PRINTMovie Review: Outrage
June 25, 2009 | 12:00 p.m. CST
The politicians outed in Kirby Dick’s documentary Outrage do most of the talking for themselves. The film is an eye-opening indictment of the alleged hypocrisy committed by closeted homosexual politicians who have a history of voting in favor of legislation directed against the LGBT community. Dick juxtaposes television interviews in which the accused deny their homosexuality with accounts from various accredited commentators who have proof otherwise. Outrage is a seamlessly pieced potpourri of existing news footage and outside opinion, but it’s clear which side Dick sympathizes with. The film is unwavering in its conviction that the politicians it outs are homosexual, including Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and (now former) Idaho Sen. Larry Craig, and that their records of voting against gay rights are unforgivable.
Openly gay political figures, journalists, and other men who claim to have had sexual relationships with the politicians provide intimate details, leaving the audience with little room to disagree. After an hour of repeatedly confirming these men are gay it almost gets old, but the film’s ruthless ascertainment of the politicians’ lifestyles handily brings the entire audience to the fundamental question: why do closeted politicians vote against their own sexuality? A clear answer isn’t provided, though the commentators speculate about whether fear keeps the closet door shut, or if the media do too much to protect the closeted men from reconciling their duplicity.
Related MovieAs he explores the scandal surrounding each politician and validates their secret lives, Dick boldly displays their active campaigns against the LGBT community as proof of their mind-boggling hypocrisy. The issue becomes less about politics and more about human character. The film will no doubt leave you incredulous in your seat, with lots to think about as the credits roll.
Vox Rating:
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