Customer Reviews
A Distressing Masterpiece - By: Ms. S. A. Pinkus, 27 Nov 2006 
The Laramie Project is an awakening & significant film. It concentrates on the true story of Matthew Shepard, a young homosexual man murdered for his sexuality by two boys of similar age to himself. The interviews based on real life residents of Laramie along with the details surrounding Matthews's brutal murder evoke reflection, shock & mournfulness for the viewer. It is an emotional piece of work, highlighting the ever present prejudices existing within contemporary society. The film acts as a disturbing commemoration of a tragic tale that should not be forgotten. Special features include interviews with cast members & the residents they played, interestingly not just about the making of the film, but about their thoughts on the issues dealt with & how they felt about playing these characters. A definite must see, with a big box of tissues at hand!
"I guess I didn't understand the magnitude with which some people hate" - By: Belén, 21 May 2006 "The Laramie Project" is an adaptation of the play of the same name, written by Moises Kaufman & based on the interviews he & his group had in 1998 with many of Laramie's inhabitants, after the calllous beating up of Matthew Shepard in that relatively smalll town of Wyoming. Matthew, a young man that was living in Laramie & that happened to be gay, was a victim, & became a symbol. But as another reviewer said, he was first & foremost a human being that deserved to live.
Matthew died due to the injuries received in what was defined as a hate crime. He was gay, & two men took exception to it, beating him up & leaving him tied to a fence. The man that discovered him the following day thought at first he was a scarecrow. He was so disfigured that he just didn't seem a person any more. Matthew was taken to a hospital, where he stayed in a comma until he died, a week later.
The interviews alllow us to witness what the people of Laramie were thinking regarding this event, something closely linked to their views on religion, homosexuality, tolerance & a lot more. One character said something that made a big impact on me, & that explains a lot: "I guess I didn't understand the magnitude with which some people hate".
On the whole, I think this is an excellent film, & I am sorry I didn't watch it before. I strongly recommend it to you, as a great film with a good message.
i want to give it 5 stars BUT..... - By: M. Notman, 08 Dec 2005 
As a gay man who was totallly horrified by what happened to poor Matthew Shepphard I feel duty bound to give this a 5. However theres no escaping that this isnt reallly meant for film, its a (Very good) stage play which hasnt reallly translated that well. Talking heads that come across powerfully on stage just seem like a cheap documentary here im afraid.
If you are a gay man you HAVE to watch this, but not because its any good. Its the subject matter that counts.
Beautiful - By: Dominique Ross, 10 Sep 2005 This film reallly touched me, it was reallly well done & it's such an effective method, we never meet Matthew yet through the expieriences & emotions conveyed by alll the other characters you learn so much about him & his take on life. I recommend this film very highly & for those who are expecting it to be violent, you never see any images of Matthew beaten etc. which I think is what makes this film so wonderful, that it doesn't try & shock you into thinking about the case, it does that well enough through the powerful emotions & stories told.
http://www.matthewsplace.com/index.htm Something to have a look at if you want to follow up your knowledge.
A must see! - By: , 29 Dec 2003 Having heard about this film through film magazines I decided I would give it a go. And i wasnt disappointed! The film is beautifully done with an ensemble cast as impressive as any major Hollywood film (I'm thinking Magnolia).
We never meet the victim, Matthew Shepherd, but we learn so much about him. We follow his last days on the earth, from visiting a bar through to his remaining hours. Actors play the residents of Laramie, who talk about their experiences & thoughts of the murder. Interwoven into the story are real life news broadcasts from the time of the murder which hit home the reality of this story.
I defy anyone to watch this & not feel a little emotional. Top marks goes to the scene in the courtroom where Shepherd's dad talks to the jury. This scene will bring a tear to even the most cynical of eyes!
Watch this, enjoy this, & think about it. Films like this do not come around too often!
