At the Death House Door

The recent debate over the probable innocence of Cameron Willingham, executed in 2004 for starting a fire that killed his children, provides a powerful backdrop to this documentary by Steve James and Peter Gilbert about Presbyterian minister Carroll Pickett, who served for over a decade as chaplain to the inmates at a Texas prison and made an audio recording of his thoughts following each of the 95 executions with which he was involved. As he ministered to those about to die, Pickett became increasingly troubled about the process and his role in it. Part of the story involves the impact his job had on his family, related through interviews with the pastor, his daughter, and his wife; but much revolves around particular cases, especially that of Carlos De Luna, convicted of a 1983 murder. The filmmakers don't just look at De Luna's execution from the perspective of Pickett (who became convinced that De Luna had not committed the crime, a realization that tore at him), but also follow two reporters whose investigation strongly suggests the man's innocence, and introduce us to De Luna's sister, who has become an active opponent of the death penalty—as has Pickett, who now addresses groups about his experiences while pointing to inmates he assisted (including one who became a minister himself) as proof of the possibility of rehabilitation. DVD extras include bonus scenes, updates, and audio of De Luna. A genuinely moving film on a controversial subject, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)