Terri Schiavo died by government edict on March 31, 2005. The international controversy leading up to her snuffing out caused a great stir. Pro-life supporters saw yet another victory for the culture of death. The years have passed and the emotions of the controversy have subsided in many corners. What was lost in the news stories was a clear look at what was really at stake with this case.

I won't beat around the bush, this is a propaganda piece. It has a firm and obvious point-of-view it wishes to promote. Franklin Springs Family Media wishes to make the case for the sparing of the Terri Schiavos of the world. While reading what I have to say here keep their agenda in mind, along with my complete support for what they have to say. I have worked with the severely disabled. One man was “normal” until he suffered a stroke which left him paralyzed from the neck down. He was mute and unable to move. Most of the people I worked with were great people. There were a couple who I didn’t much care for, even if you’re developmentally disabled it doesn’t mean you can’t be considered a jerk. When you work with the severely disabled it is interesting to see how people react to them. Friends, family and caregivers have unique perspectives since they actually get to know the patient. Outsiders often can't get beyond their own fears when they meet or hear about someone who is disabled. The man I mentioned earlier, he couldn’t talk or move. Most people when they hear about someone like him recoil because they see themselves in that situation. They are scared of their lives being devastated by a stroke or other event. The fact is that he could mouth words, and communicate with expressions and eye contact. He was not a miserable man. He was limited, but he was alive. There are many who will hear of his disability and quickly belch out “I’d never want to live like that.” This fear is the base for a great deal of abuse towards the disabled.

Terri Schiavo was capable of mild communication and affection. It’s recorded on video, it’s witnessed by those who knew her. Her story is compelling and the battle over her life is heart wrenching. The atrocity of her family being forced to allow their daughter/sister to starve to death is a hard thing to watch even all these years later. The insensitivity of the courts is on display in this film. To think that this country has a court that says she has to die but then turns around and demands she be killed through the most torturous means possible is sickening. Even death row murderers get a peaceful death.

The documentary is not a big budget affair but it is carefully produced and well structured. They interview the immediate players in the controversy, with the exception of Michael Schiavo (Terri’s husband). Her parents and siblings give their accounts of her life and death. This is buttressed with interviews from “experts”. These experts include a college professor and activist. What is missing is the other side of the argument. Yes, they speak to Michael Schiavo's attorney a dozen times but their argument is never explored with any depth. This leaves the film giving a lopsided argument. It would have been wise to explain what statements Terri Schiavo made in her earlier life which led to her court-mandated murder. It was argued she made numerous statements when she was younger that she didn’t want to be on life support. What were these statements and how could they apply in a case where she wasn’t on life support? The woman couldn’t feed herself. Her organs worked fine, she simply didn’t have the cognitive ability to sustain herself. This is why she ultimately starved to death. Her body, her internal organs were fine, she just couldn't bring food to her mouth and swallow it. I kept wondering how this escaped the courts. One has to assume the judges weren't monsters. Why would they demand a woman be starved to death? What could possibly be the reason? By avoiding a full explaination of other side of the controversy the filmmakers make a critical mistake. Without the other side, their arguments fall from being persuasion to be frank propaganda.

Overall, as a pro-life guy and a strong supporter of the disabled I have to say I sincerely appreciate what they were doing with this film. I agree 100% with their stance. As a critic I have to say it is too one-sided and really needs to add depth to their arguments by including more counter points. I recommend this film for the converted, those who already believe life is sacred. If you’re less concerned about life issues and dismiss all of this as being religious belly aching, this film will probably not change your mind. I hope you watch it and consider the issues the film raises, but I doubt it will convert anyone from where they already stand.

Related Reviews:
Le Scaphandre et le Papillon (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly) (2007)
The Sea Inside (2004)

Labels: documentary, film, movie review