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Friday, 28 September 2007 |
 
"I think we all experience moments of despair,
but for most of us, the sun comes out."
I doubt many people will watch The Bridge without being deeply shaken. Some will be outraged that the documentary was even made in the first place. Some will be baffled by the actions shown. I know I haven't felt quite the same. It has been pointed out to me on more than one occasion that I enjoy difficult and painful movies, but this one has challenged even my mettle. 90 minutes of reactions to, commentary on, consequences of and actual footage of people plummeting 240 feet to their deaths from the Golden Gate bridge will have that effect.
According to the final statements in The Bridge, more people have chosen the Golden Gate Bridge as the place to end their lives than any other location on earth. What would posses anyone to hire a crew, obtain permits and spend an entire year documenting that fact is beyond me, but one thing is for certain, the result is one of the most unsettling experiences I have ever had.
The Bridge visits with family members and friends in what would seem to be some futile search for a reason why some individuals choose to take such radical action. Unfortunately, there don't seem to be any real answers. Some of the people discussed were clearly mentally ill in serious ways and were simply left out in the cold by doctors and institutions established to help them. Others seemed to be born out of place, becoming fed up with their constant inability to find happiness, security or companionship.
Of course, that is only part of the puzzle. Why the Golden Gate Bridge? Possibly the fact these people are surrounded by others as they stand looking across the bay, but no doubt feel completely alone, is some type of metaphor for the emotions which have driven them to that point. Possibly they believe it is the only way to imprint a memory on a few people that will never be forgotten.
One thing I discovered was a bit of a surprise. The concept of seeing someone die is one thing. The reality, even just on a TV screen, is something entirely different. After all, we all watch characters die in movies all the time. Often, we have gotten to "know" them first, become invested at least a bit in their well being, but it still isn't that difficult to deal with. This is an entirely different experience, and probably not one most viewers will choose.
Starring: Kevin Hines, Pat Hines, Carolyn Pressley, Dave Williams, Matt Rossi
Director: Eric Steel
Studio: IFC Films
Rated: R
Running Time: 93 minutes
Release: 2006
Reviewer: John Rice |
