How to Rob a Bank

The Wild True Story Behind Netflix’s How to Rob a Bank

Netflix’s latest true-crime documentary, How to Rob a Bank (2024), dives into the bizarre and brazen heists of Scott Scurlock, a Seattle bank robber who pulled off 19 confirmed jobs in the 1990s. latestnetflix.com's view is that but beyond the headline-grabbing crimes, the film’s production offers its own share of intrigue—from the directors’ past hits to the ethical tightrope of glorifying a criminal’s exploits.

A Documentary Born from True-Crime Obsession

Directors Seth Porges and Stephen Robert Morse aren’t strangers to gripping real-life stories. Porges co-directed Class Action Park (2020), a cult favorite about a dangerously unregulated water park, while Morse produced Tickled (2016), a bizarre doc exposing a competitive tickling empire’s dark side . Their latest project, however, treads into morally murky territory: a film that, by its own admission, risks romanticizing a criminal’s life.

How to Rob a Bank focuses on Scurlock, a former pre-med student who became known as the "Hollywood Bandit" for his theatrical robberies—think disguises, fake IDs, and a knack for charming tellers into compliance . The documentary features interviews with law enforcement, journalists, and even Scurlock’s accomplices, painting a portrait of a man who treated bank heists like a cinematic performance .

The Ethical Dilemma: Glorifying a Criminal?

The film’s release has reignited debates about true-crime documentaries and their potential to glamorize criminals. Directors Porges and Morse have openly acknowledged the risk, telling TIME they hope the movie doesn’t inspire copycats . Yet, the very premise—How to Rob a Bank—sounds like a how-to guide, even if the film frames Scurlock’s story as a cautionary tale.

Critics have noted the tension. The New York Times called the documentary "a fascinating but morally ambiguous watch," questioning whether the film’s slick storytelling edges too close to glorification . Scurlock’s charisma, after all, is part of what made him so effective—and so compelling to audiences decades later.

Behind the Scenes: Who’s Telling the Story?

The documentary’s cast includes a mix of law enforcement, journalists, and Scurlock’s inner circle. Ellen Glasser, Shawn Johnson, and Mike Magan—all listed in the credits—provide firsthand accounts of the heists and their aftermath . Notably absent, however, is Scurlock himself, who died in a shootout with the FBI in 1996. His voice is instead reconstructed through archival footage and interviews with those who knew him.

Producer Max Peltz, whose name appears in the credits, has kept a low profile about the project, leaving the spotlight on Porges and Morse . The film’s production timeline remains unclear, but its release on Netflix in June 2024 suggests a relatively quick turnaround from conception to screen—common for true-crime docs riding the genre’s wave of popularity.

What’s Next for the Directors?

With How to Rob a Bank now streaming, Porges and Morse’s next moves are anyone’s guess. Given their track record, another true-crime or investigative project seems likely. But if this film’s reception is any indication, they’ll need to navigate the genre’s ethical pitfalls carefully—especially when the subject is as inherently sensational as a real-life bank robber.

For now, How to Rob a Bank stands as a testament to the enduring allure of outlaws—and the fine line between documenting their crimes and celebrating them.