The Bridge (2006)
Tonight I went to the Canadian premiere of The Bridge at the Bloor Cinema in Toronto (part of Hot Docs film festival). This film is fascinating.
Yes, there is a lot of footage of people jumping off the bridge and it is unsettling to watch. But, there are some compelling interviews with family and friends of the people that commit suicide. Why did they jump? Were there many warning signs? Could their suicides have been prevented?
In the film, there is an incredible account from one young man that survived a jump off the bridge in 2000. He landed on his feet when he hit the water at 120 km/hour and broke his back. Before he jumped he was crying and confused. A German tourist approached him and instead of asking if he was okay, she asked him if he would take her picture!
A lot of the pedestrian traffic on the bridge simply watch as people climb over the railing and jump to their death. Occasionally the police arrive in time to talk people out of jumping or arrest them for attempting to jump.
I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen while watching The Bridge. I felt like I became one of the camera operators, constantly scanning the pedestrian traffic, wondering who might be at the end of their rope.
People that you thought might jump, don’t. A man is shown laughing and talking on his cell phone. Without warning he quickly finishes his call, puts down his phone, climbs over the railing and jumps to his death. Why?
Director, Eric Steel was at the film and held a very interesting Q&A. He’s taken a lot of criticism for filming the suicides. What most people don’t know is that he and his film crew prevented 6 people from jumping off the bridge.
Whenever they suspected someone might jump, they called the police. Unfotunately 23 people gave little to no warning that they were about to jump. 
Official film website
Movie trailer
Films are rated from 1 to 4 stars.
Stumble It!Posted in Movie Reviews at 11:38 PM
Comments
It sounds incredibly intense. I’d never heard of it until now.
Are you familiar with Michael Franti? I’ve just ordered his film I know I’m not alone and can’t wait to see it. I’m having several friends over for the viewing. Can we borrow your home theater?
Posted by: Jennifer on December 7, 2006 10:51 AM
The Bridge is very intense and brings to light an important problem in our society.
I Know I’m Not Alone wasn’t on my radar and I’ve never hear of Michael Franti until now. I just downloaded I Know I’m Not Alone and will definitely be watching his film. Thanks for the recommendation!
BTW, if you haven’t seen the film Why We Fight then you’ll want to add it to your list.
Posted by: Jay Kerr on December 7, 2006 11:20 AM
Franti (and Spearhead) are my current obsession. The “Everyone Deserves Music” CD is among my absolute favorite. Every single song just resonates.
Posted by: Jennifer on December 7, 2006 12:35 PM
Michael Franti was part of the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy and went on to front a band called Spearhead.
Speaking of Iraq war docs, you need to see The War Tapes. Very compelling.
Posted by: James on December 7, 2006 1:15 PM
A friend of mine went to see Franti/Spearhead in concert when they were in Toronto recently. He said it was a great concert and gave me one of their discs to listen to. I’ll check out the ‘Everyone Deserves Music’ disc.
Posted by: Jay Kerr on December 7, 2006 1:26 PM
I knew of it, but was worried it’d be too much for me … now I think I may see it. It sounds amazing.
Posted by: Shiz on January 1, 2007 11:31 AM
