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Werner Herzog's understated new documentary, "Into the Abyss: A Tale of Death, a Tale of Life," is at its core the filmmaker's personal argument against capital punishment. The director, who came of age in post-World War II Germany with its concentration camp legacy, makes it clear where he stands on the issue — the taking of another life, whether legally sanctioned or not, is wrong.

Though that is the starting point, Herzog is neither an apologist for the criminal's deeds nor strident in his debate. It is familiar ground Herzog is covering, with its fundamental "Dead Man Walking" crisis of conscience issues. What is missing is something new — clarity, insight, outrage. Instead, its understatement is ultimately its undoing.