8: The Mormon Proposition (Reed Cowan, 2009): USA

Reviewed by Kazimir Berman. Viewed at the Santa Barbara Film Festival.

8: The Mormon Proposition is action-packed! Full of mysterious odds and ends being uncovered about the Mormon Faith. Even though I like all the Mormons I have ever know. This film demonizes the Mormon church, discrediting their beliefs due to the effect it has on the gays who would like to get married but cannot because of the Mormons anti-gay lobby and strong say in governmental affairs.

Directed by Dustin Lance Black. We follow the story of a gay couple, Tyler Barrick and Spencer Jones, which comprises of their trials and tribulations while attempting to become a legally married couple: to have a certified certificate from California pronouncing their love for one another, the way their sexual orientation and actions have affected their family life, the ongoing battle to be accepted as gay.

Ironically, Barrick and Jones’s Mormon heritage is rooted in struggles for the acceptance of alternative marriage lifestyles. Both their families being polygamists were banished to Mexico due to their sexual orientation and preferences.

This film is not something to watch for entertainments sake alone. The films affect on me was one that did not make me feel very good, as the general atmosphere is one of desperation, and involves a lot of pain. The making of the film itself is done very well. The way the film shows  evidence: which they claim to be Mormon documents forging  budgets, creating top secret committees to sneak in lobby’s to the government to manipulate United States law is captivating. There are stories that can make even the straightest of men see Mormons as ruthless anti-gay persecutors who have no intention of leaving gays alone or to even consider their well being.

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Published:
02.22.10 / 11am
Category:
Films, Santa Barbara Film Festival 2010