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Reviews
Fearful Symmetry (1998)
An excellent documentary about one of the greatest novels and films of all time
Fearful Symmetry is an approximately 90 minute long documentary about the classic film, "To Kill a Mockingbird." The documentary is excellent, blending interviews with still photographs and excerpts from the film. Kiselyak has interviewed practically every living person associated with the 1962 film, including writer Horton Foote, producer Alan Pakula, composer Elmer Bernstein, director Robert Mulligan, and stars Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, and Phillip Alford. Sadly absent from the documentary is Harper Lee herself. However, according to an essay written by Kiselyak, Ms. Lee spoke with him at length regarding the documentary, and arranged for the participation of people who knew her and her father (the basis for Atticus Finch) years ago.
The documentary delves wonderfully into the making of the film, but also into the social and historical background underlying the novel and the film. In handling the latter, Kiselyak presents the voices of both scholars and people living through those times.
Those wishing to watch this enjoyable documentary need only rent or buy the Collector's Edition of the "To Kill a Mockingbird" DVD.