FILM-FORWARD.COMReviews of Recent Independent, Foreign, & Documentary Films in Theaters and DVD/Home Video
CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE
A priest breaks his silence during a clerical conference at the Vatican, brandishing a
sign declaring "The Church has AIDS." Three years later in an Irish seminary, strapping
and straight Daniel (Jonathan Forbes) is summarily expelled by the reactionary clergy
after he is seen leaving the dormitory room of a would-be seducer at night. He is not
even given a chance to appeal the decision. While fighting his expulsion, he is reunited
with his former girlfriend Sinead (Catherine Walker). But Daniel's inner conflict between
his calling (with its vow of celibacy) and his relationship is rather too quickly dispelled.
It's as though a romp in the hay with Sinead is an afterthought. Concurrently, a
tenacious reporter (John Barry) investigates the suicide of a local priest while straddled
with an unnecessary subplot - a neglected and complaining wife.
The characters here are victims, heroes, or all-and-out villains, while the hot-button
issues are only superficially pressed. Lacking nuance, this torrid melodrama examines
them with the complexity of a daytime talk show, which is seemingly appropriate
given that the over-the-top climax takes place on a local chat show. For American
audiences who have followed recent Church scandals, this less-than-penetrating
exposé will be of mild interest. Kent Turner
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