by Ariana Pekary, producer
The first scene of Into the Abyss: a Tale of Death, a Tale of Life by German filmmaker Werner Herzog ends with Reverend Richard Lopez breaking down in tears. An hour later, he will be escorting Michael Perry to his death in the execution chamber in Texas and you can see the stress that event puts on this man who otherwise seems to be at peace.
Based on that alone, you expect the film to be a methodical examination as to why the death penalty should be banned. I can’t say that’s not the end effect for many folks, but this documentary takes the audience on a much wider track and fairly portrays each perspective: the families of the convicted as well as the families of the victims. There is something in this film for everyone to learn.
To find the film in a theater near you, click here: http://movies.zap2it.com/movies/into-the-abyss/8895373.