2009, USA
Documentary, Drama, History
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Extended version:
It has been accepted practice for politicians to portray a public image deemed most electable. When this image becomes completely contrary to the person's natural way of life and he begins to fight against his own rights, the results can only be destructive. Outrage delves into such incongruities with an outing of politicians guilty of betraying themselves.
The private lives of closeted American politicians become fair game to director Kirby Dick, who last investigated MPAA censorship in This Film Is Not Yet Rated. The goal of this film is not to act as a gossip rag dishing on who is sleeping with whom. The aim is to address politicians who hypocritically live closeted lives as homosexuals but who vote in accordance with homophobic ideals, ultimately doing their part to destroy the gay community from the inside out. The film also sideswipes the media for contributing a blind eye by dismissing such stories when more inquiry would reveal the truth behind political decisions.
From former Idaho Congressman Larry Craig to current Florida governor Charlie Crist, all of the big scandals are examined for what those involved have done for gay rights. Politicians such as openly gay Congressman Barney Frank recognize the struggle to be out considering the scrutiny of the political microscope, but they also express horror at the actions of those who choose fear over truth. Even Mary Cheney, daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, is not respected for her openness as the film subjects feel her actions to be detrimental considering the possibilities of her status.
Life changing issues such as gay marriage, adoption by gay parents, and hate crimes are all at stake, and Dick interviews people who have dedicated their lives to creating an open discussion with the people who can most directly affect change. Michael Rogers, who outs gay Republican politicians on his web site, BlogActive.com, is a central focus of this film. As with talk radio host Michelangelo Signorile, they only focus on those who live hypocritically and thus destructively. Both site the growing AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, as politicians failed to properly tackle the disease through research funding and by addressing the social stigma associated with it.
Interviewees in the film describe Washington D.C. as a gay mecca behind closed doors. In the city which could make the most headway in civil rights, the subjects of this film feel the closeted politicians are far more harmful through their lies and contradictory agendas. American politics has a long way to go before sexual orientation is no longer an issue, but perhaps films such as Outrage can help convince a few more that allowing the truth to set them free is more courageous than hiding behind a hateful voting record.