In Sickness and in Health 2007
Distributed by Women Make Movies, 462 Broadway, New York, NY 10013; 212-925-0606
Produced by Pilar Prassas and Peter Heacock
Directed by Pilar Prassas
DVD, color, 56 min.
Sr. High - Adult
Gay and Lesbian Studies, Law
Date Entered: 06/08/2009
Reviewed by Debra Mandel, Head, Media Center, Northeastern University Libraries, Boston, MAIn Sickness and in Health presents a heartfelt perspective on the fight for gay marriage in New Jersey, documenting the case of seven couples who sued the state for the right to marry. In the course of the more than four years during this film’s making, New Jersey passed domestic partnership and then civil union legislation. Using archival footage, this film offers historical context for gay marriage, including passage of gay marriage in Massachusetts and struggles for civil rights in the 1960s.
While the filmmakers’ chronicling of scenes of activism, protest and courtroom proceedings is very skillful, Pilar Prassas and Peter Heacock’s real talent is revealing the personal strength and relationships of the people featured in this narrative, zeroing in on three of the seven couples. One of the plaintiffs in the case, Marilyn Maneely is a nurse and mother of five, who becomes sick with ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, and soon struggles to speak and walk. Marilyn’s declining health, in the midst of her passionate involvement in this legal battle, takes center stage. Archival photographs reveal Marilyn’s earlier heterosexual marriage, her coming out and relationship with her partner Diane. Marilyn is sensitively filmed in conversations with Diane, her partner of 14 years, and in gatherings with her loving friends and children. Included is an emotional scene of her daughter’s Cape Cod wedding. Within 10 months of her diagnosis, Marilyn dies, and we witness her last days. At the close of the film, a male couple expresses disappointment that gay marriage has not yet passed, and another couple joyously celebrates their civil union before their very loving children. Diane, not happy that gay marriage still hasn’t passed, says she could not marry anyone but Marilyn.
In Sickness and in Health artfully illuminates the lives of hardworking people striving for justice, while battling the vicissitudes of life. This film would catalyze discussions about gay marriage that deal with legal, social and family issues. Over time, this film, like others on the subject of gay rights, will provide insight into this tumultuous, but hopeful chapter in our nation’s history.
Awards
- Jury Award Best Documentary, Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
- Audience Award, Best Documentary, Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival