How do Audiences respond to The Jinx?
Link to context - Modern audiences may identify with the people featured e.g. Cody Cazalas as the world is similar to our own, mirroring our own fears and concerns. Universal themes (love, loss, betrayal) are explored and strike a chord with a range of audiences.
Audiences use the text as escapism to divert us from our own mundane existences. The non-linear narrative also helps with this. There is diversionary appeal in the development of the relationship between filmmaker and subject and the different lines of action, with clues revealed episode by episode, allowing audiences to play detective in a real-life crime.
The story is current and updates the audience on what has gone before.
Social media buzz created by impact of series and Durst’s arrest.
In Episode 1, audiences are drawn by the hermeneutics surrounding Durst’s past, and questions are raised throughout – Why did he steal the hoagie when he had money? Was he Ciner? What happened to his mother? Did he kill them? Will he be caught?
Testimonial – on posters– “groundbreaking” From the director of “Capturing the Friedmans”. On the DVD cover from Entertainment Weekly.