4/29/2008

Documentary Film Of the Day: The Bridge...

"The Bridge" is a movie I've been putting off watching for a while because I knew it would be difficult. It's a movie about people who jump off the Golden Gate Bridge. Just a word of warning. This movie contains actual scenes of people killing themselves. That said, it is a well-done, powerful film. We learn the back stories of a number of people who jumped during 2004 from the family and friends they left behind. There is also one person who actually survives the jump. Considering it is such sad and tragic subject matter, the film is shot beautifully.

I have only been on the Golden Gate once. It was the start of my cross-country bike ride. It really is awe-inspiring and we were there on a gorgeous day. Despite the excitement of starting the trip and the striking scenery, I distinctly remember feeling uncomfortable until I was off the bridge on the opposite side. I'm not saying it has anything to do with the fact that more suicides take place there than anywhere else in North America, but I was aware of a certain spookiness while I was there.

9 comments:

Dr. Monkey Von Monkerstein said...

Bridges over long expanses of water freak me out a little. I worry they're going to collapse. I know it's irrational, but there you go.

Falwless said...

I want to see this. I remember hearing about it, but promptly forgot about it until you mentioned it. Thanks.

SkylersDad said...

This sounds very good, thanks for the tip Chris

Anonymous said...

Vikkitikkitavi & I saw this, it was very good.

GETkristiLOVE said...

Oooh, I'm digging the Netflix link. Thanks dude.

vikkitikkitavi said...

As Spooney said, we likey.

I remember once walking out to the middle of the GGB, and I was struck by two things:

1. If you look between the roadway, and the railing, you can actually see the suspended part of the bridge swinging to and fro just a little bit. Very unnerving.

2. Every 50 feet, there's a suicide hotline phone.

Dale said...

I read about this film and I think I'd like to see it. There's a bridge here in Toronto that they rigged to be jumper proof because according to the article in the newspaper, our bridge was second only to the Golden Gate for suicides. It shocked me quite a bit.

The Lady Who Doesn't Lunch: said...

I saw this film about a year ago - it's eerie, but moving. I was surprised at how Golden Gate Bridge has become a destination for suicide and how far people had traveled and how determined they were to kill themselves there.

Tenacious S said...

Our 94 year-old neighbor(when we lived in the Bay Area) told us shortly after her husband passed away that, "if it wasn't too damned far to walk, I'd jump off The Bridge." I think it is the go to place when you live out there. Can't say that I can relate, since I have massive phobias and debilitating panic disorder and could never get close enough to the edge to jump. I did manage to walk across it with Lulu and it was beautiful and overwhelming and cool and all, but never a thought of jumping. Oh, and I saw the movie and loved all the stories and the foggy feeling of the whole movie.