Review of For the Bible Tells Me So (2007) by Michael D — 19 Aug 2008

This is one of the most moving films I've seen in a long time. Each of the five main stories is incredibly tear-inducing and profoundly satisfying, if not completely sad. I admired the filmmakers' approach to the biblical aspect of homosexuality, and I loved the profound, candid interviews. I liked this film enough to watch it 3 times, and never get bored with it. I liked the film enough to watch it 3 times, and learn something new every time. This film can do alot for alot of people.

It does have its faults, though. In the spirit of Michael Moore or Al Gore, it fell into that "animation in documentary" trap with an animated character named.....(rolls eyes) Christian who testifies that "ex-gay ministries" work and homosexuality can be reversed. An otherwise even-handed film, the cartoon allows it to dip its foot into one-sidedness (not to mention the cartoon wasn't very funny or included ANYTHING that any of the interviewed experts couldn't have said and said just as interestingly.) The film also shows some people's opinion on the topic, but doesn't tell who these people are, what they're expertise is in, or why they're being interviewed. For the most part, the movie followed documentary ethics and put the interviewees' names and occupations in the bottom left hand corner, but there was one particular insight (spoken as fact) from someone who appeared to have been taken off the street where they offered no name or background, nor did this woman pop up into the film anymore after her debut. Should we take what this random girl says seriously if we have no idea who she was? A similiar situation occured when another woman, in trying to prove that the bible needs to be explored before taken literally, claims there is a part of the bible that says "....". She doesn't know the book, chapter, or verse. Nor did the filmmakers look it up. But they use it as an example. A little hypocritical?

Overall, however, I cannot give this film enough credit. One particular interviewee was right in saying "we've done enough fighting and bickering" regarding homosexuality. He makes the point that it is time to sit down and truly discuss what should be taken as socially acceptable and what shouldn't, and stop the mudslinging and name-calling. And honestly, this film has the power to be the first step. I absolutely loved and appreciated this movie. I was in awe.