a SIFF 2010 review
Illuminating 8 Puts a Religious Face to Intolerance
Hitting theaters barely two years after the landmark first gay marriages were conducted in California, directors Reed Cowan and Steven Greenstreet’s 8: The Mormon Proposition begins to platform in theatres across the United States. Interesting, sometimes even explosive, this overlong yet highly informative documentary chronicles how the Mormon Church of the Latter Day Saints (LDS), based in Utah, spearheaded the drive to stonewall these marriages, sparking a political maelstrom in the process.
A scene from 8: The Mormon Proposition © Red Flag Releasing
The film works best when it focuses on the people most impacted by both the LDS philosophy and on those most affected by Proposition 8’s passage in November of 2008. The best examples of this are Tyler Barrick and Spencer Jones, an openly gay couple married after the California Supreme Court ruled the ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional. Both are Mormon and have had to deal with family issues because of that, Barrick in particular as he is a direct descendent of Frederick Granger William, an important figure during who provided assistance to LDS founder Joseph Smith.
But the doc does tend to get occasionally bogged down, and after spotlighting many illuminating facts about the church’s secretive behind-the-scenes push to get similar legislation passed in Hawaii before focusing its attentions on California the filmmakers lose a little of their momentum. They get it back for a little while when they produce a flurry of internal documents showing the LDS’ direct influence on getting the ball rolling Proposition 8, but after a while there does come a point where some of this feels more like a well made but rather dry episode of Frontline more than it does a theatrical documentary.
Still, the human element here is striking, and when the filmmakers show how bad the LDS can treat its LGBT patrons, especially teenagers, the effect is almost horrifying. It continually amazes me the amount of tragedy and heartbreak that can be condoned by those in authority all in the name of religion and God, how hate can be energetically preached from a pulpit. It’s enough to make even the most devote ponder becoming an atheist, and for the life of me I don’t know how anyone who calls themselves even remotely Christian can watch what happens to gay kids here and not openly shudder in heartbreak.
Other plusses include the fact that Reed and Greenstreet go out of their way to try and let the LDS and their members speak on the record for themselves. While the church itself does not offer up any opinions noted figures like Utah State Senator Chris Buttars do, the pure vitriol and disgust in their opinions stark and illuminating.
It goes without saying the filmmakers are not fans of Proposition 8. It goes equally without saying that they so not think the LDS’ continued sponsorship of initiatives and proposals in various States like California is improper as well as probably being illegal. But this is not a Michael Moore-like diatribe, the film instead an oftentimes illuminating saga chronicling the effect bigotry and self-righteous indignation can have on those most affected by it. 8: The Mormon Proposition is far from perfect but that doesn’t make it any less moving or informative, and for those on both sides of the argument this is one motion picture that should be required viewing for all.
Film Rating: êêê (out of 4)
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