THE CASE AGAINST 8 is a gripping and revealing documentary following the overturning of California’s controversial Proposition 8. Beginning in 2008, this ban on same-sex marriage came as a shock to the LGBT+ community, and was exceptionally regressive in terms of civil rights. Taking place over 5 years, this film follows two gay couples who become plaintiffs, two big named and important lawyers from opposing political backgrounds, and the American Foundation for Equal Rights, on the journey to bring same-sex marriage back to California.
California is considered one of the more liberal, free and open-minded states, especially when it comes to inclusion and acceptance of gay people; a fact that makes proposition 8 even more of a vicious and demeaning legislation. THE CASE AGAINST 8 isn’t just about the fight to overturn the ban: it offers a huge insight into all 4 of the plaintiffs’ lives. The two couples this film follows are Jeff Zarrillo and Paul Katami, and Kris Perry and Sandy Stier. Their interview segments, intercut with the case unravelling on film provide a strong emotive and powerful affect. These plaintiffs’ stories drive the message home: for so long they were being ignored for who they are, and their love was not permitted. When we see these heroic couples breaking down in tears of either upset or passion towards the case, it’s clear that this is heart-breaking for them, and is documented in such a way that we really empathise with them.
Something very interesting about this case is the two important lawyers involved in this case. Both Ted Olson, a republican, and David Boies, a Democrat, join forces on something that they believe in despite being from two very different political backgrounds. Both lawyers have been involved in high profile court cases in the past, most notably Olson’s work with George Bush as an opposing attorney in Bush v Gore. They come together on the lawsuit otherwise known as Perry v. Schwarzenegger to overturn the Proposition 8 ban on gay marriage.
Cotner and White have managed to capture the human spirit and drive to change the world…
Thoroughly captivating, the film commands attention not only from what it’s documenting but also through its competent structure and production; the strong pacing and Blake Neely’s poignant music also add to the emotive effect. Directors Ben Cotner and Ryan White have managed to capture the human spirit and drive to change the world: as long as you fight these battles they can be won. The film’s only glaring weakness occurs in its overlong lingering on the reading of courtroom scripts. An array of courtroom jargon is forced onto the audience, severely detracting from the films otherwise engaging tone.
There is of course a considerable amount of upset and sadness, as well as anger and disgust, but one unexpected aspect of the film is how it provokes laughter considering the seriousness of the case. Unexpected moments of humour come from over exaggerated pro-prop 8 advertisements, to supporters of the proposition who think gay people corrupt and convert children because the internet told them so. Cotner and White frequently lighten the mood at the expense of ignorance and discrimination.
Overall, THE CASE AGAINST 8 is an enormously mesmerising look into the constant struggles of LGBT+ people, and their battle to be recognised and respected in society as human beings who understand love, and yearn acceptance and inclusion.
httpvh://youtu.be/oTePSfZ0y20