Deep Dive: Crazy Love (2007)
Film Lens
Crazy Love is a 2007 documentary directed by Dan Klores and Fisher Stevens that tells the story of Burt Pugach, a New York City attorney, and his girlfriend Linda Riss. The film details their tumultuous relationship, which took a dark turn when Pugach hired criminals to attack Riss, resulting in her being blinded and permanently scarred by lye. The narrative is structured around interviews, archival footage, and personal testimonials, presenting a complex portrait of both individuals and their choices.
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and later screened at various international film festivals, including the Seattle International Film Festival and the Reykjavik International Film Festival. It received mixed reviews, with some critics noting its sensationalist elements while others praised its portrayal of a dysfunctional relationship. The documentary raises questions about moral responsibility and the nature of love, ultimately presenting a disturbing yet fascinating look at the lives of two deeply flawed people.
Why Watch
- •Meet Burt Pugach, a lawyer with a dark secret.
- •See how Linda Riss's life changed forever.
- •Find out why critics called it morbidly entertaining.
Did You Know
•The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2007.
•Crazy Love won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary Feature.
•79% of critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave the film positive reviews.
•Burt Pugach was ten years older than Linda Riss.
Perfect For
True crime enthusiastsFans of dark love storiesDocumentary film lovers