It's not often that a documentary completely captivates me, but Allison Otto’s “The Thief Collector” had me hooked right from the very beginning. This true account of a museum theft that occurred in the mid-1980s involves an intriguing subject matter full of unexpected developments, remarkable storytelling, and is a genuinely entertaining film—particularly for those with an appreciation for art. On the day after Thanksgiving in 1985, a couple using basic disguises entered the University of Arizona’s art museum. The woman distracted a security guard while her husband physically cut one of the most valuable paintings of the twentieth century, Willem de Kooning’s “Woman-Ochre,” from its frame. They then fled into the desert without leaving any fingerprints behind. The perpetrators turned out to be New Mexico teachers Rita and Jerry Alter, who kept the painting hidden behind a bedroom door for many years. The couple resided in an unassuming house within the small town of Cliff, but locals always seemed somewhat suspicious of their extravagant trips abroad (some even suggest they were funding these luxurious vacations by selling stolen goods on the international black market). It wasn’t until Rita passed away in 2017 that the missing painting was found by an antique shop that had purchased their estate for only $2,000. It's a remarkable story that becomes even more unusual from there. Because much of the enjoyment comes from uncovering the surprising details, I will avoid giving anything away. I can say that Jerry and Rita were certainly criminal masterminds, if certain aspects of their story are to be believed. They also weren’t exactly model citizens, living lives where the distinction between reality and imagination was unclear. The film incorporates interviews with family members, art historians, neighbors, and individuals from the FBI's art crime unit. The Alter’s story is presented through old photographs, police records, and Jerry’s own collection of “exotic tales.” Otto adds to the enjoyment by including humorous, playful reenactments that complement the unbelievable narrative. The documentary never feels dull or tedious, and its construction is exceptionally well-done. Using a clever method that encourages viewers to become invested in who stole the painting and why, the resolution of the crime is revealed upfront, which naturally sparks curiosity about Jerry and Rita’s backgrounds. There are several shocking revelations unveiled at precisely the right moments as Otto gradually reveals the layers of the story. It's difficult to imagine a better demonstration of documentary film directing. The narrative takes unexpected turns, and “The Thief Collector” brings up some thought-provoking questions regarding collectors and the potentially shadowy lives the Alters may have lived. It’s one of the most captivating subjects for a documentary, and it’s an absorbing experience from beginning to end.

Source on TMDB