Educational Media Reviews Online

On the box, this film is described as an experimental documentary. It is certainly experimental. It presents some history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but is not organized. It provides some of the life events in Mormon life, but in a very haphazard way.

At the beginning, with no sound and a dark picture, there is a change to organ music and scenery, but the visuals continue to be difficult and the sound is confusing. Choppy editing contributes to this aspect. Many scenes present a disconnect between the narrated words and the visuals; for example, narration about Mormonism and its sacred texts occur over shots of people crossing a street over and over. The scene is overly long and leaves the viewer wondering what the people on the street have to do with the texts.

Some of the sections appear to be old film, dated in costume and aspect. Some of the narration seems old, too, with a grainy quality. While this may work in a historical presentation, it just looks out of place here.

In addition, the color veers from too saturated to too washed-out. There also seem to be defects in the film, with some color coming in from the side, unless this is supposed to be an experimental effect.

The visuals include historical reenactments, buildings, a choir, parades, artwork, cityscapes, and scenery of mountains and deserts. The sound includes spoken narration, hymns, and instrumental music. Both visuals and sound include some blackouts and dropouts.

Toward the end of the film, facts and statistics on Utah, Salt Lake City, and Mormons are presented, many of them negative (for example, Utah uses twice as many antidepressants as those of other states). Visuals of upside-down vehicles appear with these statistics. After several wedding photography scenes, an interview appears; are these with the director’s parents? An old boyfriend? She then includes a statement that she wishes to be removed from the membership of the church.

It is hard to determine who the audience for this film is supposed to be. Non-Mormons will not understand many of the images without explanation. Faithful Mormons may take offense at the film. Film students may study it as an example of experimental documentary.

Awards

• FID 2014
• Official Selection, 2014 Indie Grits Film Festival
• Views from the Avant Garde, 51st New York Film Festival 2013
• Official Selection, Indie Festival Brazil 2014
• RIDM 2014
• Official Selection Filmmaker Festival Milan 2014