This fascinating video documentary covers a nine-month rehearsal of Shakespeare's final play by inmates at the Luther Luckett Correctional Complex in La Grange, Kentucky.
Rogerson and producer Jilann Spitzmiller ably convey the humanity of the inmates while also exposing them as deeply flawed individuals. The film also reconfirms the enduring relevance and power of Shakespeare and his adaptability to almost any milieu.
It's a tribute to the dry-eyed empathy of the filmmakers that these men, guilty of the most heinous crimes of murder and violence, somehow manage to win your sympathy.
Albeit a tad repetitive, Shakespeare Behind Bars succeeds in humanizing men we might too easily label as monsters, and provides a solid argument in favor of prisons that place rehabilitation above retribution.
Perhaps it's just the inner drama geek talking, but there's something extremely compelling about seeing hardened felons preparing to put on a classic play with the enthusiasm of giddy schoolgirls.
By presenting murderers as actors and then filming those actors discussing their sins, the line between performance and soul-searching blurs in unnerving ways.
Rogerson has crafted an emotionally satisfying exploration of the creative process through people who, before the program started, weren't comfortable with expressing themselves at all.
Hmm...mixed feelings. First of all, I don't think the program is THAT big a deal, like people are making it out to be. Sure, some of the inmates might be profoundly moved by the play, but I hardly think they're representative of the population. (wow...I think in terms of psychology now -_-). Some of it seemed too
cutsey. Like, "let's laugh at the semi-articulate black man prunce around in a female character's costume!" Errrr.... I kept imagining how the victims' families would see this movie. Although, there are some thought-provoking segments, particularly the speech given by a 7-victim sexual abuser. At my screening, the guy who ran the program was there and held a Q + A session. He was much more obnoxious in person. Isn't it ironic how self-proclaimed "bleeding heart liberals" are supposed to be "free" and whatnot but they all end up so Debbie-Downer bitter? Jeeze.
December 7, 2007
Joey Nevarez
Super Reviewer
Interesting film about the reality of prisons and its victims. The documentary inspires hope in the hearts of murderers, rapists, and theives.
No quotes approved yet for Shakespeare Behind Bars. Logged in users can submit quotes.
Submit a Quote from 'Shakespeare Behind Bars'
A quote can be a single line from one character or a memorable dialog between several characters. Please make your quotes accurate. Quotes will be submitted for approval by the RT staff.
Example:
Luke: Alright. I'll give it a try. Yoda: No. Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.
Top Critic
