SYSK’s Summer Movie Playlist: Why was Titicut Follies banned?

Bridgewater State Hospital's transformation from an almshouse to a notorious facility for the criminally insane reflects a dark chapter in the treatment of mental illness and criminal behavior.

From Poorhouse To Hospital For the Criminally Insane Origins

Bridgewater State Hospital Began As an 1854 Almshouse Before Becoming a State Asylum for Insane Criminals

The establishment that would become Bridgewater State Hospital opened its doors as a poorhouse, or almshouse, back in 1854. However, its mission soon shifted from a repository for the poor to also include the criminal and mentally ill populations. In 1895, it officially became the state asylum for insane criminals at the state workhouse at Bridgewater. By 1909, the facility had been renamed Bridgewater State Hospital as part of its transition under the control of the Massachusetts Bureau of Prisons.

Concerning Conditions and Treatment of Patients At Bridgewater

Patients With Minor/No Crimes, Held Indefinitely With Little Medical Attention

At Bridgewater, individuals with minor or no criminal backgrounds could be detained alongside hardened criminals for indefinite periods under the guise of temporary holding. The mechanism of civil commitment allowed for the detainment of people deemed mentally unfit for society, often without sufficient medical evaluation to determine their readiness for release. Indeed, Paul Tamburello, then-President of the Massachusetts Bar Association, highlighted the stark reality of the hospital's oversight: of the 650 patients, fewer than half could expect even a brief annual in ...

Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark explore the distinctive cinema verite style of documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman, examining his background and meticulous filmmaking process.

Wiseman's Background and Interest in Bridgewater

Wiseman, a Law Graduate, Was Drawn To Cinema Verite Filmmaking

Frederick Wiseman started his career path as a law professor but was ultimately drawn to the realm of documentary filmmaking. Rising in the times when cinema verite or "truthful cinema" was developing in France, Wiseman found his calling in this raw and observational style. After teaching law at Boston University and immersing himself in the French cinematic landscape, his experiences both with a novel rights purchase and his background in law influenced his decision to venture into the world of cinema verite.

Granted 29 Days to Film At Bridgewater, Capturing 200 Hours of Footage

Wiseman managed to secure permissions from various authorities to film within Bridgewater State Hospital. During a 29-day filming period, Wiseman amassed an extensive 200 hours of footage within the walls of the institution. His approach to cinema involved actively capturing the unadulterated human condition, aiming to create a candid portrayal of life at the hospital.

Wiseman's Meticulous Editing Process

Wiseman Edited Hours of Footage Into an 83-minute Film

From the voluminous 200 hours of raw footage, Wiseman demonstrated his meticulous nature by distilling it down to an 83-minute film titled "Titicut Follies". Although Wiseman's methods might suggest a complete representation of unaltered reality, he acknowledged the manipulation inherent to the editing process while still prioritizing his commitment to the unbiased observation of his subjects.

Wiseman's Approach Showed the Institution's Raw Reality Without Manipulation

Wiseman's filmmaking process is noted for its integrity and the unobtrusive presence of the camera, which resulted in a genuine portrayal of h ...

"Titicut Follies," a documentary film by Frederick Wiseman, became known as a disturbing piece of cinema and faced a long history of being banned and suppressed due to legal battles over privacy concerns.

Initial Banning and Legal Battles Over the Film

Despite Frederick Wiseman's careful attention to permissions, "Titicut Follies" faced attempts to suppress it.

Authorities Tried to Suppress Film, Citing Privacy, Despite Wiseman's Permissions

Wiseman obtained permission from the Lieutenant Governor, the Superintendent of Bridgewater State Hospital, and from every filmed individual, either in writing or verbally on camera. However, after initial positive feedback, public outcry against the depicted treatment labeled as barbaric caused authorities, including then-Lieutenant Governor Elliot Richardson, to turn against the film. Richardson notably tried to suppress the film during his campaign for higher office.

Legal battles ensued over concerns that the inmates featured may not have been capable of giving informed consent. The film was initially banned by a Massachusetts court, which ruled that it violated the right to privacy, marking a first in affirming such a right in the state. This pitted Wiseman's First Amendment freedoms against privacy rights. The conflict escalated when Superior Court Judge Harry Callas ruled that the film breached privacy and ordered its negatives to be destroyed.

Film Banned, Later Allowed In Education

Wiseman appealed the decision to destroy the film, leading to the film being allowed for educational purposes. This meant it was permitted to be shown to a limited audience, such as lawyers, judges, law students, medical students, and psychiatrists. Judge Andrew Gilmyre's 1991 decision eventually permitted the film to be used in educational contexts, such as film classes, medical schools, and libraries.

The Film's Long-Term Impact and Legacy

Bridgewater Portrayal Spurred Scrutiny and Reforms, but Problems Per ...