Its the honour no city wants, but the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is the most popular suicide destination in the world. Directed by Eric Steel, this documentary is the product of 365 days of filming at the infamous Bridge in 2004. The film captured a number of suicides, and featured interviews with family and friends of some of the identified people who had thrown themselves from the bridge that year. The camera crew were particularly vigilant towards anyone who acted suspiciously around the Bridge; in calling the Highway Patrol, they believe they prevented at least six potential suicide attempts. Yet, most jumpers act on impulse and move too quickly for anyone to intervene. During filming, on average, one person jumped every 15 days. The Bridge avoids reducing its subjects to types, and if the portraits painted are often recognisable - the person who talks so much about suicide that those around him fail to take him seriously - they are not repetitive. The results are eerie but completely fascinating; like driving by a car wreck that you can't seem to take your eyes off of.
Jesse Gumbarge is editor and chief blogger at JarvisCity.com - He loves old-school horror films and starting pointless debates. You can reach out at: JesseGumbarge@JarvisCity.com
