It's a pity to see such a compelling — and, most definitely, explosive — subject as the treatment of gay and lesbian Jews addressed in such a predictable, superficial and pedestrian fashion as it is in "Trembling Before G-d."
Which is not to say that this 2001 documentary is completely worthless. It's not. The problem here is that there are too many stories for any single feature film to examine in any sort of depth — let alone an 80-minute film.
"Trembling Before G-d" (the title makes reference to the manner in which Orthodox Jews refer to deity) would have been better focusing on one or two stories instead of trying to be definitive or all-inclusive on the subject.
There are also too many redundant interviews with psychiatrists and rabbis, all of whom start to sound the same. Similarly, the interviews with the film's anonymous subjects (shown in shadow and referred to by pseudonyms) become repetitive.
Among the more compelling stories are those of David, from Los Angeles, whose father is a Hebrew schoolteacher, and Israel Fishman, an activist who seems resigned to an unhappy life. Both believe that their pleas for acceptance and understanding have fallen on deaf ears, as their religious leaders and scripture refer to their homosexuality as an abomination and advocate deadly penalties for their sin — which makes reconciling the personal and religious beliefs difficult, if not impossible.
That's a heavy subject for any filmmaker to broach, and it definitely exceeds the skills of first-time director Sandi Simcha Dubowski, who includes a lot of footage that could and should have been pruned. (Who cares about watching David walk his dog in the rain?)
Still, the film offers glimpses into Judaism not normally seen on the big screen — even if the view is a bit skewed.
"Trembling Before G-d" is not rated but would probably receive a PG-13 for use of some mild, religiously based profanity and discussion of adult themes, including homosexuality. Running time: 80 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com