Filmmaker Nancy Schwartzman narrates this intensely personal documentary about her experience with sexual assault, exploring the political, legal, and cultural questions that emerge in the aftermath—including the fine line between consent and coercion. Intended as a focus for discussion, The Line describes Schwartzman's suburban upbringing, risky college behavior (casual sex, drugs, an affair with a professor), and move to Jerusalem, where a date with a co-worker ends with an act she didn't agree to, although she did say yes to having sex. After returning to the U.S., Schwartzman consults with attorneys including Brett Sokolow—who specializes in campus security and safety issues—about filing charges. Sokolow cautions her that if drinking and flirting preceded the attack, it would be difficult to convince a jury that rape took place. Schwartzman also speaks with educators, lawmakers, fraternity guys, and prostitutes (who talk about establishing clear guidelines before encounters), before eventually deciding to return to Israel to confront her attacker. Surprisingly, he agrees to meet with her, and Schwartzman secretly films their exchange but obscures his face in the playback. Suffice to say, the man feels that the pair's sexual encounter was marked by cooperation and free will. Although it raises serious questions on an important issue, The Line unfortunately comes across more as personal therapy rather than polished documentary. Optional. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)
The Line
(2010) 24 min. DVD: $34.95: public libraries; $95: high schools; $195: colleges & universities. Media Education Foundation. PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: 1-932869-42-5. Volume 26, Issue 1
The Line
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