Look Into My Eyes

In the film *Look Into My Eyes*, a doctor consults a psychic to help her process the death of a little girl who died in her ER. Is this seemingly intelligent woman deluded? Are any of the clients who seek out those who profess to have otherworldly powers out of their minds for doing so? And what about these so-called magic people? Do they truly believe in their ability to speak with the dead and see into the future? The film doesn't ask.

Instead, this documentary on psychics who work around Manhattan doesn't judge its subjects. Rather, the viewer is simply presented with people (most of whom are frustrated, if not failed, actors) who are as confused and hurting as anyone who feels the need for supernatural guidance.

Personally, I appreciated the lack of judgment throughout the picture. By not putting anyone on the defensive, we are allowed to glimpse this world with the mask off. None of the clairvoyants seem confident in their alleged powers. They all express doubt. One man is devastated when his attempt to read someone fails spectacularly, appearing genuinely hurt when his talent falters.

In fact, the sadness throughout the film is hard to miss. As the movie reaches its conclusion, one thing becomes clear: we all carry a lot of trauma, and some of us are willing to try anything to resolve it. Humans don't want to believe that bad things happen just because they happen. We are desperate to make the incomprehensible make sense. And people don't care if you have to fabricate answers to give them that solace. After all, which would you prefer: a world where a little girl is shot dead and that's the end, or one where her death is the beginning of a brand new adventure?

Of course, death is death. No, you don't go on to other things when you take your last breath. But while that may be the truth, the truth doesn't always set you free.

I felt embarrassed watching these self-proclaimed psychics fumble through these readings, stating vague information that or could not make sense (when they don't, they just brush it off) to the person being "read". These "psychics" continue to ask for more and more information from their subjects while they spew more nonsense that never really confirms that they are speaking to the other side.

These folks seem like actors, skilled (in some cases) at keeping a conversation going even if they're just talking in circles. I'm all about there being a connection to the other side, but this does nothing to prove or convince me of anything. These readings look like a theater student forgetting their lines or having an awkward experience at an improv class. Oof, this missed the mark for me.

The storytelling by Lana was superb as was the cinematography and lighting. This became not a story about if psychic readings are true, but how people can heal through this sort of interaction. We get to know the people going to the readers and then the readers themselves, how they found their individual gifts and how they came to offering readings. The pacing was good and Lana delicately weaves the 7 psychics with multiple clients that culminate into an emotional climax that is both heartfelt and rewarding. It was funny and deeply moving with a few pull at the heartstring moments. Def watch!!

Like most people in life, both the "psychics" and clients in this film need emotional attention, want to feel special, and find meaning in life. The answers to our biggest questions in life are unanswerable. The heavy-duty theatrical theme and overly dramatic moments that run through this documentary reveals a complete lack of credibility. Anyone can use their intuition, empathy, and compassion to help people seeking solace. People with confidence who are in tune with themself and their environment can logically work out issues and found solutions. If you want to have a psychic reading for fun, go ahead. If you need a help to work out a situation, talk to someone you know and trust. If you're grappling with real trauma, please seek help from someone with a Master's Degree in Counseling.

Not sure what the intention was for this documentary. Exposing fake or terrible psychics? It does a disservice to the subject matter. There are some talented mediums who don't prey on people. I can't tell if these psychics are just terrible or fraudulent. Either way, each one of them show many signs of depression. That is exploitive. Is it expose' or exploitation? Problematic either way. If expose' was intended, perhaps we should have been able to hear from psychics with a solid reputation to fairly try to defend the subject matter. I've had some good experiences with psychics where the information could be validated by me without leading the psychic.