"The Gay Marriage Thing" Review
Written by Mathius Mack Gertz
November 21, 2008
Read the review on the Film Arcade website

The first few moments of THE GAY MARRIAGE THING paints a picture of what it means to be a family. Gayle and Lorre, thirty-something college sweethearts who marked their 15th anniversary a year after the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled a ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional, form the heart of this documentary scrapbook. From the protests outside the Massachusetts State House, to the churches of the Reverends Rich Wiesenbach and Carlton Smith, to the historic chambers echoing State Representative Kathi-Anne Reinstein's perspective, and to how all of these voices swirl in the air around Gayle and Lorre as they approach May 17, 2004, the first date same-sex couples could file for marriage licenses in Massachusetts. While eavesdropping on the emotional and spiritual toll this issue has taken upon all parties, the story carries forth to the everyday angst and anticipation of Lorre and Gayle's own wedding. THE GAY MARRIAGE THING is not some historical commentary on the history of gay rights in the United States. It is instead a small story with big implications. By focusing on one suburban couple and the multitude of events that directly affect their otherwise average life, THE GAY MARRIAGE THING strives to show a different side of this issue.

This film is cinematic in its storytelling, rather than journalistic in its reporting. It keeps your interest and like all good and controversial films inspires conversation. While director/producer Stephanie Higgins definitely has a point of view, she handles it with a light touch and works to encourage thought on the part of her audience. It was a shame that the film is only forty seven minutes as I found myself wanting more by the end.

Considering that the events surrounding the film took place almost four and a half years ago and with the gay marriage initiative on the California ballot this coming November, it would be a good idea to do a follow up to the people and events of the story and build another forty five minutes or so. I know that I would like to see what has happened to this newly married couple who would by now be celebrating their twentieth year together. Nevertheless, the film is still timely, controversial and relevant.

As I get older and my opinions harden, I find less and less patience and time to examine my values and beliefs. It takes a lot to get me to change my point of view and I suppose the same is true for most of you. As a long time fan of documentary film, I watch them more and more to gain fresh insight and support for long held beliefs but not to examine those beliefs. I will not air my beliefs on gay marriage here as this is not the forum for that. I will only say that THE GAY MARRIAGE THING has given me cause to reexamine certain perspectives. That is saying much for a short documentary in this day and age or in any day and age for that matter. I highly recommend that you view this film online through Amazon VOD or purchase it for $17.99 from Amazon's CreateSpace marketplace and share it with friends and family. If you are a school teacher and want to start a discussion in your class room on any aspect of the subject of gay marriage, this documentary is a gem that ought not to be overlooked. It is not as easy to acquire as it might be if it was available through Netflix or Blockbuster, but it is well worth the effort.