dear zachary documentary
[2]:87 She also had an abortion that July, but the father was not known. And she dances. The extradition process was repeatedly prolonged by Turner's lawyers based on legal technicalities, and Turner gave birth to a boy she named Zachary on July 18, 2002. We play detective, piecing together the fragments of a story until we get the satisfaction of looking at a complete picture. Dear Zachary Turner was prone to emotional outbursts and physical assaults on the man. After the films release, Kuenne sent four hundred copies of Dear Zachary to every member of the Canadian Parliament to campaign for a bill to give more protection to children in custody disputes. A little over a month later, on November 3, Turner confessedto the fake pregnancy and Bagby endedtheir relationship. I've hesitated to suggest it to a few of my more fragile friends because it is one of those films that can leave you in an emotional funk for days afterward. It was determined that Zachary Turner was rendered unconscious by the lorazepam and did not suffer. The documentary Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father gathers the fragments of a true crime story about young doctor Andrew Bagby and the terrible events surrounding his death. She dances, but she does not hear the same song as me. WebDear Zachary is a documentary, and there is a fallacy about documentaries that this one proves wrong- that they are all logic and lack heart. [5], Shirley Jane Turner (28 January 1961 18 August 2003) was a Canadian-American daughter of a U.S. serviceman and local woman from St. Anthony, Newfoundland and Labrador. She arranged to meet Bagby at Keystone State Park that evening, where Bagby was found dead the following morning, having been shot five times. Written and directed by Kurt Kuenne, MSNBC Films and Oscilloscope Laboratories released Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father on 31 October 2008. You will grow attached to this family and you will leave the film feeling compelled to act. During one of these visits, Turner is believed to have burglarized Bagby's apartment. The birth of Zachary didn'tend David's dark thoughts, however. On November 6, 2001, Bagbys body, shot five times, was found in a park near his hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. It was broadcast by MSNBC on December 7, 2008, and has been reaired several times since. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. His laptop, movie and music collection, and many other personal items were gone. WebDear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father is a 2008 American documentary film written, produced, directed, edited, and scored by Kurt Kuenne. Related: The 13 Best True Crime Documentaries Streaming on Netflix Right Now. When Turner's long-time boyfriendwished to end their relationship, she allegedly began stalking him. [9] David and Kathleen Bagby moved to St. John's, Newfoundland, in order to fight for custody of their son's child, while Turner eventually moved into her own apartment on Pleasant Street in St. John's. Sure, these items could be considered trendy or timeless and not fit a specific style. But heres the plot. The bullets found in Bagby were also a match for the ones in Turners gun. [19] The website Film School Rejects placed the film third in their "30 Best Films of the Decade" list. However, in the summer of 2000, Turner confessed to a relative that she had spent the baby bonuses on her own living expenses and doctoral education. [15] The website Film School Rejects place the film third in their list of the "30 Best Films of the Decade". The fam bam is here, and you sadly wave good bye to your dorm room. Cataloging the most poignant Dear Zachary moments may seem like a fools errand, When a constable contacted Turner's lawyer about the harassment, she denied the allegations. Andrews later said that the law "gives [the Bagbys] some sense that someone has heard their cries so this will not happen again, to change the law to make sure something this tragic will never happen again. When Kate reached down to wipe one away, she accidentally knocked out the plug used to mask his facial wound. Need some creative inspiration? Near the end of his time at Memorial University in Newfoundland, Bagby began a relationship with Shirley Turner, a twice-divorced recent graduate of MUN's medical school who was nearly thirteen years his senior. Andrew was Kate and David's only son, and their "first plan" after taking care of his remains was to take their own lives. Dear Zachary It was finally signed into law by Governor-General David Johnston on 16 December 2010. Upon returning, Bagby discoveredsomeone hadrobbed him. Road-tripping with your friends? If youre fascinated by the world of true crime, sign up for our newsletter. Benefiting off of the fact her student loanswere calculated on the assumption the childrenremained in her custody, Turner often used her family as an excuse for absences during residency. He explains that as parents who lost a son, they "could do nothing but cry, all day,every day." Director Kurt Kuenne Writer Kurt Kuenne Stars Kurt Kuenne Andrew Bagby David Bagby See production, box office & company info Watch on Prime Video included with Prime More watch options Add to Watchlist He grew up in Silicon Valley, where at age 7, he met the late Dr. Andrew Bagby, the subject of Dear Zachary. The film was submitted to the Toronto International Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival, but was rejected by both. "There's no point in going on," David saidof their logic at the time. - Elliot V. Kotek, Moving Pictures Magazine The ultimate tragedy of this story came when Turner, in 2003, jumped into the Atlantic Ocean. After graduating in 2000, Bagby moved to New York to work as a surgical resident, and Turner moved to Iowa, also for work, but they maintained a long-distance relationship. So when he didnt show up at 7:30 P.M., I knew something was wrong.. I can tell you this though, it will impact you. On November 3, 2001, Bagby broke up with Turner at the end of a visit she made to Pennsylvania. Maybe it's being told your son was taken from you and then, with no consolation, immediately asking questions as to why he was where he was when he passed? You will curse the Canadian justice system for showing no concern for human life. Canadian authorities' decisioncontradicted the advisement of Pennsylvaniaprosecutors. However, in January 2003 Justice Welsh again released her, arguing that the murder "was not directed at the public at large" and that Turner was presumed to be innocent.[10]. gathers the fragments of a true crime story about young doctor Andrew Bagby and the terrible events surrounding his death. Cataloging the most poignantDear Zachary moments may seem like a fool's errand, but to do so is to engage directly with the documentary's most troubling content. You've been studying all day and still don't understand the majority of the terms. Kuenne adds his own memories to the film, along with his anger & grief over the senseless crime. On November 4, 2006, Dr. Andrew Bagby broke up with his girlfriend, Dr. Shirley Turner. I feel my stomach drop like Im on a rollercoaster that only seems to go down. Kurt Kuenne has made a documentary in a way that a film itself is made, with amazing editing patterns and with a story that really grabs you and moves you. She hung the fake pregnancy over Bagby's head and used it to harass any woman who was close withhim. In my lifetime, I have watched a great number of movies like these ones which are really emotional, but the only one that has ever caused me to cry for real was the documentary titled Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father, which was released in 2008. [23][24][25], Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, "Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father", "The Story of Kate, David and Andrew Bagby", "No need for Zachary Turner to die: death review", "Doctor fined for ethical violation in Turner case", "Family services manager resigns post, days after Turner review", "Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008)", "Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father Reviews", "Variety Reviews - Dear Zachary A Letter to a Son About His Father - SXSW Reviews - Review by Peter Debruge", "Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father [DVD]", Dear Zachary - Tenth Anniversary Re-release - Official Trailer - Oscilloscope Laboratories HD, "Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father - 10th Anniversary Edition [DVD]", "Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father - 10th Anniversary Edition [Blu-ray]", Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dear_Zachary:_A_Letter_to_a_Son_About_His_Father&oldid=1148183240, This page was last edited on 4 April 2023, at 15:33. I wonder how strong a feeling can actually get before it is too much to bear. Dear Zachary The experience with Turner led that St. John's practice to make "constructive changes" in its residency evaluation process. Throughoutthe film, it's really difficult to watch a reasonable man consider such extreme and desperate measures. [21], The Chicago Film Critics Association nominated Dear Zachary for its Best Documentary award, and the Society of Professional Journalists presented the film with its Sigma Delta Chi Award for Best Documentary. The lyrics seem to parade in one ear and out the other. It would be insulting to Kuenne to go into this film with any preconceived notions, one simply has to experience it on their own. From Zero to Hero: Write Your Short in 30 days, Heres How To Watch The Super Mario Bros. Movie Online Free: Is The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) Streaming On Prime Video, HBO Max Or Netflix, Heres How To Watch The Super Mario Bros. Movie Online Free: Is The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) Streaming On Prime Video, HBO Max Or Netflix, Heres How To Watch John Wick: Chapter 4 Online Free: Is John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) Streaming On Peacock, HBO Max, Netflix Or At Home, Heres Where To Watch John Wick: Chapter 4 Free At Home Is John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) Movie Streaming Online now. Bagbys childhood friend Kenneth Kuenne made the film as a way to document the memories of Andrews life. Kurt Kuenne is an award-winning filmmaker and composer of both fiction and documentary films. Dear Zachary, which unfolds chronologically, has not one but two major twists. If you're looking for an extremely disturbing documentary film, you'll find it on these lists! His intention was just to explore Bagbys life and interview those who knew him. [12], Peter Debruge of Variety called the film "a virtuoso feat in editing" and noted: "The way Kuenne presents the material, with an aggressive style that lingers less than a second on most shots, it's impossible not to feel emotionally exhausted. He found Turner draped in a black dress and holding a dozen roses, coupled with two letters -one of them a suicide note. The documentarys vulnerability and its uniquemix of joy and sadness remind us that some true crime stories are not just about the perpetratorsthey can also bea moving tribute to their victims. She took her return flight to Iowa, but then, the next day, drove the almost 1,000 miles back to Latrobe, arriving early on the morning of November 5. Police concluded that she was attempting to frame the boyfriend for the planned murdersuicide. Before Turner's awareness of her actual pregnancy, she had fabricated one. They uncover everything about him that I promised myself I would forget. You reward yourself for studying and consume so much pizza that it actually consumes you. Dear Zachary After receiving a call from the police department telling her to call a coroner's office, Andrew's mother, Kate, gotknocked around to numerous departments and authorities who told her nothing more than the factthere was "terrible news." The ex-boyfriend tookflight once again, this time to Pennsylvania. They kept a staggering long-distance relationship. Despite the evidence gathered, Turner had fled the country by the time authorities obtained a warrant for her arrest. [20], On April 4, 2013, Kuenne released a short documentary titled The Legacy of Dear Zachary: A Journey to Change the Law on YouTube. I cannot recall a trainee like Shirley Turner in that her approach lacked personal commitment and her relationships with people seemed, at least to me, to be superficial when compared to the over 400 residents I have supervised during the past 21 years. Exploring different styles is important, but finding clothes that you feel most comfortable and confident in is even more significant. 12 Documentaries With Twist Endings. When Turner visited him in Latrobe in late October 2001immediately after the last of her firearms lessons in Omahathe two frequently argued over his relationship with a new girlfriend. The speed at which Kuenne rushes through the details of the case would not do at all for any professional true-crime documentary set to lure in an audience with gruesome facts. 10 Haunting Documentaries [2]:80 In 1980, Turner enrolled at Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John's, seeking to embark on a medical career. But heres the plot. Feature photo of Andrew Bagby from "Dear Zachary" via MSNBC Films. Such was introduced on March 23rd, 2010, and Zacharys Bill was signed into law two years after the release of Kuennes documentary. There was just something off about her, one family friend explains. Dear Zachary You show up to your 8 a.m. final with about three hours of sleep, no coffee and only half of the information you studied readily available in your mind. Bagby acted in many of Kuenne's amateur movies and, as these films became more professional in quality, he invested in them with some of the money he was saving up for medical school. See production, box office & company info, The Legacy of Dear Zachary: A Journey to Change the Law, Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills, The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst, One of the Most Traumatic Films Ever Made, Your Father's Murderer: A Letter to Zachary, The Legacy of Dear Zachary: A Journey to Change the Law (2013), WatchMojo: Top 10 Most Hard to Watch Documentaries, St. John's, Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Also in Turner's apartment were MapQuest printouts for road directions to Latrobe. I dont know how well we ended up fitting in, especially when we were speaking English most of the time, but nonetheless. Justice Gale Welshmaintained that "there is no indication of a psychological disorder that would give concern about potential harm to the public generally.". Kuenne wanted to gather memories of Bagby, from the fact that he always wore shorts to his goofy, fun-loving nature. The film ends with the Bagbys and their relatives, friends, and colleagues reflecting on the father and son, as well as the impact that Kathleen and David, who Kurt realizes the film is really for, had on all of them. Later, a Derry resident reported having seen Bagby's Toyota Corolla parked next to Turner's RAV4 ten minutes after Bagby made his last phone call to Simpson and the Corolla parked alone the following morning. Bagby came from Sunnyvale, California, and was the son of Kathleen Daphne Bagby (ne Barnard), a registered nurse and midwife from Chatham, England, United Kingdom; and David Franklin Bagby, an American former United States Navy serviceman and computer engineer. I forget what is and only know what used to be. Turner's husband raised the child as a stay-at-home dad while Turner continued her studies. It also received the Special Jury and Audience Awards at the Cinequest Film Festival, was named an Audience Favorite at Hot Docs, received the Audience Awards at the St. Louis International Film Festival and the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, was named Best Documentary at the Orlando Film Festival, and was awarded the Jury Award for Best International Documentary at Docville (Belgium). Turner completed her undergraduate education while raising her children with help from her second husband. Andrew Bagby was a childhood friend of filmmaker Kurt Kuenne, and Kuenne's project began as a "cinematic scrapbook" for Zachary. WebDear Zachary is the sort of documentary that, in delivering its debilitating news, ensures that every person in the theater leaves their seat with the strongest reminder to continue to cherish those they love, and to reminisce without mercy for those they've loved and lost. You simply must see this film." decades after the murder of Bagbys childhood friend Kenneth Kuenne made the film as a way to document the memories of Andrews life. Dear Zachary Bagbys parents were forced to give Turner joint custody of Zachary. While attendingmedical school,Andrew Bagby began dating Turner, who was 12 years older than him. Kuennes film transforms into a visual letter to the child that Andrew never got to meet. With no signs of forced entry, Bagby never filed charges. One note had been addressed to Doucet and the other to her psychiatrist; the latter read, "I am not evil, just sick." I'm grateful this story was told, even if it was painful to experience. [10] It premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival in January 2008. But do we really need to dress to impress? Bagby and Turner's relationship began to crumble, and Turner became increasingly possessive. Well send you all the relevant quizzes, articles, polls, and news you could want to your inbox. Jennifer Kustanovich, SUNY Stony Brook5. After consulting with his parents, Doucet moved to Westtown Township, Pennsylvania, United States in 1998. During her remedial second residency period in early 2000, Turner missed nine days of her three-month rotation and falsified clinical reports. Turner wrote to the judge who locked her up and, contrary to normal legal procedure, received advice on how to appeal her arrest and imprisonment. Since 1982, Turner had taken out baby bonuses for her children from a scholarship fund with the expectation of sending them to university. However, because the man did not identify himself and declined to file any criminal complaint against Turner, no investigation was launched by the RNC. Kuenne wanted to gather memories of Bagby, from the fact that he always wore shorts to his goofy, fun-loving nature. The original cut of the documentary had a run time of over two hours and contains numerous other short scenes, most notably a segment in which Kuenne travels to England to interview Andrew's maternal relatives during a wedding. [17] On October 23, 2009, MP Scott Andrews of Avalon, moved after attending a screening of the film,[10] introduced Bill C-464 (also known as "Zachary's Bill") to the House of Commons of Canada. While Kenneth Kuennes documentary Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father was named for the boy, he began filming before Turners pregnancy was even announced. WebThe case led to the passage of Bill C-464, or Zachary's Bill, strengthening the conditions for bail in Canadian courts in cases involving the well-being of children. Kuenne interviewed numerous relatives, friends, and associates of Andrew Bagby and incorporated their loving remembrances into a film meant to serve as a cinematic scrapbook for the son who would never know his father. People We Want to See on a Comedy Central Roast. The speed at which Kuenne rushes through the details of the case would not do at all for any professional true-crime documentary set to lure in an audience with gruesome facts. A judge released her using the logicthat "[h]er crime, while violent, was specific in nature," implying that she was not likely to harm anyone else. When the child washed ashore, the man who found them wrapped Zachary in a blanket, forgoing the usual plastic bag, to keep him as far as possible from the unstable, albeit deceased, woman who took his life. A patient of the clinic refused to return after an encounter with Turner. It's hands down one of the most mind-blowing true-crime movies in recent memory, fiction or nonfiction. Brittany Morgan, National Writer's Society2. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, Dear Zachary has an approval rating of 94% based on 51 reviews, with an average score of 8.10/10; the site's critical consensus reads: "Dear Zachary is both a touching tribute to a fallen friend and a heart-wrenching account of justice gone astray, skillfully put to film with no emotion spared. However, I truly believe i is something that needs to be experience by everyone and it s something you cannot go into without an open mind. When this wasn't enough, she traveled to him and verbally abused him. Andrew was never late, the friend said. [2]:494 Turner drowned. Kuenne initially intended for Dear Zachary to be a private project for Andrew Bagbys friends and family. Hear me out. In his approach, Kuenne succeeds in presenting a full portrait of Bagbys life, showing just how many lives Bagby affected and the deep grief that accompanied his death. A senseless crime Dear Zachary Turner claimed that she was pregnant by the man, but no evidence was found showing this to be the case. Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father is a 2008 American documentary film written, produced, directed, edited, and scored by Kurt Kuenne. Dear Zachary Would sell my soul for a drink at Residuals right now, Location: 8472 Melrose Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90069, Location: 916 S San Fernando Blvd. Thepair were together for a while back in the States, but theirrelationship soon grew rocky. Andrew told a friend he was going to meet Shirleythe following day to finally end things. Going beyond the tropes of a generic investigative documentary, Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Father to a Son About His Father is deeply personal and frustratingly tragic, and it doesnt have a happy ending. Best Documentaries on Amazon Prime 10 Haunting Documentaries Feb. 7, 2017. But she continues to sway from one direction to the next, while I cannot seem to remember how to move. At first, I felt pressured to wear the same, their matching sets, bike shorts, crop tops, and more. Lists about some of the most shocking and upsetting documentary films & series that you should totally watch anyway. Dear Zachary is the only film that has made me cry. Newfoundland social service workers interviewed the children, who stated that their "disciplinarian" mother punished them with spankings and beatings by belt. Yes! While this fraught situation dragged on, Kuenne traveled to the United Kingdom and across the U.S. to interview Bagby's friends and extended family. Dressing for you and not for others is easier said than done. Youll never be out of style. Have the Island Boys lost their net worth after alleged murder? There's no shortage of harrowing documentaries, but Dear Zachary:A Letter to a Son About His Fatheris one of the most intense. What's doubly upsetting about this is the way director KurtKuenne sets their story to home movies of Andrew as a young boy. It received critical acclaim, particularly for its editing and emotional weight. People We Want to See on a Comedy Central Roast. Not only will you gain valuable writing experience, but youll get to choose your own topics and write one response a week to one of our top trending articles. Markesteyn ultimately concluded that internal disagreements between caseworkers and managers weren't openly discussed and that an intervention by an outside office should have been made. Acting on statements by Simpson and others, the Pennsylvania State Police contacted Turner. I remember feeling relieved when I had a conversation with my boyfriend and he explained that he would love me regardless of what I wear (the only exception being the ill-fitting cat eye glasses I wore in high school but thats beside the point). It would be insulting to Kuenne to go into this film with any preconceived notions, one simply has to experience it on their own. Turner mixed a sedativeinto baby Zachary's formula and staged her car to look like her then-boyfriend was responsible for her next actions: she jumped into the Atlantic Ocean - at Conception Bay South off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada - with the baby strapped to her stomach. "Dear Zachary" (2008) is Kurt Kuenne's directoral debut, a homage to his murdered friend, addressed to said friend's child. Acting in collaboration with the Pennsylvania State Police, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary's (RNC) Intelligence Unit conducted surveillance on her movements. The following day Doucet received a voicemail from a female caller who stated, "Dr. Turner died last night.". He was ordered to pay a fine of $10,000covering one-third of the $30,000 incurred by the college for the inquiryand was ordered to undergo psychiatric counseling. 4. Screening the film wherever they could, including directly to the Canadian Parliament, the pair along with the filmmaker insisted that Zachary's story become more than just a true-crime documentary- it needed to pushthe creation of legal reformations to protect future children. Bringingattention to this film, after all,supports the cause of Kate and David Bagby, who, since becoming activists for bail reform, have helpedshepherdseveral positive changes to the Canadian legal system. There's no shortage of harrowing documentaries, but Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father is one of the most intense. Released in 2008, the filmmakes the cut as one ofthe greatest documentaries of all time. You will curse the Canadian justice system for showing no concern for human life. I also want to get Early Bird Books newsletter featuring book deals, recommendations, and giveaways. Which 'Tiger King' Character Would You Want To Be In Quarantine With? Magnolia Pictures. Your work will be featured on our homepage and in our weekly Overheard on Odyssey newsletter. Markesteyn specifically cited poor communication between social services officials, who worked on the presumption of Turner's innocence throughout the case and became more concerned for her welfare than for Zachary's. Dear Zachary Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father is easily one of the most traumatic films I've ever seen. Your favorite summer hobby and how you got into it. Dear Zachary: A Letter to a also takes steps to highlight the flaws in the Canadian legal system & Bagbys parents exhausting battle to find justice for their lost son and grandson. If you're unfamiliar with Dear Zachary, it tells the story of Andrew Bagby, a 28-year-old doctor whose life was ended by his ex-loverShirleyJane Turner. The police discovered through phone records that Turner had returned to Pennsylvania the day before the murder. Narrative duties are split between Kuenne and Andrews many friends and his wonderful parents, David and Kate. Dear Zachary It does away with the barrier of police procedure and legal hoopla and strikes directly at the humanity or rather, inhumanity of the crime.