After Innocence

For decades, attorneys Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld's Innocence Project has presented DNA evidence that has resulted in the release of wrongly convicted prisoners (nearly 200 cases, thus far). News reports about the group's efforts usually close with an image of the incarcerated individual returning to the arms of his waiting family, but Jessica Sanders' documentary focuses on the aftermath—chronicling the efforts of the Life After Exoneration program, which helps the newly-released men reintegrate with society, works to have their records expunged, and lobbies for prison reform, as well as compensation for those whose convictions have been overturned. After Innocence focuses on seven specific cases, with one—that of Wilton Dedge, whom Florida's prosecutors are doing everything they can to keep in prison despite the fact that the original evidence has been deeply compromised—serving as the film's linking device (and by keeping the outcome of Dedge's appeal in doubt, a note of suspense is added to the mix, as well). While there are mildly uplifting scenes in After Innocence—including a heartfelt apology from a prosecutor, a bond that develops between one exonerated man and the woman who erroneously identified him as her attacker, and the announcement by Illinois governor George Ryan commuting all the death sentences in his state due to uncertainty about the verdicts—the major emphasis here is on the fallible character of our criminal justice system, the personal tragedies that result from its flaws, and the reluctance of society to admit, and make amends for, its mistakes. Packing a powerful punch, After Innocence is highly recommended. [Note: DVD extras include five segments of deleted scenes and bonus footage (44 min.), a “Filmmakers Insight: Interviews with the Filmmakers” featurette (22 min.), 19 minutes of festival and premiere footage, 11 minutes of updates on the lives of the film's exonerated men, a seven-minute segment featuring Pearl Jam performing with Wilton Dedge and Vincent Moto, seven minutes of footage from Larry King Live, four minutes of media/press footage, a brief MTV News segment, and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for an excellent documentary.] (F. Swietek)