Review: An Open Secret
This exposes pedophilia and sexual abuse in Hollywood. Do you notice that Hollywood is not the one releasing this documentary?
As per wikipedia “it received no television deal or video-on-demand distribution. According to Gabe Hoffman, who financed the film: "We got zero Hollywood offers to distribute the film. Not even one. Literally no offers for any price whatsoever.””
THE SHORT
This relatively bleak documentary looks at a specific ring of pedophilia/sexual abuse centered around Hollywood. It is slow and hard to sit through but should be watched for the information it contains. I would give “Open Secret” 3 of 5 stars. The documentary can be watched here
The rating is deservedly PG-13. Be aware that the film talks around topics of sexual abuse. It is about 1 hr and 39 min long. The film is directed by Amy Berg.
THE LONG
Martin Hafer on https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3677412/reviews says “An “Open Secret" is a rather ironic film. After all, it seeks to expose abuse in Hollywood AND it could not find a distributor to release it...which seems to confirm that Hollywood really couldn't care less about the evil that is occuring in its midst.”
On rottentomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/an_open_secret
“Clunky elements aside, the film's distillation of firsthand testimony and archival material has haunting implications” Sheri Linden
“This disturbing but important documentary about a shadow world inside of Hollywood confronts tough issues with bravery and information.” Joe Neumaier
“Berg's most shocking moment comes late in the film, when a veteran child-talent agent is himself accused of abuse on camera, and doesn't deny it.” Moira Macdonald
Pulling some reviews off of https://www.metacritic.com/movie/an-open-secret
“Meticulously … investigated (and no doubt heavily vetted by lawyers), Berg brings a sobering solemnity to a very grave matter …” Rodrigo Perez
“Berg’s film is very tightly focused, examining just one arena of abuse and dutifully addressing only cases in which an accuse is willing to appear on camera.” John DeFore
“The amazing invincibility of Hollywood-entrenched pedophiles creates a thematic unity of it’s own in Berg’s otherwise somewhat shakily constructed film.” Ronnie Scheib
I have to agree with these reviewers. The film goes back and forth, mostly, with the same group of people. I think the documentary repeated some scenes which makes it seem “somewhat shakily constructed.” This documentary often has the feel of an older film with cassette machines and older feeling home video footage. IMDB has this film as being released in 2014. Some of what’s in the film felt like it was from the 1970’s and 1980’s. If you want to make a case for systemic pedophilia then this documentary is an important addition to the collection of evidence. Again, I recommend this for the information. It is bleak and you may want to turn it off early on. It doesn’t land on it’s main subject squarely until at least around the 45 min mark. So, again, it get’s 3 of 5 stars but you should watch it for the information it contains. Thanks for reading this review.
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