Can't You See Me?

This 20 min. tape addresses, in dramatic form, the subject of rape. Written, directed by, and starring David T. Blanchard, Can't You See Me? tells the story of two young girls who are raped by their college professor. Unfortunately, the dramatization passes over the issue of rape recovery in favor of standard TV melodrama. Also, the pop title song which crops up throughout is rather strange. Lyrics like: "Can't you feel me, when I'm holding you tight?" seem particularly incongruous in a film about rape (the only reasonable explanation would be that the lyrics referred to emotional problems suffered by the husband, but the film doesn't deal with that at all). During the last few minutes, Margaret Avery (The Color Purple) cites a handful of statistics concerning rape, and more statistics--as well as more information--is found in the 25-page discussion booklet which accompanies the tape. Because the program is relatively inexpensive (for public performance rights), and because the discussion booklet could be used well by informed teachers and/or lecturers, some libraries may want to consider purchasing this title. Others may want to wait until a more serious production becomes available. (Available from: World Research Inc., 11722 Sorrento Valley Rd., San Diego, CA 92121).