[Paddlefish]

I'm not really sure how this documentary helps anything without trying to understand the angst of the specific people (but maybe it does). Sounds much like perverted voyeurism though.

[D Rider]

In my life, I have seen two jumpers hit concrete.

That's enough for me.

[Publius6961]

If it happened in public, no matter how exercised anyone gets, it's news. Nothing is clearer than the freedom of expression when it comes to news.

If everyone can use rent-seeking to prevent their particular anguish, real or imaginary to prohibit the dissemination of news, nothing could ever be reported.

[luvbach1]

A first cousin (female) of mine jumped off the span a few years ago. She was a single mother, only son just off to college. They were somewhat estranged. It was that and "empty nest" syndrome, I guess.

[RegulatorCountry]

San Francisco is in a stunningly beautiful place. There's nothing quite like driving across the Golden Gate on a sunny afternoon, when the fog comes rolling back in ... whoosh. It's just the most amazing thing for this southern boy. The weather I'm accustomed to is a litte more broadstroke.

But, there is such a large population of profoundly, unapologetically disturbed people in that city. Despite the joy that I've felt from all the natural beauty, I also feel that it's an occult town, as much if not more so than New Orleans. I would not be surprised to learn that statistics on suicide would reflect a very large concentration of people killing themselves there. It's the ultimate narcissistic act of a deranged mind, and what better place is there, to feed ones' ego one last time, than the Golden Gate Bridge?

[joey'smom]

If the Golden Gate cameras had been rolling in 1970, they'd have captured the suicide leap of Evan Thomas, Valedictorian, Monte Vista High, Class of '69. His death haunts my husband, his classmate, to this day -- don't need to see it on film.

[windcliff]

ping

[stacytec]

"This is like a newspaper carrying a front-page photo of someone blowing his head off; it's irresponsible, exploitative, voyeuristic, ghastly and immoral,"

And most of all, its free speech. If you don't like the film or hate the concept, no one is forcing people to go or watch it. I personally think that seeing something that sobering would make me feel better about being among the living no matter how bad things were. Don't know if I could stomach a whole film on the topic, but then again I have the free will to walk out when it gets too much. Funny how that freedom thing works.

[IronJack]

Another ghoulish exhibition from the Culture of Death.

[Texas_Jarhead]

Just sounds like more "Faces of Death" type stuff.

[Rakkasan1]

Santa Ana Will Be Jumping On May 1

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/1623449/posts

[sarasmom]

"I'm not really sure how this documentary helps anything without trying to understand the angst of the specific people"

Was it supposed to help?
I doubt it is possible to "understand the angst" of most suicides.

I have never understood why my friend jumped off an overpass while we were both seniors in high-school.
I also have never understood why a male business associate of mine killed himself quietly, via an intentional OD with lethal OTC drug cocktail mix.
If having anyone "understand their angst" mattered to them at all, they surely choose the wrong way to communicate it.

I vaguely remember a report on this topic when the documenter obtained permission to place the camera.
Not a film anyone who was related to or closely acquainted with a suicide would care to view.
We would already know there is no "understanding of their angst" to be found.


There is sometimes a reason that seems logical, but it is never related to an "angst" that requires "understanding". IMHO.

[GSWarrior]

Sounds sorta like that weird '90s indie film Man Bites Dog.

[quietolong]

Some people live to tell about it.
It’s interesting that all most all jumpers jump from the east city facing side. Anyone know why?

Some say it’s a way of saying goodbye to the city. But I think it’s something else.