Review by Zandro Salvo.

Strange Culture stays true to its title as it explores the climate of fear in today’s America. Using actors, animation, stock footage, and testimonials from key figures, this film depicts the unfortunate events surrounding the death of Hope Kurtz. The wife of activist and art professor Steve Kurtz, Hope was organizing an art exhibit about genetically modified food when she died suddenly. Test tubes and petri dishes are found strewn around the couple’s apartment when medics respond to Steve’s 911 call. The medics grow suspicious and report their findings to the FBI. With scientific paraphernalia scattered around the house and a woman dead before her time, the temperature of America's political climate is taken. With paranoia and fear running rampant, suspicions are raised about Steve Kurtz’s potential involvement in bio terrorism. While Steve is likeable, his charisma alone isn't able to carry the weight of his proclaimed innocence.

The filmmaker's choice to release the film while Kurtz is still awaiting the trial certainly does not help the viewer form a well informed judgment of the accused. For legal reasons, many facts are not allowed to be talked about and, more importantly, the side of the prosecution, the U.S. government, is understandably absent. This story does, however, take a clear snap shot of our time, as his story is presented in a logical manner with the actors, both as themselves and as their characters, discussing America’s political agenda. In doing so, one cannot help but side with Steve Kurtz - and with common sense. On that level, the film definitely succeeds.

Strange Culture
Lynn Hershman Leeson | USA | 2007 | 76min

Wed. Oct. 3 | 8:45pm | Empire Granville Theatre
Sat. Oct. 6 | 1:30pm | Empire Granville Theatre
Wed. Oct. 10 | 6:00pm | Empire Granville Theatre