Customer Reviews

Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I can't really objectively comment on this film, because I was a member of the cast. I played Dr. Miliken. It is, however, one of the few films I've worked on that I take pride in being associated with. It's the closest to an actual execution that I hope to ever witness. Although we were on a set at Universal Studios, there was an ambiance of reality that permeated the atmosphere making us all feel uncomfortable, as though we were actually in the presence of the mechanisms and structures that state governments use to take human life. It was an awesome experience and, I hope, an important film for us all to seriously ponder. By the way, the actor that Rhonda2 refers to above is Arliss Howard. And she is absolutely correct -- Arliss is remarkably good at his craft.

Oscar nominee Roy Scheider stars in this suspense thriller written by photojournalist Doug Magee, inspired by his interviews with and photos of death-row prisoners. Convicted of killing police officer Jack McGrath in a Florida swamp seven years ago, small-time drug dealer Ray Eames (Howard) hires burned-out photographer Paul Marish (Scheider) to shoot his execution. Bonnie Bedelia is McGrath''s widow, Hannah, who reluctantly helps Marish try to uncover new evidence that may save Ray from the electric chair after the execution is postponed. Directed by Oscar-winning screenwriter Frank Pierson, this riveting made-for-cable drama also features Andre Braugher and Robert Carradine.

I can't recall ever seeing a movie so moving. The actor who played the inmate on death row was like someone everyone knows the guy next door. His eyes are the deepest I've ever seen. It was like you are there. The opinion of death sentences could certainly be swayed if everyone were to watch this. It becomes very personal in the way a person views thier own life and the way they look at others.

The same, old, tired leftish cliche: evil, corrupt police and prison officials, noble (and, of course, actually innocent) death-row murderer -- you get the picture. This type of political advocacy will only appeal to those of a similar mind-set. I found it tiresome.