An Open Secret (2014)

I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

SPOILERS* This need to be watched, viewed, discussed. It puts a human angle on an inhuman subject and I am grateful it exists. It's not an objective documentary as none possibly can be, but it does allow for either side to be addressed. It covers many angles, those of the accused, the victims, the families. It shows what life can happen after for those who have suffered abuse, though all incredibly brave and tenacious. This past year (2017/2018) has taken a real gleam and shine away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood -with claims of adult abuse by high up Hollywood executives and actors. This documentary really touches on that same topical subject, though not of adults, but of children. It deals with grooming, managers, entertainers, both TV and film and the innocent victims of children and families who wanted to believe in good people in the land of opportunity.Up until recently and even as an adult, I couldn't even begin to fathom that Hollywood would attract those to exploit ambition and talent. They were all in it to work collaboratively, to push the boundaries, to collectively and artistically change the world, right? I write scripts, I idolise directors, I applaud film writers. But I think the mirage has finally dissipated for me now.I guess it should for everyone because it's that mirage that reels in both the idealistic and the hunters. That is the point. It is the land of opportunity, but sometimes that comes at a cost- a cost that should not be present, cannot be regulated and continues to act above the law. It is terrifying to think how high it goes. If any of you have seen The Keepers- it was all rather familiar to that. Though this time, the power was the dream of making it and the fear of not, the Archdiocese was nowhere to be found.I found this harder to watch than I anticipated. Perhaps not only due to the content and theme but the injustice of it all, the lives ruined and the lack of retribution. I really do thank the filmmakers for taking the time and effort to make such a sensitive and balanced piece, for the victims who have spoken out and all those who were interviewed in it (well, bar one- you know who). It's important to keep this dialogue current, as it seems, it is not going anywhere- thank God we live in times now where we can at least have an independent documentary about it.

I give 10/10 to this documentary, although I don't think it was as revealing as it could be. However, I really believe it was an important contribution to the area of documentaries, an honest work and a risky project too. The framework of this documentary is this: We are introduced to some young men that used to be actors in television or films from a very young age, at the same time we experience how did they got into the hollywood industry. Also, we hear their parents speaking, and describing the way that some well-known, rich men in the industry came very close to these children and in their families, present themselves as "trustworthy" friends. The film is based on interviews and some backtrack scenes which help us understand what happened in certain moments, when their managers, producers, became their predators. The film exposes some of these powerful men, who in their case are already accused of sexual abuse in the past. This documentary is a moment of truth, revealing the true identity of Hollywood and those who control it. Of course it is mentioned that this is only the tip of the iceberg. What does this mean? That it happens so often, so regurarly that is part of the job, it is part of the Hollywood price. It means its scale is countless. We can only refer to exploitation, abuse, rough treatment and fear only with one phrase: it's an OPEN SECRET. What has been a true surprise and an ideal ending scene, is the phone dialogue between the child actor's manager and the young man in the other line of the phone. In the end of the day, justice does not sentence the real criminals. They sentence justice to non-existence.

At time of writing this documentary still has been denied distribution through mainstream home video methods as well as video on demand online streaming. Before conspiracy theorists chime in, I imagine this is because of the litigation such a move might attract. It would be the distributors that would have to foot that bill. This is a shame because its an excellent introduction to the problem of pedophiles in the entertainment industry. The most famous name mentioned is X-Men director Bryan Singer who loves being around very young good looking boys. While its in doubt if he is guilty or not, his behavior comes across as really unwholesome and if guilty needs to be thrown in jail. This documentary, directed by Amy Berg, whose similar documentary on the subject, Deliver Us from Evil (2006) lifted the veil of pedophilia in the Catholic Church. So this is ground she knows only too well and she manages to avoid cliché, propaganda and aggressive judgement and instead focuses on the victims as it should. Its an important documentary and needs to be seen.

I have been excited to see this film since I caught a glimpse of the trailer. My father was a projectionist when I was young so I spent plenty of time at theaters in and out of the booth watching movies. During the 80's and 90's, a lot of child actors came and went and I'd always wondered where some had gone. I figured the worst and hoped this Documentary would shed some light on possible outcomes that had befallen some of them. "An Open Secret" starts with footage from Different Strokes episode with the bicycle shop and commentary from Todd Bridges explaining that he wasn't comfortable with the episodes topics and wanted little to nothing to do with it. Additional commentary leads to interviews with former child actors/performers and their parents recounting early stories entering the business. We are then introduced to names from the industry such as Michael Harrah, a SAG Youth Organization official, Marc Collins-Rector, a convicted Child Molester and former industry giant, Brian Peck, a producer of children's television for major networks, and Bryan Singer, famed Director of the X-Men franchises. How do these names relate to each other? All are accused of using their connections to sexually molesting young actors. Unfortunately for viewers, the film barely scratches the surface. There is audio of conversations between victims and abusers. There is a little background into other accused offenders but the majority of the film revolves around Michael Harrah's accusations as a manager and it's effects on the storied of 3 primary subjects. One which ends rather tragically. I understand that a certain portion of the film had been edited due to the dropped lawsuit between one of the main subjects but, I felt like they could have explored more into the allegations. There is definitely something going on in the hills of Hollywood and behind the doors of Power Players in the industry. Assuming besides this being a rather quiet topic, there isn't a lot of information available due to actors not talking afraid their careers would be affected.I applaud Amy Berg's attempt to shine light on the subject. It just seems that further investigation and follow up would further fold the story together better. It is worth a viewing and hopefully this film will encourage other victims to come forward to help find an end to the epidemic of child abuse. The Documentary fanatic me just wished there was more information