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Deep Dive: The Thin Blue Line (1988)

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The Thin Blue Line
The Thin Blue Line is a documentary by Errol Morris about the wrongful conviction of Randall Dale Adams for the 1976 murder of Dallas police officer Robert W. Wood. The film investigates the inconsistencies in the case, particularly focusing on the testimony of Dr. James Grigson, a psychiatrist known for his certainty in predicting recidivism. Morris's research leads him to uncover new evidence, including an admission of innocence from the original suspect, David Harris. The title refers to the idea of a protective police force, which Morris critiques through the lens of this case. The film employs reenactments, which stirred controversy among critics and led to its exclusion from the Academy Awards despite winning other accolades. In 2001, it was preserved in the National Film Registry for its cultural significance.

Why Watch

  • •Find out how Randall Adams was wrongfully convicted.
  • •See the controversial use of reenactments in documentary film.
  • •Meet Dr. James Grigson, known as 'Doctor Death' in Texas.

Did You Know

•Dr. James Grigson testified in over 100 trials resulting in death sentences.
•The film was not nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
•In 2001, the film was preserved by the Library of Congress for its significance.
•Morris initially sought funding from the Public Broadcasting Service for a different project.

Perfect For

True crime enthusiastsDocumentary film criticsLegal system studies