Lake of Fire
The fascinating but unsettling "Lake of Fire" is 2 1/2 hours long, which seems a little lengthy for a documentary of any kind. But then producer/director/screenwriter/cinematographer Tony Kaye spent more than 15 years compiling the footage with the intention of covering the gamut of issues regarding the hot-button topic of abortion.Kaye also tried to make a movie that would be as even-handed as possible. At no time does the film draw a conclusion of any sort. Also, there is no narration, and the film simply uses interview subjects' own words to tell their stories and share their opinions.
In addition to examining both the pro-life and pro-choice philosophies, Kaye's film profiles some of the figures on both sides of the debate, from Operation Rescue founder Randall Terry to bio-ethicist Peter Singer — who are polar opposites on this issue.
And as might be expected, the film also looks at the Supreme Court's historic Roe vs. Wade decision (even tracking down Norma McCorvey, who was "Jane Roe"), as well as investigating current efforts to overturn the still-controversial legal rendering.
"Lake of Fire" is not an easy film to watch. It includes very disturbing graphic imagery of abortions, including glimpses of aborted fetuses. Likewise, a segment about the killing of abortion-clinic doctors is sure to set off debates.
He gets good information from his subjects, which points out that even outspoken media commentator Noam Chomsky and equally outspoken attorney Alan Dershowitz can't resolve the issue.
"Lake of Fire" is not rated but would probably receive an R for disturbing violent imagery (including gory abortion footage), scattered profanity, drug content (use of hypodermic needles) and references, slurs based on sexual preference and partial female nudity. Running time: 152 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com