When a documentary about any subject raises controversy, you have to think there's some truth within the production for all the fuss to be kicked up about it. If it was untrue, why would anyone bother? Outrage is undoubtedly controversial, mainly because it pulls no punches in saying what it wants to say, naming whoever needs to be named in the process. Although it takes some pages out of Michael Moore's rulebook of documentary filmmaking, it nevertheless is an interesting and strangely fun watch.
Outrage is a documentary which focuses on closeted homosexual politicians who are part of political parties that stand against gay people and their rights. It covers a broad range of angles surrounding the main issue, sometimes focusing explicitly on specific people in political power.
Kirby Dick - the documentary filmmaker behind such works as This Film Is Not Yet Rated and Twist of Faith - asks with the Outrage the fascinating question, "Why are closeted gay politicians the ones who end up standing the most against gay rights?" It seems an obvious question to ask, but Dick realises it's an important issue and question to raise. In trying to get to the root of the issue, Dick explicitly outs some quite high powered politicians, from Florida Governor Charlie Crist to Senator Larry Craig, who to this day still (publicly) deny their sexuality. The evidence provided within the documentary is compelling, even if it's quite tactfully used - Michael Moore I'm sure would be proud.
Maybe that isn't fair - to compare any documentary with the work of Mr. Moore would be to accuse it of concealing a lot of the truth through skillful editing, and being purposefully and carefully patched together to make its point. Outrage never really goes that far, although I suspect from a closeted gay Republican's point of view, there isn't enough concentration given to the opposing side of the argument. The compelling evidence Dick gives here probably overshadows any need for that for those who are with him in what he's saying, though.
Where the real similarity between Moore's work and Outrage is in just how much of a fun watch it is. It's not something you can say very often about a documentary - trying watching Hearts and Minds or The Fog of War and tell me you had fun - but there's a certain spark and energy about the whole thing. It's a serious issue, undoubtedly, but Dick makes sure it isn't all doom and gloom. A set of on-screen text (design) that reoccurs throughout the movie - showing such things as the barrage of "no" votes from these politicians on homosexual's right to marriage or HIV/AIDS support - appear at just the right moments to give it the feel of a joke's punchline. You can add an "ny" to the end of that word "fun," too.
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