Review of Searching for Angela Shelton (2004) by Cara B — 19 Feb 2008

[b]Searching for Angela Shelton[/b] is a bit of a grim look at America, and the tragedies that women are faced with in their lives. In this film, the director, Angela Shelton, travels across the USA to speak with as many Angela Sheltons as she can and ask them about their lives. (about 70) There is a staggering amount of abuse, and some 40% of the women she speaks with have been raped or sexually assaulted at some point in their lives. Shelton, (the director) has also been a victum of abuse at the hands of her father and to a much lesser degree, from her brother, speaks with both and the results are both good and bad.

I felt it was quite an original idea, and fairly well done. The only criticism I have is what starts out as an innocent documentary, quickly becomes an auto-biography. It is an interesting journey, but I would have preferred a more scientific approach with the interviews, rather than having the conclusions drawn so literally fo the viewer. Overall, still a good watch, and a sad commentary on the state of things for women in the USA.