Long Shot (2017)

Introduction
The 2017 documentary "Long Shot" is an interesting true-crime short, not to be confused with the 2019 romantic comedy of the exact same name. Directed by Jacob LaMendola, "Long Shot" explores the story of Juan Catalan, a man who was wrongfully accused of murder and his impressive journey to prove his innocence. Through interviews, archival video, and re-enactments, the film unpacks the series of occasions that led to Catalan's arrest and the extraordinary evidence that ultimately secured his freedom.

Wrongful Accusation
"Long Shot" starts by presenting viewers to Juan Catalan, a working-class private living in Los Angeles who, on May 12, 2003, was arrested for the murder of a teenage lady called Martha Puebla, a witness in a gang-related murder trial. Despite having no connection to the crime, Catalan's alibi-- that he was at a Los Angeles Dodgers baseball video game with his child at the time of the murder-- was at first neglected by the police.

The documentary showcases the intensity with which police pursued Catalan and the impact this had on his life. Catalan's situation appeared bleak, with the prosecution seeking the death penalty and evidence appearing to link him in the criminal offense. The authorities had an eyewitness who recognized Catalan as the shooter, making it appear like an open-and-shut case to outsiders.

The Unique Alibi
What sets "Long Shot" apart from other true criminal offense stories is the nature of the alibi that Catalan provided, which included ticket stubs from the baseball game. Nevertheless, the documentary reveals that these stubs were not considered adequately definitive to absolve him. This led Catalan's attorney, Todd Melnik, to embark on an unconventional mission for additional exonerating proof.

The film then takes an amazing turn as Catalan remembers that there was the existence of a shooting team at the Dodgers game, catching video footage for an episode of the HBO funny series "Curb Your Enthusiasm". Melnik's pursuit of this lead results in a race versus time to find any footage that might verify Catalan's alibi.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt
In a twist of fate, the "Curb Your Enthusiasm" footage did certainly show Catalan in the crowd, captured serendipitously in the background of a scene. This unanticipated proof provided a trustworthy time-stamped alibi that established he was at Dodger Stadium throughout the time of the murder.

"Long Shot" presents a riveting and comprehensive evaluation of the process that Melnik and his team went through to secure this evidence. The documentary highlights the frustrating relief experienced by Catalan and his family when the video showed his innocence and how this distinct piece of evidence turned the case around, causing the termination of all charges against Catalan.

Reflections on Justice
The film ends with a reflection on the fragility of the judicial system and the capacity for miscarriages of justice. While Juan Catalan's story ends with his exoneration and release, "Long Shot" triggers a more comprehensive discussion about the many people who might not be as lucky to have such a "long shot" piece of proof to prove their innocence. It checks out as an indictment against a problematic legal process that can, sometimes, prioritize usefulness over truth.

Conclusion
"Long Shot" is a gripping testament to the power of the best evidence at the right time and a sobering reminder of the capacity for wrongful convictions in the American justice system. LaMendola's documentary catches the audience's attention with its storytelling and intentional pacing, leaving them with a sense of both relief for Catalan's vindication and concern for the underlying issues that allowed for his near-fatal misjudgment in the very first place.

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