Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story

Yes, we have heard of Dr. Cammermeyer in Australia! She is an inspiring lady and this television movie is a fascinating insight, despite lacking in much of the detail, into her struggle with archaic laws and red tape.

We also get just a glimpse into Dr. Cammermeyer's personal and family life, as well as an opportunity to learn something of the true nature of homosexuality and the life of the homosexual.

This movie is a MUST SEE for everyone, whatever your views might be on this subject. You won't get a hard-sell on the so-called 'gay lifestyle,' but you will gain a greater understanding of the personal side of this issue ... and a greater appreciation for a lady of conscience who couldn't help but pursue truth.

As for the actors, Glenn Close does a fine job and is convincing in the title role. And I always enjoy watching my fellow Aussie, Judy Davis.

Get the video for your next gathering of Homophobics Anonymous.

My partner and I have been watching a lot of these true movies lately, and this is a real gem. It illustrates how society was (and in some parts of the world still is) struggling with true tolerance towards all that is different and doesn't fit into a neat traditional box. The actors are all very convincing, and unless you are of the narrow-minded, intolerant persuasion, you will be rooting for Glenn Close's character throughout! It is beautifully shot, and not overly sentimental, yet very moving. With the current fuss about the Olympics in Russia, this film seems to be timeless and relevant even all those years later. Maybe some societies still need to catch up. If you get a chance to watch this, do!

Ten years after it was made, this film is more relevant than ever. Glenn Close is brilliant as Col. Cammermeyer.

This film could not have been more well-made. Technically it is sublime. The acting is perfect. The story is clearly told such that any viewer could understand Cammermeyer's situation. And the love story is touching and beautiful.

This film deserves to be seen by every American. It should be required viewing for all American military personnel. It puts a face on the greatest injustice ever inflicted by America's armed forces, an injustice that is still far from being eliminated. It is a story that needs to be told today and every day until Americans wake up and stand up for justice. America's gay soldiers have been abused and had their lives ruined by the US Armed Forces for far too long, even as gay soldiers serve in a far more heroic fashion than their straight counterparts.

This TV movie co-produced by Barbra Streisand gained controversy because of a kiss between Glenn Close and Judy Davis. It's hard to know why since it's not the first representation of lesbianism on TV and the kiss itself looks pretty strained.

Director Jeff Bleckner presents Close as a real life Washington National Guard nurse who is discharged from the Army for `immoral conduct' after revealing her sexual orientation, although she argues that her relationship doesn't incorporate `conduct'. What we see is a lot of intense eye contact between Close and Davis as her artist girlfriend and a fair share of hugging, though Close tends to hug practically everyone she meets. Davis is presented as the ideal femme partner. She's supportive, she says all the right things, the family likes her and she is funny, particularly when she is outed `on prime time'.

The script by Alison Cross is tight and intelligent, thankfully focusing more on relationships than Cammermeyer's trial, and Bleckner allows the two actors to create a subtle interplay. Close has fun with the butch army stereotype and is moving when she confesses to her sons, her tears bursting forth.

I saw this years ago, and recently found a copy of the video in a used/secondhand video store.

A remarkable drama, with a fine performance by Glenn Close, this is a tightly woven and deeply touching & affecting film.

Kudos.