Used Innocence

Using an experimental narrative structure, James Benning recreates the controversial story surrounding Lorencia Bembenek, also known as "Bambi." The film chronicles her transformation from a police officer to an accused killer, highlighting her daring prison escape.

The documentary features actual letters exchanged between Benning and Bembenek, read in voiceover. This correspondence illustrates the filmmaker's evolving fascination, shifting from mere intrigue to a more profound obsession. The unique storytelling approach offers an in-depth look at both the subject and the filmmaker's relationship with her.

For collectors of documentary films, Used Innocence presents a distinctive case study of media representation and personal narrative. Its experimental style and the compelling subject matter make it a notable example of late 20th-century documentary filmmaking.