Australian director Kitty Green's unique vision brings an unexpected perspective to one of America's most notorious unsolved crimes.
According to Collider, the 2017 Netflix documentary "Casting JonBenet" takes an unconventional approach to examining the 1996 murder of six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey by focusing on the Boulder community's perception of the tragedy.
The documentary diverges from traditional true crime formats by conducting open auditions for roles related to the Ramsey case within the Boulder, Colorado area. Green, who previously won acclaim for her documentary "Ukraine is Not a Brothel," developed this innovative concept after her short film about Ukrainian figure skater Oksana Baiul.
Boulder Residents Share Personal Connections
Green's approach allowed local community members to express their deep-rooted connections to the case. The casting process revealed how deeply the murder affected Boulder residents, with many sharing personal experiences and theories about the crime.
Director Green explained her unique vision to Vox, stating:
There's so many JonBenét Ramsey TV specials, with actors playing her mother and father. I'm always thinking, how do you play Patsy Ramsey if you don't know if she's guilty or innocent? How do you approach that role? I basically wanted to focus on the community.
The documentary captures raw emotions as participants discuss their connections to the case, ranging from geographical proximity to profound personal losses that mirror aspects of the tragedy.
Multiple Perspectives Shape The Narrative
The film explores various theories about the murder through the lens of acting hopefuls. Each performer brings their own interpretation to the roles, particularly in portraying key figures like John Ramsey and other suspects.
Participants shared diverse perspectives about potential suspects, including family members and peripheral figures like Santa Claus, who had attended a party at the Ramsey home. The documentary allows these varying viewpoints to coexist without pushing for definitive conclusions.
The casting sessions become a vehicle for exploring public perceptions and biases. Actors reveal their assumptions about guilt and innocence through their performance choices, creating a complex tapestry of community beliefs.
Documentary Creates Haunting Memorial
The innovative approach transforms the true crime genre by acknowledging the speculative nature of unsolved cases. Green's film succeeds by embracing the uncertainty surrounding the murder rather than attempting to solve it.
The presence of JonBenét herself remains subtle yet powerful throughout the documentary. As one participant, Suzanne Yazzie, observed during her Patsy Ramsey audition, the young victim's spirit haunts every frame despite minimal direct references.
The film's 80-minute runtime weaves together these varied perspectives to create a unique examination of how tragedy affects a community. Through this lens, the documentary offers a meditation on truth, perception, and the lasting impact of unsolved crimes.
Legacy Of Artistic Innovation
The documentary's success lies in its ability to transcend traditional true crime storytelling. By focusing on the community's relationship with the tragedy, Green created a more nuanced exploration of how notorious crimes ripple through society.
The film stands apart from other JonBenét Ramsey productions, including the upcoming Paramount+ series featuring Melissa McCarthy and Clive Owen. Its artistic approach provides a fresh perspective on a case that continues to captivate audiences decades after the tragic events of Christmas 1996.
