Bloodlines

Cynthia Connop's documentary raises questions about guilt that is passed down to future generations. At the center of the film are two women who carry the emotional aftereffects of a tragedy involving their elders: Bettina Goering, the grandniece of Nazi war criminal Herman Goering, and Ruth Rich, an artist whose parents survived the Holocaust. Goering is clearly guilt-stricken over her infamous relative's actions, to the point that she has experienced nervous breakdowns and voluntarily chose to be sterilized rather than produce offspring carrying the Goering genes. The Australian-based Rich, despite her successful career, is haunted by the suffering that her parents underwent during wartime and believes this has contributed to her mental health problems and difficult relations with her children. Initiated by Goering in an attempt to foster healing, the two women meet: both are clearly hurt and anguished, and at times it is difficult to understand why they would torture themselves further in pursuit of a seemingly elusive catharsis. Nevertheless, Bloodlines is a powerful meditation on the psychological connection between generations. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)