Thought Crimes: The Case of the Cannibal Cop

"Can you be found guilty for your most dangerous thoughts?"

Apr 20 2015 TV-MA 1h 21m
Crime, Documentary

Dubbed “The Cannibal Cop,” former NYPD officer Gilberto Valle was charged with conspiring to kidnap and eat women but argued it was all a fantasy. His story made headlines both for its disturbing details and its potential to kick off a trend of thought-policing across the nation. Featuring intimate interviews with Valle and insights from experts, Thought Crimes explores if someone can be found guilty for their most dangerous thoughts.

Plot

Dubbed "The Cannibal Cop," Gilberto Valle was convicted in March 2013 of conspiring to kidnap and eat young women. Valle argued it was all a fantasy; the prosecution's narrative convinced jurors otherwise. Valle was facing a possible life sentence when filmmaker Erin Lee Carr began visiting him in prison. After 22 months behind bars, his conviction was overturned in a stunning reversal. The film was there for his release and subsequent house arrest to examine a life arrested. But the question remains: given the chance, would he, could he, have done it? "Thought Crimes" unravels the conflicting stories of a potentially dangerous young man and the unexpected consequences of our online activity.

Written by

Christopher Ripley

Directed by

Erin Lee Carr

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

HBO Documentary Films, Abstract

Languages

English

Awards

1 nomination

Scores
# of Votes
2,041
Average Rating
6.3 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA