Rating:
Director: Tasha Oldham
Producers: Tasha Oldham, Noelle Wright
Writer: N/A
Director of Photography: Tahlee Booher
Cast: N/A
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SMITH FAMILY Rating: Director: Tasha Oldham Producers: Tasha Oldham, Noelle Wright Writer: N/A Director of Photography: Tahlee Booher Cast: N/A |
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Review by: Warren
Curry
11/09/02
On the surface, The Smith Family may sound like a film with overt political concerns on its mind. The documentary, which centers on the attempts of a Mormon family to pick up the pieces of a largely shattered existence, however, takes a decidedly humanist approach -- a film that understands its infinitely more about people than social issues. Director Tasha Oldham (who too is Mormon) avoids manufactured slogans and banner waving in favor of an exploration of the strengths of familial bonds in a world where crisis is an expected part of daily life.
After nine years of seemingly happy marriage, Steve Smith confesses to his wife, Kim, that, not only has he been unfaithful to her, but that the partners in his trysts have been other men. An obvious affront to the couple's religious beliefs, Kim is still able to cling to her convictions and finds the strength to forgive her husband. But even more dire problems arise when Steve learns that he is HIV-positive, which then turns into full-blown AIDS, while Kim has also been afflicted with the virus. Their two sons, Tony and Parker, are tested, but thankfully unaffected. As Steve's health begins to deteriorate at a rapid rate, and Kim, who also has diabetes, too declines physically, the family does their best to, as youngest son Parker puts it, "Play the hand they were dealt."
The film is set up promptly in the first scene, via an interview with Kim, and after the opening credits roll, Oldham immediately puts you into the midst of the family's plight. With the help of old home movies, as well as footage of their current life, Oldham paints an intimate portrait of the Smiths, not only as a unit, but the individual personalities that make up the family. For instance, eldest son Tony, while obviously deeply loving his father, clearly expresses his disdain for Steve's actions. Steve and Kim's relationship develops into one of unyielding support and, perhaps most astoundingly, one of understanding.
The fact that these people are Mormon certainly adds an extra dramatic layer to the film, but is not at all what the movie's about. Although Steve, predictably, had a fractured (at best) relationship with the church after the truth was revealed, the man ultimately found peace with his spirituality. Oldham demonstrates too much love and respect for these people to use this film as an intentional vehicle for blatant political sentiments. She lets the story tell itself, and if this documentary may inspire one to re-examine certain beliefs, that is attributable to how identifiable the director makes the film's subjects.
The film doesn't dance around its emotional content, and the screening I attended played out to a live soundtrack of weeping audience members (who says going to the movies isn't an interactive experience?), but frankly the film didn't strike me in that way. Don't get me wrong, there are a few scenes that are absolutely wrenching (Steve comparing the size of his disease ravaged thigh to the muscular one of his twin brother; Parker tearfully admitting that he hopes his father's passing comes quickly, so the family can be relieved of its constant pain; the family going to a cemetery to find a grave for a still living Steve), but I also derived a lot of hope from this film. Watching the Smiths, I couldn't help but be inspired by their commitment to one another, their rock solid family foundation and also the abundance of strength they possess as individuals. The Smith Family most assuredly moved me, but not in a way that resulted in tears.
Tasha Oldham's artistry and compassion combine for a film that completely accomplishes what it sets out to do; and that is still something of a rare moviemaking feat.
(Screened at the 2002 AFI Film Festival.)
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