The Staircase

About The Staircase

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• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music / Soundtrack

About

The Staircase is a social and cultural documentary TV show that was first released in 2018. It follows the real-life case of Michael Peterson, a novelist accused of killing his wife Kathleen Peterson. The series spans over several episodes, providing an in-depth look at the investigation, the courtroom proceedings, and the personal lives of the individuals involved.

The show explores various aspects of the case, including the evidence, witness testimonies, and the impact it has on both the accused and the victim's families. With interviews, footage from the trial, and expert analysis, The Staircase offers a comprehensive examination of this high-profile crime.

Making / Production

The Staircase was directed by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade and co-produced by French production company Maha Productions and American company Sundance TV. Lestrade began filming the case in 2001 and continued to document it for over a decade, resulting in a deep and thorough exploration of the events surrounding the trial.

The production team had unprecedented access to the proceedings, allowing them to capture intimate moments and provide a compelling and unbiased account of the case. The show combines fly-on-the-wall filmmaking with extensive interviews to present a comprehensive and compelling narrative.

Actors

• Michael Peterson - Played by himself (as the real-life accused)
• Kathleen Peterson - Played by herself (through archival footage)

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Staircase was originally released as an eight-part series in 2004, but it was later expanded and updated to include additional episodes in 2018.
• The case of Michael Peterson has generated significant controversy and debate, with many viewers forming their own opinions about his guilt or innocence.
• The Staircase has been praised for its in-depth storytelling and exploration of the criminal justice system.

Awards

No major awards have been won by The Staircase.

Quotes

• "I did not kill Kathleen!" - Michael Peterson
• "The truth is elusive in every murder trial." - Jean-Xavier de Lestrade (Director)

Music / Soundtrack

• The Staircase features a haunting and atmospheric original score composed by Jocelyn Pook.
• The soundtrack sets the tone and enhances the emotional impact of the show, creating a sense of tension and suspense.