Doc Corner: 'Trapped' a Timely Reminder in the Supreme Court's Shadow
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 10:33AM Glenn here and welcome to Doc Corner where we're going to bring you reviews of documentaries, hopefully on a weekly basis, from theatres, festivals, and on demand, as well as special features that shine a light on the medium's history and future.
Every few years a documentary about abortion comes along to soberly remind us just how backwards attitudes continue to be towards women’s reproduction rights and just how unbalanced the debate is regarding women’s bodily autonomy in America. Trapped is a new film by Dawn Porter – probably best known for her debut feature Gideon’s Army – and is just the latest on this volatile topic, but while it may lack the epic scope and cinematic power of Tony Kaye’s Lake of Fire, it does work similarly to Martha Shane and Lana Wilson’s After Tiller in the way it examines the more intimate details of the doctors, nurses, and patients and how they each navigate the hostile terrain that so frequently and strongly comes under fire (sometimes literally) from extreme religious zealots and government officials who seek to bring a round-about end to abortion through the only avenues they can.
Trapped– so named after the “TRAP” (aka Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers) laws that figure most prominently throughout and which seek to place virtually insurmountable locational and financial burdens on doctor clinics that would see the number of clinics in Texas reduced from 42 to 10 – finds itself in an interesting position, being released this month. Abortion, sadly, remains a hot button topic and as of right now the case of Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt is currently being heard by the Supreme Court. In fact, in the final title cards of the movie, this date with destiny is referenced. More...
That both the case and the film come so closely on the heels of the death of Justice Antonin Scalia is but a mere coincidence, yet it can’t help but offer the film a secondary level of vital importance.
Viewers of Trapped will no doubt be biased, just as Porter is. Certainly, there’s nothing that says she has to offer both sides of the story, rather it’s what a filmmaker does with their biases that determines the success of a film. It is unfortunate that there’s no real visual style to speak of, yet the quiet dignity that Porter offers the brave men and women at the heart of Trapped is refreshing that then allows the film to find its power in highlighting the good of its subjects rather than the hate of their opponents. There is a heartbreaking power and simple refinement to many passages of the film including a brief detour to the famous filibuster of Texas state senator Wendy Davis, scenes in which nurses have to call patients, including a 13-year-old rape survivor, that they will no longer be able to fulfil their scheduled appointments, and one moment of blissful levity in which a clinic nurse details her manipulation of the clinic’s front lawn sprinkler system to deter a particularly vigilant protester.
It is in moments like this that the film makes a stand for its existence amid all of the other documentaries on the subject. Porter shows a deft hand at level-headedness and being, essentially, the bigger person in the fight for reproductive rights. She will unlikely sway anybody whose feelings are already made up on the topic, but for pro-choice supporters Trapped stands as a supportive and affirming document of their struggles to allow women access to the rights they deserve.
Dawn Porter, director of 'Trapped'
Release: Currently screening in NY, LA and DC to capitalize on the Supreme Court case with plans to expand as well as event screenings. Will air on PBS in June.
Oscar Prospects: Could actually depend entirely on how the Supreme Court ruling falls. Sometimes public mood about issues can affect their chances as much as the quality of the film. Lake of Fire and After Tiller each proved popular with awards bodies though so you'll likely hear more about it throughout the year.
Reader Comments (4)
there’s no real visual style to speak of
A luxury for documentaries and porn.
Glenn, I am so excited that this will be a regular column! I love your documentary pieces.
I remember quite liking Gideon's Army but part of that might have been because I don't think we've had many documentaries on young public defenders before. As you point out, we get an abortion documentary every few years so Trapped won't seem as unique, but it sounds like it might stand out regardless.
Suzanne, I'm so happy you're looking forward to it. I hope I can keep it up! haha.
I haven't seen GIDEON'S ARMY, although I know it has many fans (of which you are now another).
Duly noted.