Notorious Figure Robert Durst's Unsolved Crimes Continue to Fascinate Filmmaker Andrew Jarecki
ICARO Media Group
In a recent interview with the New York Post, acclaimed filmmaker Andrew Jarecki opened up about his ongoing fascination with the notorious figure, Robert Durst, and the captivating narrative that unfolded through their collaborative works.
Jarecki's journey into Durst's life began in 2005 when he directed the film "All Good Things," starring Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst. Inspired by Durst's connection to the disappearance of his first wife, Kathleen McCormack, the movie set the stage for the compelling exploration that followed.
This exploration took the form of the gripping six-part HBO docuseries, "The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst," released in 2015. The series delved into Durst's alleged involvement in several murders and reached a shocking climax when Durst muttered the now-infamous phrase, "Killed them all, of course," unaware that his microphone was still recording. The series garnered numerous awards, leaving viewers and critics captivated by Durst's enigmatic persona.
However, the story didn't end there. In 2020, Durst found himself standing trial for the 2000 murder of his close friend, Susan Berman. As the trial unfolded, Jarecki realized there was another compelling series in the making. Critics who had initially refused to speak to Jarecki for the first "Jinx" series were now testifying in the Berman trial, adding new layers to the complex narrative.
Robert Durst, the eldest son of New York City real estate magnate Seymour Durst, first made headlines due to the unsolved disappearance of his first wife, Kathleen McCormack, in 1982. Berman, a loyal friend who provided Durst with an alibi during that time, met a tragic fate when she was shot outside her home in 2000.
Durst's life took another bizarre turn that same year. After his sister alerted him that the McCormack case had been reopened, Durst went into hiding, adopting a disguise as a mute woman and relocating to Galveston, Texas. However, his time in Galveston was marred by the discovery of body parts belonging to his elderly neighbor, Morris Black, in the waters of Galveston Bay. Durst was arrested, though he was ultimately acquitted of the murder charge, instead receiving convictions for bail jumping and evidence tampering. Throughout this time, he also faced legal troubles involving threats against his brother, Douglas.
It was Durst's shocking confession in "The Jinx" that led to his subsequent arrest and trial for the murder of Susan Berman. In 2021, Durst was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. Sadly, before facing trial for McCormack's disappearance, Durst passed away at the age of 78 in 2022.
Reflecting on his experience with Durst, Jarecki described him as a truly unique individual. Durst's contradictory nature, his ability to charm and engage people while constantly creating problems for those around him, intrigued the filmmaker. Jarecki also highlighted Durst's loose interpretation of morality, his unexpected connections, and his penchant for surprising acts of kindness juxtaposed with moments of betrayal.
For Jarecki, the allure of Durst's story extended beyond the man himself. The filmmaker found it fascinating how many otherwise decent individuals were entangled in Durst's web of nefarious activities.
As Jarecki embarks on a new chapter in his career, he acknowledges that finding another subject as riveting as Durst may be a challenge. Durst's enigmatic character, multidimensional persona, and the constantly evolving narrative surrounding his crimes have left an indelible mark on Jarecki's filmmaking pursuits.
The allure of Robert Durst's unsolved crimes and the complexities of his twisted life will continue to captivate audiences and filmmakers alike, forever etching his name in the annals of true crime history.