2007 has been a year for some outstanding documentaries. Another film to add to this year’s lisr is American filmmakers Dan Klores and Fisher Stevens, ‘Crazy Love’.

‘Crazy Love’ charts the course of one of the strangest love stories ever that spans over five decades. Back in the late 1950’s, Burt Pugach, a 32 year old lawyer and Linda, a beautiful young, single 20 year old girl living in the Bronx had a whirlwind romance. A problem was that Burt was married, and wasn’t able to break free from the marriage. Linda decided to move on, and finds a new romance. She is set to marry her new partner when what does Burt do?! He pays two Afro American thugs to go to Linda’s house, and when she opens the door, they throw acid onto her face and eyes, basically blinding her.

Burt is charged, a long court case ensues, and Linda is furious in court, and yells out in conrt that she hopes that he is put away forever! Burt is given a long jail sentence. From his jail cell, there are times where he is in solitary confinement, he starts writing letters to Linda, hoping that he still loves her, and hopes that she will have him back!

After many years in jail, Burt is given parole. Some mutual friends of Burt and Linda set up a clandestine meeting between them, and unbelievably, they start up again. Burt and Linda have been together ever since. Much of the film’s footage sees the couple being interviewed in the present time, with Linda’s dark, rather bizarre sunglasses hiding her blinded eyes, and with Burt looking rather calm and distinguished with his grey hair and long beard.
The film shows them, in the present time, strolling down a city street, linking arms, like any contented elderly couple.

What does one make of such a story?! How could Linda forgive so completely Burt’s vicious act?! Especially as late in life, Burt was found out being abusive to another woman he was having an affair with, and Linda leant her support to him.

During the film the filmmakers try to sift through the puzzle. Many of Burt and Linda’s friends and colleagues are interviewed in depth to give their view.

‘Crazy Love’ was a well made, intriguing film from way left field. One to ponder how strange we human beings can be!