Voyeur

Investigative documentary about a creepy motel-owner

Watch on Netflix
About Voyeur

Released: 2017

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 1h 35m

Cast
Gay Talese

About Voyeur

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About

Voyeur is a documentary TV show that was released in 2017. It belongs to the Social & Cultural Docs genre and provides a gripping exploration of the complexities of voyeurism and the blurred lines between observation and intrusion. Directed by Myles Kane and Josh Koury, the show follows the true story of journalist Gay Talese's encounter with a motel owner, Gerald Foos, who spent decades spying on his guests through hidden vents in his motel rooms.

The show delves deep into the ethical and psychological implications of voyeurism, posing thought-provoking questions about privacy, consent, and the limits of journalistic ethics. With its compelling narrative and intimate cinematography, Voyeur offers viewers a unique perspective on the voyeuristic gaze and the human fascination with observing others.

Making / Production

Voyeur was meticulously crafted through a collaboration between directors Myles Kane and Josh Koury. The filmmakers gained access to Gerald Foos' extraordinary journal entries and spent years documenting his story. The show combines interviews with Foos and Talese, along with reenactments of key events.

The production design and cinematography of Voyeur are particularly notable, as they transport the viewers into the motel rooms and create an atmosphere of both claustrophobia and curiosity. The use of hidden camera perspectives adds an additional layer of authenticity to the storytelling.

Actors

  • Gerald Foos played himself - Foos provides a haunting and introspective performance as he recounts his experiences and justifications for his voyeuristic activities.
  • Gay Talese played himself - Talese's portrayal offers an intimate look into his journey as he grapples with the ethical implications of the story and his role as a journalist.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • Voyeur is based on the non-fiction book "The Voyeur's Motel" by Gay Talese, which was initially published in The New Yorker in 2016.
  • The documentary stirred controversy upon its release due to the ethical implications of Talese's involvement and the potential violation of privacy rights.
  • The events in Voyeur took place over several decades, highlighting the long-standing nature of Foos' voyeuristic activities.

Awards

Voyeur received critical acclaim and was nominated for various awards:

  • Independent Spirit Awards - Best Documentary Feature (2017)
  • Sundance Film Festival - Official Selection (2017)

Quotes

  • "Somebody said in my discussion [with Foos], 'This is such a violation of privacy.' And I said, 'Privacy? That concept is dead.'" - Gay Talese
  • "I sometimes feel like I am a different breed of human because I lived under a rock for so many years." - Gerald Foos

Music / Soundtrack

  • The soundtrack of Voyeur features a haunting and atmospheric score composed by William Ryan Fritch, which enhances the suspenseful and introspective tone of the show.