O.J. Simpson: Blood, Lies & Murder (2023)
Stars: Tom Lange, Rod Englert, Kato Kaelin, Allan Park, O.J. Simpson
Tagline: None.
Synopsis…
O.J. Simpson: Blood, Lies & Murder revisits the trial of the century. It explores evidence collected (some which wasn’t used in the trial) at the murder scene as well as OJ’s house and features current interviews with Tom Lange, Rod Englert, Kato Kaelin and Allan Park.
Tom Lange was the lead detective investigating the murders of Nicole Kidman and Ron Goldman. Lange kept a personal case journal which is shared for the first time. Rod Englert is a Crime Scene Reconstructionist. He’s an expert in blood splatter and able to use evidence from murder scenes to determine how the killings took place. Kato Kaelin was a material witness who lived in OJ’s guest house. Allan Park was the limo driver who took OJ to the airport the night of the murders.
The murders are discussed in detail. Graphic crime scene photos are shown. There is a recreation of the murders, based on the evidence collected. The prosecution and defense strategies are discussed. Evidence that didn’t make it into the trial is shared. The “not guilty” verdict is discussed and reasons the jury went that way.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
I cannot stress enough how disturbing the crime scene photos are. O.J. Simpson: Blood, Lies & Murder doesn’t shy away from sharing them in order for viewers to understand the brutality and overkill of the murderer. This documentary is not for the squeamish. I had mixed feelings about the use of the photos. Without them viewers have a sanitized version of the crime. Seeing them and the brutality involved is tough.
I remember when I heard that OJ was a suspect in the double murder case which involved his wife. Like many Americans, I didn’t believe OJ, the great athlete and movie star, would do such a thing. Then there was the slow speed chase, followed by the trial. I watched with interest every day. The twists and turns were unbelievable. So was the verdict… at least for many.
The prosecution made terrible decisions along the way, while the defense seemed to make every “right” choice. After watching O.J. Simpson: Blood, Lies & Murder, OJ’s guilt seems so obvious. Then again, I didn’t buy in to the conspiracy theories at the time of the trial.
O.J. Simpson: Blood, Lies & Murder earns 4 of 5 stars.