Customer Reviews

The Gay Marriage Thing

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

 

 

Knowing this movie was low budget and the personal project of a single film maker and producer, I didn't expect much. I therefore wasn't prepared for the power and beauty of this truly exceptional film! The film follows the very personal story of one couple - Gayle and Lorre - whose plans to marry in their home state of Massachusetts become swept up in the gay marriage debate firestorm that grips their State. The contrast between the frenetic debate that swirls all around them pulling at their emotions like an out-of-control roller-coaster compared to the scenes of this very down to earth, loving couple, with strong family values, as witnessed by the devotion to their aging relatives, is striking. One of the elderly aunts for whom Gayle and Lorre care for steals your heart with her twinkling eyes, her adorable mannerisms, and her carefree sense of humor. The film forces you to see the real faces behind this debate and reminds you that we are all connected - gay or straight, black or white, free or enslaved. You realize that behind all the noise, there are simply people, just like you and me, who have families and lives that must be lived whether we embrace each other or not. You come away from viewing this film feeling the power of love and life and feeling better about yourself for viewing it. I give this film high marks.

"The Gay Marriage Thing", a moving and truly inspiring documentary which follows the lives and challenges of two American women as they embark on a historic journey for marriage equality, asks the viewer to hear their hearts and fairly examines both sides of the issues surrounding gay marriage. "The Gay Marriage Thing" immediately captures the viewer's heart and attention from the early days of Lorre and Gayle's love in college, to their selfless love and care for their elderly aunts, to today as they overcome obstacles of having to adopt their own child and the on-going struggle of what it means to fight for equality.

The most dramatic and poignant scene in this documentary stem outside the steps of the Massachusetts Supreme Court as protestors representing the love of Christ display their signs of hatred instead. "The Gay Marriage Thing" reminds me of earlier pioneers who fought for their freedoms and equalities and of William Wells Brown's statement, "A Soul is a soul before God."

The first few moments of THE GAY MARRIAGE THING paints a picture of what it means to be a family. Gayle and Lorre, thirty-something college sweethearts who marked their 15th anniversary a year after the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled a ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional, form the heart of this documentary scrapbook. From the protests outside the Massachusetts State House, to the churches of the Reverends Rich Wiesenbach and Carlton Smith, to the historic chambers echoing State Representative Kathi-Anne Reinstein's perspective, and to how all of these voices swirl in the air around Gayle and Lorre as they approach May 17, 2004, the first date same-sex couples could file for marriage licenses in Massachusetts. While eavesdropping on the emotional and spiritual toll this issue has taken upon all parties, the story carries forth to the everyday angst and anticipation of Lorre and Gayle's own wedding. THE GAY MARRIAGE THING is not some historical commentary on the history of gay rights in the United States. It is instead a small story with big implications. By focusing on one suburban couple and the multitude of events that directly affect their otherwise average life, THE GAY MARRIAGE THING strives to show a different side of this issue.

This film is cinematic in its storytelling, rather than journalistic in its reporting. It keeps your interest and like all good and controversial films inspires conversation. While director/producer Stephanie Higgins definitely has a point of view, she handles it with a light touch and works to encourage thought on the part of her audience. It was a shame that the film is only forty seven minutes as I found myself wanting more by the end.

Considering that the events surrounding the film took place almost four and a half years ago and with the gay marriage initiative on the California ballot this coming November, it would be a good idea to do a follow up to the people and events of the story and build another forty five minutes or so. I know that I would like to see what has happened to this newly married couple who would by now be celebrating their twentieth year together. Nevertheless, the film is still timely, controversial and relevant.

As I get older and my opinions harden, I find less and less patience and time to examine my values and beliefs. It takes a lot to get me to change my point of view and I suppose the same is true for most of you. As a long time fan of documentary film, I watch them more and more to gain fresh insight and support for long held beliefs but not to examine those beliefs. I will not air my beliefs on gay marriage here as this is not the forum for that. I will only say that THE GAY MARRIAGE THING has given me cause to reexamine certain perspectives. That is saying much for a short documentary in this day and age or in any day and age for that matter. I highly recommend that you view this film.
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The Gay Marriage Thing is a very touching look at a very controversial topic. The filmmaker humanizes the issue by following Lorre and Gayle, very All-American sweethearts, as they live their life and take care of elderly relatives, while hoping for the chance to get married. The film does a good job of letting the viewer reach their own conclusions by talking respectfully to people on both sides of the issue and avoiding the political flame throwing that so many other documentaries engage in. This is a must watch for anyone who wants to start an open dialogue with family & friends or classmates & congregations!

I can't say enough good things about this film. It puts a face on this issue and shares a journey that makes you cry, laugh and explode with happiness at the ending. Fairy tales really do come true. Reality TV at its most pure level straight from the heart.