MovieChat Forums > The Fear of 13 (2015) Discussion > My Name is Nicholas James Yarris,..

My Name is Nicholas James Yarris,..

posted 8 years ago by nick_yarris
12 replies | jump to latest

I began life as a man on January 16th 2004. It was this day I was set free from 8057 days of solitary confinement. I had spent all of that time locked in a cell whilst awaiting my execution for crimes which I was eventually exonerated by DNA science for.
In 2007 I recorded an interview in Ealing London that was then made into a monologue basis for a film documentary. I had no choice in title or composition. I also was not the one to set the film up as a "who done it" or mystery surprise ending, or any of the cliche parts.
I sat down and told my story as best I was able to. What others did in furtherance of this is not my doing at all.
Look, we have one chance to make a statement of who we are in life. I have no doubt that those in my personal life know me well enough that I am not affected by the perception of others. I also know that I am a very productive person who is both polite and kind.
Nothing else matters and I am having a terrific life now. My book "Fear of 13" is being released November 17th by Random House publishers, I have a new TV show in Development and a new Stage play as well as my life story being made into a major motion picture by a Hollywood actor.
I used my talent as a writer to heal my life. I have talent there as well as being one of the finest public speakers of this genre.
All I can say about this film and those who may want to come on here for comments is this:
Each day from around the globe someone sends me all of these really wonderful messages on the social media after watching my film.
No matter what a few will say in the negative, so many hundreds of thousands of kind worded messages have already shown me that the majority of the world will be full of kindness and open reception to my efforts.
I am left with the greatest calling card ever in this first film documentary and nothing anyone says can undo that fact. All I can do is be genuine and show in years to follow whether or not I am deserving of the praise I get.
In the end it goes like this:
I know I have lived a remarkable life thus far. I know I have experienced things which others will find unbelievable or far too incomprehensible to imagine-All based on their own feelings of inferiority. I don't have time to bow down to anyone else as I am absolutely certain that I have paid for any and all in my past. Further to this, I am truly a good person each day.
The swagger in my step is self confident not overbearing. The confidence in my voice is from the words of dictum spoken, not from having a brusque ego.
I am one of the strongest humans ever created and I know this only from having lived this wonderfully crazy life which I have known. I will not part with an up turned chin and a smirk to match... I just stride on knowing I have found my purpose in life and I am sharing it now with this film.
Thank you and all the best to those of you who have enjoyed this film. For those of you who were not able to enjoy it, I hope you find another form of entertainment to keep you busy or happy.
Bye and yes, I am happy and giving my self EVERYTHING these days...
Yours sincerely,
Nick Yarris

[–] 8 years ago

[deleted]

[–] kay_rock 8 years ago

I guess I saw it differently. I saw him as being honest about every one of his crimes. He doesn't wring his hands and weep over them for our benefit, because I imagine he has processed everything a thousand times over. He just shares them, in detail. He doesn't need to explain why or justify or dramatize. They're facts. He doesn't withhold them. It's up to us, I guess, to decide whether we have the right or reason to judge or analyze. Were they terrible acts? Yes. Has he paid for them? Yes. Is he a changed man? I think so.

I see him as a man who has gone through the process of being honest with himself so deeply that he can now be honest with the world without hyperbole or excuse.

I can't say whether or not I'm right because I haven't walked in his shoes. I just choose to see it as it was presented. He's not a hero. He's not a demon. He's a man who walked a hard, hard road and has something to share.

Movies are IQ tests; the IMDB boards are how people broadcast their score.

[–] saima_pyke 8 years ago

I agree. I see a person who is simply stating the facts of his life, the good and the bad, with eloquence and honesty. He is explaining, not excusing. I don't see someone overwhelmed with self pity, quite the contrary, here is someone who has every right to dwell on how appallingly he was wronged, but is instead focussed on moving forward. I am glad for him that he is now free, that he is living in a beautiful country like England and that he has found a woman who loves him. I hope the American justice system is made to pay for what they did to him and that THEY are as able to self reflect and improve on their wrongs because how many other innocent people are locked up over there?

[–] jayme_franklin 8 years ago

I liked you better when you were an addict, BlackDog123.

[–] BlackDog123 8 years ago

You sound nice:)

[–] Sdeegz 8 years ago

BlackDog123 I'm surprised that in being in recovery yourself you're so quick to take another's inventory and come to that conclusion. I'm clearly not seeing what you're seeing in Nick.

[–] Jouford 8 years ago

Glad to see that you're making the most of your second chance, Nick.
Best of luck.

[–] peterwislander 7 years ago

Wow, this documentary is deserving of an Oscar and I am sure it will get one. Not often you see something as good as this! It was amazing and you were amazing in it. I wish I could tell stories like that! Truly inspirational!

Since you have read over 1000 books and me only a few, may I ask you which ones you would recommend someone to seriously look at? I am mostly interested in books which you can learn something from, so pure literature and fiction is usually considered a waste of time, apart from the art of storytelling.

Since you have read a lot of books and likely not watched as many movies, I am sure you have a lot to watch in order to catch up with me. Let me know if I can offer some guidance. I have an elaborate taste :P

I also want to ask you when someone like yourself finally gets redemption and acquitted after already having served such a long prison sentence, does the state ever offer financial compensation to the victims of its justice system? Where you ever compensated? You can answer me in private if you feel uneasy sharing this information in public.

Thank you for a great story. It almost brought me to tears. I am 32 year guy!

PS. I am a Swede so excuse my poorly formulated English. I feel as if I need to tell you that, since you are pro :P

[–] neeka-27405 7 years ago

Nick- do not let anyone bring you down. Your story captivated me..you are so eloquent and your descriptions made me feel like I was soldering through the journey along with you. Thank you for sharing and I am thrilled that you were able to prove your innocence and enjoy all that life has to offer.
Side note: how often do they mishandle packaging of DNA for inmates where the testing is so critical for their outcome?! I am so appalled at the lack of care when a life is at stake. So glad in Nick's case it worked out but only because he did the leg work. How many others don't know any recourse?!

[–] haydeedelacruz 7 years ago

This movie is compelling and straight from the heart. I highly recommend it. I was expecting the worst and at the end, I was pleasantly surprise how well Mr. Yarris narrated the story, ordeals (strength, love, friendship, real, etc) and what it's like being a deadman walking. I like the affirmation and his attitude at the end. Glad you became a writer and hope to see another story about the 2 choir boys. People - go see this movie!!!

[–] jasonbarnettnz 7 years ago

Amazing story. And yes hard to believe for some but I know its true. I've had similar experiences that no-one believes when I tell them.. But it's ok.. I believe in myself and that's all that matters ultimately. Self love is the key. Forgiveness the gift. Grace the reward :-)

[–] Mo_Fishwater 7 years ago

Live it up, Nick! Go see some live music. In fact, go see Patti Griffin! And Jason Isbell! Soak in every note!

Now that you live in England you've gone from inmate to just mate.

Cheers, mate!