2006, USA
Crime, Documentary, Drama, History
READ THE REVIEW AT The Desert Sun.
Extended version:
Much like the dichromatic coloring of Lake of Fire, the abortion issue is often viewed as black and white.
Director Tony Kaye's (American History X) foray into documentaries is unrelenting in presenting the harsh realities of both sides of the debate, and neither is willing to find a gray area for discussion. Kaye puts a face to each angle — faces presented in extreme close-up, unflinching in their points of view.
Extreme Christian right organizations are shown protesting women's clinics, Bible in one hand and harshly worded sign in the other. Pro-choice representatives battle in opposition, sometimes with equally heated words when face-to-face but often through a variety of positions based on their academic field of expertise. Their coolly delivered examples from history often conflict with the emotionally charged words of faith.
The religious representatives are of the love-thy-selective-neighbor variety, as anti-abortion activists such as Randall Terry of Operation Rescue and Paul Hill preach to armies of confrontational soldiers. With God guiding their actions above the law, causing harm to clinic doctors becomes justified as a way to prevent the future murders of unborn babies.
With every action illustrated, Kaye films abortions and displays what has been removed from the women's bodies. Gruesomely graphic, he attempts to provide a platform for all sides. However, it would be easy to color an unbiased stand with the viewer's beliefs.
Not merely alternating between positions, there is discussion about how to bridge this divisive issue. As faith and science divide over when an organism becomes human and what control a woman is allowed, there is little space for compromise. Hypocrisy is evident when adults are killed in the name of the child, displaying an inconsistency in levels of morality.
When in doubt, harassment can be effective. Norma McCorvey — "Jane Roe" of the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortions — lived her life in constant risk by those who held her responsible for abortions. When the pro-life Operation Rescue moved next door to the clinic at which she was working, she was soon converted to their beliefs and allowed a peaceful lifestyle as a spokesperson for their efforts.
To balance this segment, the film follows a woman through her abortion. She is accompanied to the clinic by her supportive ex-boyfriend and given psychological and medical assessments by the doctors. Her decision is not taken lightly.
Kaye delivers a bold and dense view of an emotional topic. No matter the legal or medical facts, faith and belief often influence the decision regarding such a procedure. The point at which that decision is no longer personal but rather communal becomes the breaking point for society, inciting civil disobedience in defense of that choice. Hopefully this film will incite conversation instead.