Review of Jesus Camp (2006) by Ting-Ting W — 19 Mar 2011

I'll begin by saying that JESUS CAMP is a solid example of direct-cinema. Unlike RELIGULOUS, another recent documentary that tackles religion, there is no intrusion from the (women) directors; the viewer never sees or hears them as s/he does Bill Maher, for instance. Because of this stylistic choice, JESUS CAMP also positions itself as rather unbiased, which is, of course, virtually impossible for any documentary (or work of art, for that matter). Still, at times I did find its agenda ambiguous, even asking myself, is this for or against the separation of church and state, and do fundamentalist Christians heavily sway America's politics, or is that just nonsense? Other scenes, however, present a clearer message, specifically that fundamentalist Christians like Pastor Becky Fischer, Ted Haggard (looking back, an unfortunate choice for interviewing!), and parents of Levi, Rachael, and Tory fill their/children's minds with a very limited view of God, humanity, and the world--and that such mindsets are not particularly healthy. Fischer in particular looks ridiculous in several scenes. For example, in the opening of the film, she speaks before a large group of children and their parents, condemning non-churchgoers for being "fat and lazy." However, as she preaches these words, the camera closes in, ironically revealing her obviously obese (i.e., "fat and lazy") body. Additionally, the camp children, who range in ages from 6-12, also periodically come across as brainwashed, merely spouting out the doctrine of their parents and Fischer. Only one child--who (no coincidence?) gets very little screen time--questions God and the stories in the Bible.

Was I bored watching JESUS CAMP? Not at all. Am I as amazed by it as reviewers and those on the Academy board (it was nominated for Best Documentary, but lost to AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH)? Eh, not so much. Still, it's worth a look.