The documentary “Imposter: The Man Who Came Back From The Dead” follows the story of Arthur Knight, who is accused of being a fugitive and convicted sex offender from the U.S. who faked his own death. Despite evidence like matching fingerprints, DNA, and tattoos, Knight insists he is a happily married man living in Edinburgh. The director of the documentary, Owen Phillips, has taken inspiration from crime movies by the Coen Brothers, with onscreen captions, a guitar score, and shots of the American landscape. Knight often wears a breathing mask, making it difficult to understand him, but his wife, Miranda, is always there to translate for him. Despite the absurdities of Knight’s case, the seriousness of his alleged crimes should not be minimized.
The U.S. authorities began extradition proceedings against Knight after he was found in a coma in a Glasgow hospital. Knight and Miranda were cooperating with the filmmakers, but other characters in the story also seek attention. A New Jersey politician with a Sopranos accent describes being bamboozled by Knight, while a lawyer is amazed at how Knight was still able to edit his own Wikipedia entry despite being believed to be dead. A publican who once served Knight in an Edinburgh bar declares that Knight had to walk into his bar out of all the bars in the world. The documentary presents all these characters as if they think they are in a movie and are all stars, but it is important not to downplay the seriousness of Knight’s alleged crimes.
Despite the entertaining nature of the documentary and the absurdities of Knight’s case, it is crucial to remember the victims of his crimes. One woman describes how Knight, known as Nicholas Rossi, inflicted a serious sexual assault on her shortly after they met in college. Another woman recounts being raped after inviting Knight into her home. Knight’s grandiose and eccentric persona may be a disguise to make himself seem harmless, but his actions have had severe consequences for his victims. The documentary serves as a reminder not to be fooled by appearances and to remember the impact of crimes on those affected.
The documentary presents Knight’s story in a cinematic way, drawing inspiration from crime movies by the Coen Brothers. With onscreen captions, a distinctive score, and shots of the American landscape, the director creates a stylized portrayal of Knight’s case. Knight’s breathing mask and his wife Miranda’s role as translator add to the intrigue of the story, highlighting the mysterious and bizarre elements of Knight’s life. Despite the film’s artistic presentation, it is important to remember the gravity of the allegations against Knight and the impact of his actions on his victims.
The documentary follows the twists and turns of Knight’s case, highlighting the absurdities and complexities of his story. From his arrest in a Glasgow hospital to his interactions with various characters, including a New Jersey politician and a lawyer, the documentary captures the many facets of Knight’s life. While the narrative may seem like something out of a movie, the real-life consequences of Knight’s alleged crimes must not be overlooked. The documentary provides a unique insight into the complexities of Knight’s case and the implications for those involved.
In conclusion, “Imposter: The Man Who Came Back From the Dead” presents a fascinating and intricate tale of Arthur Knight and the allegations against him. Despite the cinematic presentation of the documentary, it is essential to remember the real-life impact of Knight’s actions on his victims. The documentary serves as a reminder of the complexity of human nature and the importance of seeking justice for those who have been harmed. Knight’s story is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of deception, identity, and the consequences of criminal behavior. The documentary offers a nuanced and engaging look at a case that blurs the lines between truth and fiction, leaving viewers with much to ponder about the nature of justice and redemption.
