying they are simply evil – . I thought it made some sense at least. But I’ll reserve my judgement until I see it

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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Jan 29th 2019, 11:03 AM

    @James Dara Brady: I dont need to be informed by this to feel like it shouldn’t have been made. Simple conscience allows me to give my opinion on this. i dont need to know why or how they murdered a two year old boy. What we should know, is why that venables is free to go looking for more children to murder.

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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Jan 29th 2019, 11:04 AM

    @TellingItAsItIs: i bet you any amount of money that you havent seen it

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 11:09 AM

    @Pauline Gallagher: Kerry film festival Pauline. Please don’t insult me.

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    Mute Eric Davies
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    Jan 29th 2019, 1:49 PM

    @TellingItAsItIs: ”based on transcripts” my arse ! based on bits of what the director wanted to use more like – like the part where the police station interview room and cells are shown as being dirty and unwelcoming – why doesnt he show how the police had toys and games put into the cells and interview rooms ? or how a group of social workers were present )along with the boys parents) at EVERY interview , how the boys started sobbing during an interview -but stopped as soon as police officers stepped outside the room – even asking ”whats for tea ” at one point — does he show the bit from the transcripts where one of the boys mothers tells her son “to stop lying and for christ sake tell the bloody truth ” ? does he mention the fact that these boys had at least 3 chances to hand the child over to someone before they committed the crimes they did ? they were stopped in the shopping precinct by an elderly woman who saw james crying and asked if he was alright – ” he me brother and he’s upset cos he cant have sweets” -thats what they told the woman ,they told a security guard they were taking him to bootle road police station -200yrd or so up the road because he was ‘lost ‘ — they told another man that saw jamie being dragged along by the arms-his feet scrapping the floor ” he was their brother and was ”in a mood ” . at least 3 chances to stop what they had planned and hand the child over -but lied and deceived their way through . he tried to say (in an interview a couple of days ago) that he wanted to point out that “child poverty can have detrimental affects and make children do wrong” , neither of these boys came from poverty – they might not have been well to do but they certainly were not in poverty – one or both of them had access to a tv and video recorder ,they admitted that they had watched the film ‘chucky’ just days before taking james and that they often watched 18 rated film — they had access to games consoles and again admitted that they had ‘played’ games which were rated 18+ including violent and graphic ‘slasher ‘ type games . these boys were NOT held in an adult prison – they were held in a juvenile detention centre in cheshire ,whilst there they were given release days with their families , had psychiatric and sociopathic assessments carried out – had access to games , education and special needs assessments . they were not “treated like adults or tried like adults ” . when it came to the court case ,solicitors on both sides -prosecution and defense – found it very difficult to find staff that could actually handle reading the reports of what these 2 had done to that child let alone seeing the photographic evidence . lastly -the senior police officer in the case has stated that he is disgusted with the way the director and the film has misrepresented the way merseyside police ,the social services team and crown prosecution service handled what was at the time and still is (thankfully) a very difficult case without any precedence or past cases to draw experience from . the fact that this ‘director’ felt he needed to make this film at all says more about his own ego than anything else .

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    Mute Eric Davies
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    Jan 29th 2019, 2:04 PM

    @TellingItAsItIs: no one is ‘censoring the truth ‘ here – the ‘truth’ about these boys and the crime they committed is already well documented -what this director tried to do was to manipulate the ‘truth’ to suit his own agenda – making a film that would cause controversy and give him maximum publicity -his ego is far bigger than his social conscience .

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 3:13 PM

    @Eric Davies: “What this director tried to do was manipulate the truth”? Who says that? Have you read anything in the post above. That’s not even under question. Keep up.

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    Mute Eric Davies
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    Jan 29th 2019, 6:02 PM

    @TellingItAsItIs: keep up yourself – “manipulating the truth to suit his own agenda ” is what is written – and i’m saying it – its called ‘an opinion’ . i know a lot more about this case than you or that director ever will .

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 7:14 PM

    @Eric Davies: Oooggh! How’s that Eric? Please tell us how you know more than the director of this movie????! …particularly as he’s been working on it and researching it for many years. Also have you seen this documentary?

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:04 PM

    @Eric Davies: Btw. You obviously Han Mt seen the documentary. It covers a number of points accurately that you think is not within the script. Infact there’s far too many to mention you’re so far off the mark. Do yourself a favour and get to see it, then make rash untrue statements.
    So, once again, what makes you such an authority on this case that has you state you know more than the director? Or have you just been googling frantically and covering up a copy n paste job?

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 30th 2019, 10:20 AM

    @Eric Davies: Yep, just as I thought. A copy n paste spoofer.

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    Mute Michael Burke
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:00 AM

    Her media campaign against the movie is counterproductive. It is achieving greater publicity and notoriety because of her.

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    Mute A2 Poster
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:30 AM

    @Michael Burke: Streisand effect

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    Mute Joseph Bent
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:01 AM

    That poor woman. Still he shouldn’t withdraw it.

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    Mute CrabaRev
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:32 AM

    @Joseph Bent: A very sad and horrific case. Unfortunately her child’s murder has become a public event. The film maker has every right to make the film,

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    Mute Damian Baker
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    Jan 29th 2019, 10:45 AM

    @CrabaRev: We all have every right to do many things. Empathy & compassion are reasons that we don’t do things.

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    Mute Eon Cocker
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    Jan 29th 2019, 12:00 PM

    @CrabaRev: There was ten times the media about it at the time and there have been books, documentaries and docu-dramas since. I don’t see the problem

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    Mute CrabaRev
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    Jan 29th 2019, 12:53 PM

    @Damian Baker: I am sure that many have great sympathy for the woman and her family. But that really does’t mean the film shouldn’t have been made.

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    Mute Eric Davies
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    Jan 29th 2019, 1:57 PM

    @CrabaRev: “every right ” really ? so would he have ‘every right ‘ to intrude upon you and your family at a time of grief – to make a film about about someone you have loved and lost ? and to do so without your consent or permission -without even allowing you the right of reply or input ? this film has been made to suit this mans own ego – to further his career by making a controversial short film – to make matters worse and see it endorsed by irelands president is just sickening (- i do not agree with the director getting ‘death threats’ or people threatening physical violence on him either by the way ) but decency and common sense should have been enough to tell him this subject is inappropriate .as for R.T.E planning on showing this film – is there NOTHING they won’t do to improve the ratings ?

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    Mute CrabaRev
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    Jan 29th 2019, 2:58 PM

    @Eric Davies:
    The murder happened 25 years ago. The murder brings the event into the public domain. It is very difficult for the parents, but if someone is murdered it becomes a public event. People see it on the news, people analyse it, discuss it, write books about it, make films about it. They look at it from many angles, in this case I believe it is from the viewpoint of one of the perpetrators. It’s very tough on the parents but it is important that we as a society can do this.
    You are not obliged to watch it.

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:13 AM

    He shouldn’t and doesn’t have to ask her permission. If every filmmaker had to follow that line of reason nothing would ever get made. I feel very sorry for the lady but she’s way out of line.

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    Mute James Wallace
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:19 AM

    @TellingItAsItIs: I think you’re being overly harsh on her, her reaction is perfectly understandable, no matter whether she’s ultimately right or wrong.

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    Mute Early Cuyler
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:21 AM

    @TellingItAsItIs: yeah who is she to have feelings about her dead child when it can be turned into cheap, provocative entertainment.

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:27 AM

    @Early Cuyler: I’m not doubting the obvious hurt involved but nothing(both educational and informative) would ever get made if every director or producer had to knock on a victims next of kins door. Infact, she’s caused more of a stir herself by going loud to the media about her complaint. Totally counter productive to her cause.

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    Mute Early Cuyler
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:28 AM

    @TellingItAsItIs: there’s arguments that can be made for or against but saying she’s “out of line” is in fact out of line.

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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:33 AM

    @Early Cuyler: You’re being pedantic. You know exactly what I mean.

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    Mute Honeybee
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:54 AM

    @TellingItAsItIs: The brutal abduction and murder of her toddler son is inextricably linked to her life, her mental health and well being. There will be no end to her suffering and loss,the sheer brutality of this little boy’s death is the stuff of any parents nightmares. Over the years , so many ‘professionals’ have investigated the boys responsible, the nature versus nurture argument, psychological,emotional, social, mental etc aspects of their development. There is no aspect to Thompson and Venables which has not been studied and analysed in detail from every perspective. So what is to be gained by making this movie, is it entertainment value, is it investigative , is it voyeurism or fascination or is it aimed at focusing on awards ? What we do know with certainty is that despite all the child focused programmes to divert these two boys from a criminal and devious life, their behaviour in adult life, even with extensive support relapsed. Small wonder then that when Vincent Lambe decided to make his factual film, that Denise and Ralph Bulger, would suffer further , all the material relating to the police investigation including live interviews with the investigating officers has already been televised so what is it that Vincents film brings that is not already out there?What we now know is that it has brought more heartbreak to this family and that is out of line.

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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Jan 29th 2019, 10:00 AM

    @TellingItAsItIs: Youre a d*ck. She is keeping the story going because she wants these p**ck sh*tstains to NEVER forget what they did. The whole world is trying to protect them and now this film is asking us to understand and empathise. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 10:03 AM

    @Honeybee: With that sort of attitude the world would be less informed and ignorant. The Arts would be dead and we would all have our heads buried in sand.

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    Mute Honeybee
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    Jan 29th 2019, 10:13 AM

    @TellingItAsItIs: The world is well informed,read what I wrote or maybe you are a slow learner and need constant repetition,there is no aspect of this little boys death not exposed, analysed, studied and evaluated, his death is not ‘Art’,there is no dearth of information, if anything ,this little boys death is the basis of modern study of child related criminal and social psychology.

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 10:14 AM

    @Pauline Gallagher: Keep it classy Pauline.

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 10:20 AM

    @Honeybee: You’re losing the head there Honey. Save the personal insults for the sand people. You’ve totally missed my point about art etc Completely! You’re angry. Relax! It’s clouding your ability to understand the other side of the argument.

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 10:22 AM

    @Honeybee: Also…full stops, commas and capitals are your friend. Calm down

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    Mute Jaclyn Gurulé
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    Jan 29th 2019, 12:20 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: Yeah see that’s actually not the case. I, in no way shape or form, became sympathetic to the killers. I did see them as human. They were not monsters or demons but 2 10 year old boys. Do you think their mothers looked upon them as babies and thought “someday you are going to make history for being the youngest murderers tried in over 250 years”. No, of course not. I am a mother of 5 children and I cannot imagine losing a child the way the Bulgers did but I also can’t imagine what Thompson and Venebles parents went through. That’s what the film wants you to question. For the record, I’ve seen the film and it deserves every award and recognition it has received.

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    Mute ldyjokbg
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    Jan 29th 2019, 12:39 PM

    @TellingItAsItIs: “You’re angry” “relax”, you sound like you’re seconds away from sayin “get back in the kitchen” . We are allowed to disagree with you and point out validations for same withouth such a patronising response.

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 12:41 PM

    @ldyjokbg: You are indeed. But do so without the insults. Perhaps you’d like to offer something relative to the post?

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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Jan 29th 2019, 5:09 PM

    @Jaclyn Gurulé: They came from troubled backgrounds. Not rocket science. Doesnt begin to justify what they have done. 10 years old is the age of reason, knowing the difference between right and wrong. Venebles still in and out of jail and hes a peado to boot. Still want to understand them? I couldnt give two fs about either of them ,OR their families. The so- called justice system cares more about them than i ever will.

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    Mute Michael Lynch
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:25 AM

    Typical ‘I can if I want, so I will’ attitude. Disgraceful. Given the subject matter and the grief and outrage it caused, this film should be binned

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:39 AM

    @Michael Lynch: And let’s ban the news too… and let’s ban war reporting…and let’s ban every report and piece of film showing children starving to death…and lets ban documentaries that educate people as to the truth in the world. Let’s all bury our heads in the sand and pretend the world is a perfect place.

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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Jan 29th 2019, 10:03 AM

    @TellingItAsItIs: Nobody is asking anyone to do that..honest to god can you NOT tell the difference.

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    Mute Donegal Doseofshh
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    Jan 29th 2019, 10:11 AM

    @TellingItAsItIs: it would be a better place if you buried your head in the sand anyways.

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 10:27 AM

    @Pauline Gallagher: So we should make one exception for this one case because of a documentary? Cmon now.

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    Mute Will
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    Jan 29th 2019, 12:40 PM

    @TellingItAsItIs: As some have already said, this documentary consists entirely of information that is already in the public domain. There is nothing new contained therein.
    This documentary is a vehicle for the ambitions of the director, nothing more.

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 12:42 PM

    @Will: you’ve seen the documentary? I have and I’ve learned more than I think guy I’d already known.

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 12:43 PM

    @Will: Have you seen the documentary?

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    Mute Will
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    Jan 29th 2019, 1:14 PM

    @TellingItAsItIs: The article above states that this documentary “..is based on interview transcripts and records in the Bulger investigation.”

    Further down it states that the makers “…relied solely on transcripts and the factual material that has been public knowledge for 25 years.”

    The director himself has said that the documentary is based entirely on information that is already in the public domain.

    You’ve invested a lot of time and energy defending this documentary so I understand your irritation at being challenged but I don’t think you have a leg to stand on.
    This documentary was created to win awards by dramatising the story for oscar season. It has not value otherwise.

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 1:27 PM

    @Will: Have you seen the documentary or are you just going to be a begrudger and proclaim it to be a vanity/monetary exercise. Are you a filmmaker? Are you a writer? At the risk of repeating myself. I have learned more about the case than I had known and I found it compelling. Have you seen the film?

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    Mute Phil Schueler
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    Jan 29th 2019, 1:31 PM

    @Michael Lynch: Well, Mike. That’s not really up to you. A Filmmaker does not need ‘permission’ to make a film.

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    Mute Phil Schueler
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    Jan 29th 2019, 1:31 PM

    @TellingItAsItIs: Exactly! Thank you!

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 1:34 PM

    @Will: Btw, by stating this documentary has “no value” and was only created to “win awards” is an insult to every individual in the world of the arts and in particular filmmaking. It’s an insult to anyone who is passionate about what they do in the world of creativity.

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    Mute Will
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    Jan 29th 2019, 1:46 PM

    @TellingItAsItIs: No need to see the film when the director himself admits it has nothing new to offer. It is a dramatization of an event designed solely to win awards and further the directors career.
    This is nothing new, many directors have done the same in the past but the subject matter in this case was always going to raise eyebrows.
    And may I ask, what does me being a director or a writer have to do with this? Another of your red herrings I guess.
    You’ve attacked anyone who disagrees with you here by insinuating that they are “losing the head” or “You’re angry. Relax!” and then you resorted to being the grammar Nazi (the last refuge of an internet scoundrel).
    Now you’re the one hyperventilating.

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    Mute Will
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    Jan 29th 2019, 1:54 PM

    @TellingItAsItIs: Nonsense, there are many people working in the Arts who create amazing work but then there are many who just crave attention. Every piece, every work should be taken on it’s merits. I just don’t happen to see any value in a piece of work when even the director admits it’s a rehash of everything we already know.
    I’m not saying, by the way, that I don’t think the director should be allowed make this ‘documentary’ but we are entitled to question his motives.
    Funny though how you are now bleating on about ‘insults’ considering the discourse above.

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 1:56 PM

    @Will: “Solely to win awards”? Deer breaths there Will. So basically you’d like to paint every filmmaker with the same brush and stereotype the entire workforce of the film industry. If you were a director, writer, filmmaker etc you might understand the process and passion that goes into making good documentaries and film. Once again, have you seen the film or are you arrogant enough to think you know everything?

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 2:06 PM

    @Will: You’re full of it Will. You’re digging a very large hole for yourself. “Every piece should be taken on its own merits”, yet you havn’t even seen the documentary. Your kangaroo court has condemned this man because of your bias and preferences. You don’t see “any value in a story that is already known…”? So basically we should never watch a movie about anything in history that is already known or documented.
    Think about what you’re saying. Are you really that arrogant?

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    Mute Eric Davies
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    Jan 29th 2019, 2:09 PM

    @Donegal Doseofshh: its already buried –up his own ars*

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Jan 29th 2019, 2:14 PM

    @Eric Davies: Good girl Derek. Keep it classy.

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    Mute Eric Davies
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    Jan 29th 2019, 2:15 PM

    @TellingItAsItIs:try it yourself !

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    Mute Will
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    Jan 29th 2019, 2:23 PM

    @TellingItAsItIs: No need for deep breaths mate, I’m very calm thank you. I think you’re taking this very personally though. I haven’t attempted to paint all filmmakers with the same brush, just this one.
    One wonders if you have a personal stake in this ‘documentary’.

    My ‘kangaroo court has condemned this man’ you say? Now you really are hyperventilating. We’re having a subjective discussion Mr Marx, no need to exaggerate my position.

    “So basically we should never watch a movie about anything in history that is already known or documented.”

    Straw man, I never made such a claim but you know that.

    “yet you havn’t even seen the documentary.”

    Again…”relied solely on transcripts and the factual material that has been public knowledge for 25 years.”

    Why would I watch a documentary when I already know all the information?

    Keep the insults coming Groucho, I’m enjoying this!

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    Jan 29th 2019, 2:43 PM

    @Will: You’ve been rumbled Willie. You’re not enjoying this at all. Your posts are getting longer and more incoherent. I would suggest you sit down, relax, open your mind and respect the the work of others. Some people actually enjoy the work they do. You’re knowall arrogance is as plain as day but your desperate lastwordism is admirable.

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    Jan 29th 2019, 2:48 PM

    @TellingItAsItIs: You don’t believe that Groucho, we all know your seething underneath.

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    Mute Pajo Mata
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:55 AM

    Can’t imagine who would look at this film. It’s the most disturbing incident I’ve ever come across. It’s brought it all back to me- it keeps me awake at night thinking about that poor baby and the other two children. Upsetting doesn’t come close to describing.

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    Mute Rory Mahon
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:49 AM

    Movies have been made about all kinds of horrible events that have occurred and nobody bats and eye. Should Schindlers list not have been made. What about the killing fields. Or hotel Rwanda.

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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Jan 29th 2019, 10:05 AM

    @Rory Mahon: Mass genocide world events that had to be part of public record and is taught in schools. Evil little monsters who are still commiting crimes whilst living in total anonymity portrayed with empathy from a man taking it to hollywood where he hopes to win an oscar for it. Cant see the similarity at ALL

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    Mute marg fitzgerald
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    Jan 29th 2019, 12:15 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: Absolutely

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    Mute Julian Friesel
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    Jan 29th 2019, 1:01 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: now imagine the “evil little monsters” as you call them were your kids. how would you explain that? to yourself and to the world? those kids had parents, and those parents didnt raise them to be murderers im sure.

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    Mute Rory Mahon
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    Jan 29th 2019, 3:05 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: have you seen the movie. I have. They are not portrayed with empathy. And this act of evil should be in the public record too and not be brushed under the carpet

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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Jan 29th 2019, 5:23 PM

    @Julian Friesel: Do your research, will you? They came from abusive, alcoholic families who freely talked to the press straight afterwards in 1993 about how they were victims too. The injuries to Jamies body were so severe and sick that not all of them have been made public. Every psychologiest who was asked: ‘did they know what they were doing?’ answered yes. The lied, pretending the crying boy was their brother. They threw him on tracks because the train was coming and it would look like an accident. They KNEW WHAT THEY WERE DOING. No sympathy for their parents and NO sympathy for them!!!!!

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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Jan 29th 2019, 5:23 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: and yes i spelt psychologist wrong before some idiot pulls me on it

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    Mute Marianne
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    Jan 29th 2019, 11:16 AM

    That poor Mother..of course it should be withdrawn

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    Mute Ciaran105
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    Jan 29th 2019, 9:49 AM

    Horrific memory rehashed and revisited upon the Bulger family . Either watch or don’t watch the film . Remember the Red Tops sleazy sensational press coverage at the time and who couldn’t wait to read them ! RIP JB

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    Mute Phil Schueler
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    Jan 29th 2019, 1:36 PM

    I hear a lot of people on here throwing rationalism away in favour of emotions.
    Typical of these ‘Irish’ debates, it seems.
    Films about uncomfortable and terrible events need to be made so people don’t forget and make the same mistakes again. It is unfortunate that the subjects sometimes stir up emotions, but we should be careful not to silence things that make us feel uncomfortable.

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    Mute Brian Mulligan
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    Jan 29th 2019, 2:38 PM

    @Phil Schueler: I’m in agreement with you for the most part but `Irish Debates’? Really? Debate is good and I agree people should remain as rational as possible but trying to remove all emotion or emotive response from issues associated with this particular case is near impossible.

    I feel for Jamie Bulgers parents here, I also see (probably for the first time) that he was murdered by other children. They were children themselves which is all the more chilling and confusing. It’s time to analyse their side of things with hope of understanding how the hell this happened in the first place.

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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Jan 29th 2019, 5:11 PM

    @Phil Schueler: Do you think a film is going to inform some evil POS not to hurt or harm? how niave is that? some would be child killer goes to see a film and then what, is reformed? or he shows his son who is appears to be a bit ‘off’ this film and he saves him from committing a future atrocity? yea ok.

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    Mute Eric Davies
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    Jan 29th 2019, 6:19 PM

    @Brian Mulligan: they have been ‘analysed time and time again’ they had psychoanalysts with them throughout their time in custody and in juvenile detention – they had specialist social workers , care teams , even teams of people who helped them develop their new identities on release — one of them has gone on to offend twice at east since being released – both times for having child porn images in his possession . they had at least 3 chances to hand that child over on the day they took him – but still went ahead ,they ‘cried ‘ while being questioned by police – but stopped the minute the police walked out of the interview – they lied and blamed each other -trying to deflect their part in the crime – they knew full well what they were doing was wrong but still went ahead and did it . some aspects of the case were never divulged in open court – they were considered too gruesome by all sides to be allowed into the public domain — make no mistake this was a well planned crime for which neither of those who committed it have EVER shown any remorse .

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    Mute Eddie Mc Keown
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    Jan 29th 2019, 11:34 AM

    How could the movie be made if they never gave consent…
    Absolute disgrace the families should sue the filmmakers not for money but it should never have been considered by the Oscars without families consent.

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    Mute Jaclyn Gurulé
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    Jan 29th 2019, 12:10 PM

    @Eddie Mc Keown: no consent is required… Harsh? Yes but true. I have seen the film and it in no way sympathises with the 2 killers. The filmmakers pulled the dialogue almost verbatim from the publicly available transcripts. This was a horrific and tragic incident, but 3 mothers lost their sons that day. 1 always knew where the blame lie but 2 others were probably clueless and likely still are. You cannot say some public storied are accessible (i.e. Ted Bundy, Manson etc) but not this one. Once again, this film in no way sympathises with the killers but it does humanise 2 boy’s and most people are more comfortable with them being monsters. Then they can’t be your son, nephew, grandson.

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    Mute Phil Schueler
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    Jan 29th 2019, 1:29 PM

    @Eddie Mc Keown: A filmmaker doesn’t need consent to make a film!
    Or write a book.

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    Mute Mark Griffin
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    Jan 29th 2019, 5:13 PM

    This is an exceptionally powerful film and deserves its oscar nomination.

    Sometimes films and their subjects are uncomfortable, but it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be explored and addressed.

    I feel sorry for the Mother, but Vincent Lambe is a very humble and talented director, and his motivation in making this film is not to cause controversy or cause hurt. It’s a fascinating topic and handled with great care and sensitivity.

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    Mute leanne nueva
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    Jan 29th 2019, 11:55 AM

    I know what it’s like to have a bloody ad for some s4ite to punch you in the guts, there’s a “famous” monster “entertaining” us at Xmas I get sick in my mouth seeing the leering pervert all wigged up

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    Mute Mark Griffin
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    Jan 29th 2019, 5:08 PM

    This is a

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