Motherhood on Trial. - movie reviews

What effects did the Christian fundamentalism of southern small-town culture have on the life of Susan Smith before, during, and after the time she strapped her two children into the back seat of her car and let the vehicle slide into a South Carolina lake? This question is explored through a complex tapestry of sound and image in this unique video by the Women's Film Project. A dramatic reading of Susan Smith's confession is intercut with a variety of interpretations of her actions, contrasting the meaning that five South Carolina women, the news media, politicians, and conservative religious leaders draw from the case.

Among the ideas explored is the view-held both by Susan Smith and many who have visited the site of the tragedy-that her children are better off now that they are in heaven. Producer and director Lynn Estomin also probes the role of women in southern society and the expectation, placed upon them by their faith, that they give up all sense of self to serve family and community. Could such an ethic of total selfsacrifice have a role in driving one sexually abused, rejected, and overworked mother over the brink? Some in Smith's community can't imagine how, while others wonder if "there, but for the grace of God, go I" The social, religous, and psychological issues are complex, with opinions affected by the background, experiences, and agenda of whoever is interpreting the events.

This discussion-provoking 26-minute video is available from the Film, maker's Library (212-808-4980).

Frederick Edwords is editor of The Humanist.

COPYRIGHT 1997 American Humanist Association
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group