An interesting aspect to the film is the communities change in attitude towards Delbert. While they had previously shunned him and his brothers they now supported Delbert as they felt that he has been wrongfully accused by the authorities. They also believed that he had been bulled and forced to sign. An interesting insight that the film provides is that the community rallied behind Delbert largely as the result of the intrusion of outside forces into their community. As one critic notes, "It's not that they believe that he's innocent, it's simply that he is one of "theirs." (Movies: Brother's Keeper)
From as criminological point-of-view the film has some interesting aspects. In the first instance the directors are very even-handed when it comes to the central issue of Delbert's guilt or innocence. "…Berlinger and Sinofsky firmly refuse to sugarcoat their subject; their glimpses of the & #8230;brothers and their bizarre lifestyle might be unsettling to some." (Canby) This also refers to the possible motives for the murder and the alleged sexual relationship between the brothers.
More importantly, the film examines the complexities and problems that occur when a crime is attributed to an individual who is less able to defend himself. The fact that Delbert and his brothers are not intellectually competent and are to some extent 'backward' mentally and socially is central to the drama and criminological dimensions of the film.
This also poses important questions related to law and criminal procedure. These involve the complexity of dealing with possible suspects who are illiterate and who do not understand aspects of the legal and criminal process. The film makes it clear that it is highly likely that Delbert was coerced...
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