Review: Kirby Dick’s latest documentary Outrage certainly captures the essence of that word. From the moment his film starts, it’s quite clear that he hopes to make a point that he is fed up with the current system: no more waiting, no more slow gradual change. Though it comes out about a year and half after the ‘news topics’ it discusses, this documentary’s focus is trying to recruit you to feel the way he does and to serve as a warning to get the hell out of the way if you don’t. In this regard, Outrage is a marvelous success. The emotional pull of Kirby Dick’s film is nearly impossible to deny and almost just as difficult to agree with. Hearing story after story of gay men who are so scared of being out-ed that they go to great lengths to almost attack the homosexual community is truly moving. It helps that Outrage also masterfully blends impressive graphics and animations to add weight to these complaints. But what’s most impressive is hearing the words of John McCain in particular, who (though disappointingly never interviewed directly) not only supports but encourages a fellow congressman to accept his sexual orientation. It’s a brief moment that could easily be lost among the entirety of the film, but it makes a statement that change always looks more daunting than it actually is. But of course, Outrage is not just about calling people to action. In fact, despite its success at doing so, the film seems more intent on holding a ‘sexual orientation’ trial for public officials. The problem is, Kirby Dick wants you to assume guilt based on unsubstantiated evidence. Don’t get me wrong. I’m actually putting my thoughts on these public officials aside to look at it from a ‘innocent until proven otherwise’ mentality. And frankly, there just isn’t enough to say “these officials are gay.” Unfortunately, it’s clear Outrage at times lets its emotions get the better of it- accusing anyone even remotely suspicious as it attempts to develop a ‘conspiracy theory’ instead of just admitting that individuals behave irrationally in order to avoid being ostracized. Don’t let this complaint stop you from seeing Outrage though. The problems it has should only be noted and understood, but they do not destroy the film as a whole. Kirby Dick manages to take a subject matter and an emotional response and channel it into an engaging documentary. Perhaps it is best that his film ends with a speech from Harvey Milk. There was a gay man who used his anger to help lift up his community and I believe ultimately that Outrage is an attempt to revive that spirit. For that reason alone, this is worth seeing. Review by Matthew Abshire Informative: 3- fails to uncover all the so-called conspiracies, but effectively details why people should care Entertainment: 3- tries to be an investigative piece when it’s nature is to be a call to action Technical: 4- the animation and pacing more than make up for any mistakes Overall: 3.5- oddly enough, you’ll be stirred to action while feeling sorta bad for some of the Congressmen who are “condemned” based on here-say evidence
 
Format: Theaters Year: 2009 Running Time: 87 Min Distributor: Red Envelope Entertainment and Magnolia Pictures Producer: Amy Ziering and Tanner Barklow Director: Kirby Dick Date Reviewed: 6-29-2009 Story: Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker Kirby Dick sets out to expose the hypocrisy of gay politicians who passionately criticize the LGBT community in public while concealing their own sexual orientation. In addition to exposing the secret lives of powerful policymakers -- and the damage they've inflicted on LGBT Americans -- this documentary also takes a critical look at the media's involvement in keeping homophobic politicians closeted (NetFlix).