Brother's Keeper

Brother's Keeper is an authentic, profound, and compelling documentary film from 1992, directed by the multi-talented Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky. This depiction of a true event showcasing a clash between rural and urban lifestyles in America revolves around the four illiterate, elderly Ward brothers – Delbert, Roscoe, Lyman, and William, who live on a dilapidated dairy farm in Munnsville, a small town in upstate New York.

The premise is set into motion when William Ward, the eldest of the four brothers, is mysteriously found dead one morning in the bed he shares with Delbert. With the punctuated cause of death raising eyebrows, local police suspect it to be a case of fratricide and arrest the shy and timid Delbert Ward. This makes national news, casting a spotlight on the remote hamlet and whipping up a whirlwind of controversy.

The film flits between the trial at hand and the repercussions within the community, while also crafting a vivid depiction of a perhaps 'gone-by’ rural America. Produced within the '90-day third term' framework built by the directors, the film unconventionally blenders aspects of true-crime with those of social commentary.

Scenes surrounding the trial build up a dense, intense narrative, attempting to dissect whether the somewhat socially awkward, unlearned Delbert genuinely understood the gravity of his alleged actions. Here, the film traverses the murky waters of rural justice and opens the floor to unsettling questions concerning the handling of such intricate complexities by the law enforcement agencies.

While the film resonates with folksy charm, employing an observational approach and relying heavily on interviews and episodic content, it simultaneously paints a poignant picture of the seemingly forgotten rural landscapes of America. The Ward brothers, with their gnarled hands and aged faces, are depicted as symbols of this fading world that is struggling under the complexity and progression of contemporary society.

The direction is innovative and almost anthropological in nature, giving the audience a deep dive into the lifestyle, environments, and psyche of its subjects. Berlinger and Sinofsky sensitively capture the essence of the Ward brothers, their hermit-like existence, far-removed from modern day living, intertwined with simplicity and hardship. The film also brings to the front the tight-knit Munnsville community's camaraderie, as they rally around the brothers, challenging societal judgment and prejudices that come into play.

The film, all through its runtime, maintains a rich balance of head and heart, bringing to the viewers a fair, unvarnished, and in-depth narrative that leaves them questioning their notions about morality, societal norms, justice, and rural life. The movie does not dictate or preach, but is greatly immersive, thanks to its vivid imagery, slow reveal of facts, and empathetic handling of the subjects involved. The minimalistic soundtrack, composed by Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, further intensifies this character-driven biographical narrative, magnifying the raw, emotive strength of the movie.

The documentary raises a viscerally human cry from America's farmlands, amplifies the voice of the simple Ward brothers and, in the process, echoes a powerful sentiment about the impacts of social evolution on rural life. While the courtroom drama provides the gripping factor, it's the exploration of rural livelihood, the deep-seated prejudices characterizing it, and the close-knit society’s reaction towards authoritative pressure that packs an emotional punch.

In essence, Brother's Keeper is not just a true crime detective story. It's a haunting portrait of an often overlooked side of America dealing with issues of societal change, rural justice, and nuanced aspects of humanity. The storytelling ultimately leaves audiences with as many questions as answers, ensuring a thought-provoking film experience that resonates far beyond the closing credits.