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Deep Dive: Thought Crimes (2015)

Film Lens

Thought Crimes
Thought Crimes: The Case of the Cannibal Cop follows Gilberto Valle, a former NYPD officer charged with conspiring to kidnap and eat women. The film presents Valle's argument that his actions were purely fantasy with no real intent, which ultimately led to a significant legal reversal. The documentary features various experts and commentators, including Alan Dershowitz and Violet Blue, who discuss the implications of Valle's case on freedom of thought and expression. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 20, 2015, and was later released by HBO on May 11, 2015. With a runtime of 81 minutes, it examines the intersection of law, morality, and personal fantasies, raising questions about what constitutes a crime when no action is taken.

Why Watch

  • Meet Gilberto Valle, the 'Cannibal Cop' of NYPD.
  • Find out how fantasy can challenge legal boundaries.
  • See insights from legal expert Alan Dershowitz.

Did You Know

The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 20, 2015.
Gilberto Valle faced a potential life sentence for his charges.
The film holds an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 9 reviews.
The documentary features commentary from 15 different individuals, including legal experts.

Perfect For

True crime enthusiastsLegal drama fansPsychology of crime