Review: This is a tough film to review/recommend, because when you first hear the premise, you'll think I'm insane. How can a documentary about pet cemeteries and the people involved with them be any good? But don't let the synopsis fool you, this is probably one of the most beautiful films I've seen- not just documentaries, films. A friend of mine who watched Gates of Heaven with me summarized its essence perfectly: “It manages to capture the true, raw emotion of the human spirit.” There is no other better way to describe it. Unfortunately, you need to move past the surface story to truly capture such an idea. Starting with the opening scene of an older man sitting under a large tree, you are faced with the idea of mankind trying to find meaning and comfort in a world that generally moves to fast to let you keep up. Though the first half of the film focuses on the surface story, you can see the beginnings of a deeper meaning. Then, with the start of the interview with an elderly woman living near a pet cemetery, you are suddenly locked in on raw emotions. My favorite scenes are between to the two brothers who work at one of the pet cemeteries founded by their father. The youngest has worked there longer and manages to usurp the elder brother on the chain of command. This power shift clearly creates a complex relationship that can be read in between the lines of flattery the two give each other. Adding to the mix, neither brother has really anything in common. The eldest was once a successful salesman whose married with kids while the youngest reminds you of a college hippie. But, such stories should not be elaborated here, I just recommend paying attention to everything the two say. In fact, pay attention to everything everyone says. Better yet, dedicate yourself to this film, it may be slow at first but you will be rewarded both in what you hear and what you see. Though everyone isn't necessarily talking about their impending doom, it's obviously on everyone's mind. “Will people remember me?” Seems to be echoed in everyone's sentiments. Some people show signs of hope, others doubt and regret. But in all, Errol Morris peels back the layers of flesh and bone that protect us and allows the audience to partake in the raw emotions of our kind. The stories and interviews are just one aspect of the beauty of Gates of Heaven. Director Errol Morris manages to capture such shots that appear more artistic then functional. The opening shot is just one example. His editing will at first seem random and not entirely cohesive, but it is all done in an attempt to transport you into the soul of his characters. It's both thought provoking and aw inspiring and probably the closest thing to a religious experience you can get on film. Though that might be somewhat of an overstatement, this is a documentary that will reward you for your dedication. In short: simply beautiful. Review by Matthew Abshire Informative: 5- Though you may not learn hard facts, you'll certainly have your eyes opened to raw human emotions. Entertainment: 4- It's not really about a pet cemetery. If you can move past that fact, you'll be enthralled. Technical: 5- Some of the most beautifully shot scenes I've seen in a documentary. Some look more like art than anything else. Overall: 5- It's a film that grows on you even after you stopped watching it, and it will certainly make you do a little soul searching in the process.
Gates of Heaven
Format: DVD Year: 1980 Running Time: 85 Min Distributor: MGM Producer: Errol Morris Director: Errol Morris Date Reviewed: 4-18-2007 Story: Inspired by an article entitled "450 Dead Pets Going to Napa Valley," Errol Morris set out to capture the event which centered around the transport of hundreds of animal remains from one pet cemetery to another. Pet cemetery proprietors, embalmers, pet owners and others speak about life, work, and feelings (IMDB). This documentary asks the question, why are pets so important to us? Are they a symbol of something more?