Family Fundamentals (2002) Reviews

• not half bad

  John-4442006-07-24

  This is an interesting idea which sadly drifts from its central notion: unpacking the beliefs of fundamentalist Christians intolerant of their children's homosexuality. Three families are examined, with varying degrees of success due to a lack of cooperation by two of them. Former Congressman Bob Dornan's feelings are a matter of public record, luckily, which rescues the segments with his former aide, who was like a son to him. The Mormon family either abandons the project at its outset, or cravenly manipulated their son and the filmmaker in order to make their point. This is a real tragedy as they seem to be the most venomous critics of homosexuality. The pacing and technical aspects are pretty shaky, and too much is given to exploring the hurt feelings of the children. Isn't their hurt rather obvious? The treatment they receive would elicit sympathy from anyone (aside from those likely to inflict these wounds in the first place). More time should have been given to fleshing out the objections of fundamentalists (some of which is done nicely in the extra features on the DVD). More time should have been given to refuting the misstatements of fact that they make in their condemnations. In short, compelling characters provide some heartbreaking drama as they find themselves in families where neither love nor hate are reciprocated. Could have been really illuminating, but strays into the comfort of coming-out war stories.

• wolves in fool's clothing

  brunodutch2006-03-10

  The real problem with this film is that the so-called Christians are all so self-obsessed and vain, so full of the cruelty born of ignorance that it's very difficult not to hurl bricks at the screen. The Mormon has it worst. But in my experience Mormons persecute their gay children more venomously than any other denomination. In the case of the 'support group' run by the 'Spatula Ministries' (I'm not making that up) that the children of these half-wits talk to them at all displays a level of tolerance wholly undeserved. As for Brian and his mentor Bob Dornen... I can't for the life of me think why he would have wasted five minutes of his life on such a pig. His speech on the floor of the house is one of the more repulsive displays I've ever witnessed. Though he manages to be quite oblivious of his racism he revels in his homophobia. That the men and women persecuted by these fools have raised themselves to live useful lives and to find some measure of personal happiness in the face of such oppression speaks volumes. This is the real value of the film. I lost most of my family when I came out and have had no contact with my father for years. If I had to do it over I might well get this film and let them see it in the hopes that they would see their own behavior in the actions of these self-righteous bigots. In time let's hope young men and women won't have to go through such torture.

• The daughter of Bill and Welda Koenig adds her comment

  reedkoenig2008-12-17

  I am the daughter of Bill and Welda Koenig. I have been with my wife for almost 13 years and we have 2 beautiful children. Until very recently, I had an ongoing (though awkward) relationship with my parents. They had accepted my children as their grandchildren, and visitations mostly centered around the kids. I have never been blind to my parents' views, that they consider my relationship an abomination, and my wife and I have come very close many times to cutting off ties with them. When my son was born in 2005, they seemed to come around, and our conversations became more civil. Then the Proposition 8 debacle came up. I had a very bad cold the Monday before the vote. I had very little voice, but I talked to my mother on the phone. I spent 20 minutes pleading with her to abstain from a Yes vote. I didn't expect she would ever vote No, but I could live with an abstention. She refused. I have lived under their threats of "consequences" my whole life, and now the tables had turned. My sadness came at my mother's unwillingness to give an inch, even though her vote wouldn't have change the outcome. At that moment, her love for me seemed petty and conditional. I realized that her decisions have never been made for my family's best interests, neither our legal nor financial well-being. So I was going to do what she would never do for me: protect my children, vigorously, from any and all threats to their well-being. As everyone knows, a documentary only tells part of the story. The story goes on. Thanks to Arthur for giving voice to average people like me who've decided to live honestly. We continue to thrive despite the voices telling us to stay hidden, and in the end, we will win.

• Confused

  jaroslaw992006-07-07

  The description was pretty honest in that the documentary covered both sides of the debate. My confusion is what purpose was accomplished with this? One side makes a statement, but doesn't back it up with facts and vice versa. I am pretty sure I have seen documentaries that have included "editorial comments" from a reputable source. For example if someone says "these are three reasons for X" no matter how stupid, the "stupid" VIEWER is going to say in their mind "I agree with this, what is the problem?" To the person who knows it is factually wrong says in their mind "I already knew this and we are not going to change this (possibly ignorant) person's mind. Why am I watching this?" Just listening to people's pain and disagreement doesn't help me much.

• Excellent Documentary of a Sensitive Subject

  tjmayerinsf2002-09-24

  This documentary depicts three families where gay members are shunned, or made to feel that "reparative therapy" is the only way they will once again be accepted by their families. Arthur Dong, director of "Coming Out Under Fire" and "Licensed to Kill", films both sides of this issue with quiet grace and subtlety.