Watch The Witness

The Witness is a 2015 documentary that explores the infamous murder of Kitty Genovese and the aftermath of her death. The documentary is directed by James D. Solomon and stars William Genovese, Shannon Beeby, and Aaron Adler. The documentary begins by recounting the events of March 13th, 1964, when Kitty was assaulted and murdered outside her apartment complex in Queens, New York. The story became national news when the New York Times reported that 38 bystanders witnessed the attack but did not intervene or call the police. This event helped to solidify the concept of the "bystander effect" and became a significant moment in American history.

The Witness then shifts to William Genovese, Kitty's brother, who has spent years investigating the events surrounding his sister's murder. William's investigation is driven by a desire to understand what happened that night and to dispel the myths and misinformation that have grown around the case.

William's journey takes him on a mission to find and interview the witnesses who were present that night. The film chronicles William's tireless efforts to track down the remaining witnesses, some of whom had never spoken publicly about the events they witnessed. The process is not without its challenges, as many of the witnesses have passed away, or their memories have faded over time.

Through interviews and archival footage, The Witness paints a picture of the events that led up to Kitty's murder and the confusion and chaos that surrounded the attack. The documentary highlights the lack of communication between witnesses and police, and the indifference of some bystanders who failed to act. William's interviews with the witnesses provide insight into their experiences and motivations and give a more nuanced understanding of what occurred that night.

As William continues his investigation, he comes across new evidence that challenges some of the widely accepted facts of the case. This revelation leads him to question whether the original story was accurate and whether the bystander effect was as significant a factor as originally reported.

Beyond the exploration of the Kitty Genovese case, The Witness is also a personal story about William's relationship with his sister and the impact her death had on his life. The documentary captures the emotional toll of his investigation and the sense of closure he hopes to find through his efforts.

In addition to William's story, The Witness also touches on broader issues around the criminal justice system, the media's role in shaping public perception, and the limits of individual responsibility in a society that often struggles to take action in the face of tragedy.

Overall, The Witness is a gripping and thought-provoking documentary that sheds new light on a case that has captured the public's imagination for decades. The film provides a new perspective on the tragedy and underscores the importance of seeking the truth in the face of an enduring myth.

The Witness is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 79.