The Bridge (film)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| The Bridge | |
|---|---|
 The first feature length film about Scientology |
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| Directed by | Brett Hanover |
| Produced by | Tom Padgett |
| Written by | Brett Hanover |
| Starring | Carole Smith Bill Baker Tom Padgett |
| Distributed by | free-media online release |
| Release date(s) | September 10, 2006 |
| Running time | 69 minutes |
| Country | Norway |
| Language | English |
| Budget | USD$10,000[1] |
| Official website | |
| All Movie Guide profile | |
| IMDb profile | |
This article forms part of a series on Scientology |
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Concepts
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The Bridge is a 69-minute low-budget feature[2] film, directed by filmmaker Brett Hanover.
A fictional story of involvement and disillusionment with Scientology, the film explicitly uses Scientology terms throughout, going so far as to include clips from actual Scientology promotional and training videos. It was released[3] as a free download over the internet on September 10, 2006 by the filmmaker.
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[edit] Production
Former Scientologists were involved in the production of the film[4]. The movie utilized some clips from the Scientology-produced video, How to Use Dianetics: A Visual Guidebook to the Human Mind,[1] as well as archival footage of Ron Miscavige.[1]
The film was shot over a five-day period at a hotel in Norway, in order to avoid what the production team thought could be potential interference from Scientologists.[1] The film was shot in Black-and-white, but makes use of color to highlight certain objects or themes.[1]
[edit] Synopsis
The brochure of the Indie Memphis film festival stated that The Bridge was the "first feature film" about the Church Of Scientology[5]. While it is set against the background of the Church of Scientology and the Sea Org, the characters and situations depicted are fictional.
"Diane Wheat", portrayed by Carole Smith, is a Scientologist who becomes disillusioned with Scientology over the course of the film.[5] A parallel plot follows the father of another Scientologist who attempts to get his daughter to leave Scientology (the father is played by Tom Padgett)[1]. The story touches on such Scientology-related issues as the suppressive person doctrine, the state of Clear, security checks, disconnection, Scieno Sitter, and the Church's secret "upper level" teachings, including the story of Xenu, as well as including a reference to the South Park episode: Trapped in the Closet.
The film ends with a written dedication: For all who speak out - for those who have been silenced.[6]
[edit] Screening
The film premièred at Operation Clambake 10 year anniversary in Norway on September 2, 2006,[7] and was shown at the 9th annual Indie Memphis Film Festival, in October 2006:
The venue allowed Brett Hanover, an 18-year-old college student studying film, to screen a new movie he's produced about the Church of Scientology called "The Bridge." This year will be his second time participating in the festival.
"It's definitely the hometown festival," he said. "In a way, it's sort of limiting as far as what gets seen, but for me and other local filmmakers it's an extremely important resource for getting your films out there and serving as a springboard to go elsewhere."[8]
The film aired on October 16, 2006, as a feature presentation.[9]
[edit] Film distribution
The film was initially released[3] as a free download over the Internet in September 2006.
With regard to public distribution, the credits at the end of the film itself stated:
The Bridge' is licensed as royalty-free digital media, and may be distributed online for personal viewing without permission. All offline distribution rights are reserved by Brett Hanover.[3]
Within a few weeks of its release, Hanover removed The Bridge from its public distribution sites.[10] He had stated on his website, that "due to copyright issues, I ask that this film be withdrawn from circulation... Do not contact me concerning this film, I am no longer supporting it".[1]
Despite Hanover's request, digital copies of the film continue to circulate on the internet. The removal of this film from the internet was reported on by Jeanette Walls,[10] in an MSNBC gossip column.
Hanover's Web site no longer contains any requests not to distribute the film, nor any references to the film at all.[11]
[edit] Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Bill Baker | Scientology leader |
| Nathan Berry | 2nd Protestor |
| Adam Craycroft | Protestor |
| Brian Forrest | Micah D. Greenstein |
| Diana Heaton | Amy Grey |
| Ron Miscavige | Himself, archival footage |
| Tom Padgett | Richard Grey - father |
| Paulette Regan | Richard's Ex-Wife |
| Linley Schmidt | Newscaster |
| Carole Smith | Diane Wheat |
[edit] See also
- List of Scientology references in popular culture
- Scieno Sitter
- The Friend of Mankind
- The Profit
- Trapped in the Closet (South Park)
[edit] External links
- Official site
- Media
- "The Scoop", Jeanette Walls, Oct 30, 2006.
- Watch the movie
- The Bridge Movie Critic of Scientology website hosting the film.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f g The Bridge (2006/III), Internet Movie Database, 2007, Internet Movie Database Inc.
- ^ The Bridge, All Movie Guide, Category: Feature., retrieved 3/7/07.
- ^ a b c Film Credits: The Bridge' is licensed as royalty-free digital media, and may be distributed online for personal viewing without permission. All offline distribution rights are reserved by Brett Hanover.
- ^ Festival Highlights, Memphis Flyer, Flyer Staff, October 12, 2006.
The Bridge, Hometowner Feature, Monday, October 16th, 8:45 p.m. - ^ a b Film Synopses, Indie Memphis, "Soul of Southern Film Festival, October 13-19, 2006.
- ^ The Bridge, Brett Hanover, Dedication, before ending credits., September 2006.
- ^ Operation Clambake 10 year anniversary
- ^ Annual indie festival strives to set itself apart, The Daily News, Memphis, Tennessee, Andy Meek, Vol. 121, No. 191, September 28, 2006.
- ^ 2006 Film Schedule, Indie Memphis, "Soul of Southern Film Festival, October 13-19, 2006.
- ^ a b "The Scoop", Jeanette Walls, Oct 30, 2006. Speculation by Mark Bunker on why the film was removed from the internet.
- ^ bretthanover.com, Main page., retrieved 2007-03-07.
