Has anyone seen the documentary called The Bridge? I’ve searched and can’t find anything about it. Filmed on the Golden Gate Bridge, over the course of a year and captured at least (sources vary on the amount) 24 suicides and one survivor, as well as interviewing the loved ones of Gene Sprauge, that was (supposedly) most profiled, it opened in the US last month. According to the director, six people were also prevented from making the jump. And it should be noted, that from what I’ve read, this wasn’t the goal of the movie anyway, but a byproduct.
So, since it’s thus far been in such a limited release, have any of you guys even heard of it? I’ve found a couple of articles that relate, like this particular one in the San Francisco Chronicle, another at another The Independent and finally, a transcript from a 20/20 episode. I can’t yet vouch for the veracity of these pieces or say how interesting they are, but there ya go. At this time, according to the IMDb, it’s only in California and ( ? ) Illinois. Although October had New York listed and January 12th for the UK.
Further, it has instigated more discussions about Luminous Veils, as seen there namely on the Prince Edward Viaduct.
There is also an official site, where you’ll also find a trailer. I’m curious to hear y’all’s opinions. Right now, I’m going through the message board that has lots of notes from Eric Steel (director) and, I believe, Kevin Hines (the fellow who lived over it). It’s amazing and I can’t wait to own it.
Never heard of this movie before, but it sounds awesome! I love documentaries with dark, controversial subjects. And bridges, too.
It should make it to Santa Monica or Hollywood eventually (all movies have to play for at least a week in L.A. County to be Oscar-eligible) but I’ll probably wait for the DVD.
Oh, and I like how the director’s name is Eric Steel. Get it? “Bridge”? “Steel”? Aw, screw it…
I’ve been over it several times, but can’t seem to remember what was ever put up, if anything, to try and prevent these events, is there no netting or is it just a handrail or what?
I love the Golden Gate Bridge. I drive across it a couple times a week and I love how it looks from the Northern approach when it’s steeped in fog, or at night when it gives off this beautiful glow, or how it feels to drive under the two supports with that rust orange looming above you.
And I know that if I saw this movie (which has been out here for a week or two), I could never look at the bridge again without seeing in my mind’s eye these tragic souls hurling themselves into the bay.
I don’t care how good it is (and the reviews have been decidedly mixed), but that’s reason enough for me to avoid it.
I’m glad I’m not alone, KGS and Cat Fight. Many on the IMDb see it as voyeuristic and macabre. As someone who has been there and done that (but not in that particular manner), I think perhaps understanding the psychology of someone else completing, or just attempting, suicide might help those out there struggling to comprehend it for themselves and others to cope with the loss of loved ones.
And yes, I got the ‘Steel’ thing right away.
Operation Ripper, the film has only been out for a month and I would assume that the year long taping took place just relatively short of that, so I’d think that would mean no Luminous Veils had been put up in the interim (and definitely not before). However, it seems to be hotly debated in various communities against it because it detracts (their words) from the inherent beauty the structures provide. As is, there are only handrails on the Golden Gate, but it’s said that foot traffic to and from, which is what is needed to jump, is difficult to come by. I’m in Texas and have never visited, so I have no idea if that is correct or not.
I can also appreciate your point of view too, ArchiveGuy. As for as I know, I’ve never intentionally even witnessed anything with an intentional graphic display of human violence. Think “Cops,” if you will. Viewing a real death on screen would have rendered me running in the opposite direction. But as I noted above, this feels different to me somehow. Although, I vigorously agree that those not interested, for whatever reason, should have their point of view absolutely respected nor ridiculed in any way. I want you to continue loving the bridge. That’s as it should be for you and it remain untarnished.
Heh, yeah, I didn’t mean to ask if something had been put up recently, just that has anything ever been done, I was wondering if perhaps as with other popular suicide locations, just because a device was erected didn’t mean that people weren’t still able to still overcome it. According to Wiki and you, however, the answer seems to be no, incredibly, other than putting up a sign. Talking over 1000 people, per Wiki, and nothing substantive.
I’m not sure if the Prince Edward Viaduct has been successful or not. I don’t know if we could find statistics that would tell how many suicide attempts had been thwarted. But you’d definitely think the numbers would be out there for those that were able to follow through to completion. Sadly, I’m just not that good with searching for stuff. Shoot, I’m not even positive I could figure out how to look for other bridges with that same set up in place. Sorry.
