The Laramie Project (DVD)

...undertaken by eight members of the New York’s Tectonic Theatre Project. They spent over 2 years recording these interviews with the hope of putting on a play composed from the original words of the towns people, with actors playing the roles of real people.

In October 1998 21 year old Matthew Shepard was taken from a bar by two young men, put in a truck and driven out to a field where he was tied to a post, robbed and repeatedly tortured. ...
...was gay, and this was the ultimate hate crime.

Interviews with the locals piece together what happened that night. Police, doctors, priests, teachers, friends and neighbours are questioned by the eight New Yorkers. Everyone willing to talk, no one understanding why hatred led to murder, the trust in their town now completely shattered.

Two local men are arrested on first degree murder. They face the death penalty if ... more

Set in small town Laramie, Wyoming, this movie is based on over 400 hours of interviews, undertaken by eight members of the New York’s Tectonic Theatre Project. They spent over 2 years recording these interviews with the hope of putting on a play composed from the original words of the towns people, with actors playing the roles of real people.

In October 1998 21 year old Matthew Shepard was taken from a bar by two young men, put in a truck and driven out to a field where he was tied to a post, robbed and repeatedly tortured. He lay there for 18 hours before being discovered by a cyclist and taken to hospital. He was in a coma for five days before he died.

Matt was gay, and this was the ultimate hate crime.

Interviews with the locals piece together what happened that night. Police, doctors, priests, teachers, friends and neighbours are questioned by the eight New Yorkers. Everyone willing to talk, no one understanding why hatred led to murder, the trust in their town now completely shattered.

Two local men are arrested on first degree murder. They face the death penalty if found guilty.

Laramie is thrust into the limelight as reporters and news trucks flock there as the trials begin. The towns people tell the media ‘This is not a hate town’. And they are quick to point out that this was not a common occurrence.

* Cinematography*

I liked the shots of the railroad and plain fields. We are shown that Laramie is a town like any other, with fast food chains and gas stations. The down town area ‘still has the look of a mid-western town’.

Split screen usage is put to good effect, news reports on tv are shown while other news items play in the background.

* My thoughts *

This is pretty heavy going in parts. We see anti-gay protestors outside the court with banners and on the other side we see the gay people chanting. The people of the town come together in a powerful scene, dressed as angels, ethereal, which is in total contrast to the anger of the demonstrators. They form a circle around the hatred, and stand hand in hand, united in white. Very moving and a key scene.

Probably the best and most powerful scene for me is when Matt’s father confronts McKinney, one of the accused, in court. He makes an extremely poignant speech which will probably move a lot of you to tears! (KM doesn’t cry but she did have a lump in her throat, but don’t tell anyone!).

* Stars *

I know I haven’t mentioned any of the actors, well there are some fine ones in this film and they deserve a mention. They all play towns people or the interviewers - Christina Ricci, Steve Buscemi, Laura Linney, Summer Phoenix, Clancy Brown, Dylan Baker, Amy Madigan, Janeane Garofalo, Peter Fonda and Joshua Jackson. A special mention goes to Camryn Manheim from ‘The Practice’.

* Overall *

This grips you from the start, you are thrown into the story with the interviewers and the movie had my full attention throughout. This was never going to be a film with a happy ending and it’s not going to be for everyone. My friend lent me this dvd and said she bawled her eyes out. But you will experience emotions, whether for the family, the friends or the victim. And anger will probably be among those emotions. This is painful to watch, and it will stay with you.

Sad, more so perhaps because this happened so recently. KM can’t believe these things can still happen in this day and age {shakes head in disbelief }.

4 stars. Please note the special effects rating below does not apply.

* Other info *

Director: Moises Kaufman (he is portrayed by Nestor Carbinell in the film)

Certificate 15

Year 2001

Running time 1 hour 34

Available on play.com for £6.99 delivered.

* Special features *

Peter Fonda finale
Featurette
Trailers
Interactive menu
Chapter selection

Website for the ‘true story’ : www.matthewshepard.criticalrave.com

For more info about the film: www.hbo.com/films/laramie/

Matthew Shepard
1 December 1976 – 12 October 1998

Thanks for reading.
 

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