Criminal Justice Policy Coalition
"Thanatos Rx: The Death Penalty Debate in America"
a film by Boston
Filmmaker Maryanne Galvin
For Immediate Release:
August 30, 2004 Contact: Ellen Gitelman
American Graphiti
617-426-6668
[email protected]
BOSTON, MA-On Monday, November 15, at 6:00 PM the Boston Public Library will
screen Dr. Maryanne Galvin's documentary film, “Thanatos Rx: The Death Penalty
Debate in America,” followed by a panel discussion by US Attorney Michael
Sullivan (who is featured in the film), Retired Judge Robert Barton, State
Representative Pat Jehlen,
Kate Lowenstein, Acting Executive Director of Murder Victims' Families for
Reconciliation and John P. Zanini, Chief of the Appellate Division, Suffolk
County District Attorney's Office.
The fast-paced documentary features a balanced discussion and history of one of
the most complex issues in American politics, and includes interviews with a
number of familiar Massachusetts faces, including former Suffolk County District
Attorney Ralph Martin, current US Attorney Michael J. Sullivan, the Hanna family
of Natick, and Hank Powell Arsenault Jr., the last man to face the electric
chair in Massachusetts.
The film also features interviews with several current and former death row
inmates, such as David Paul Hammer, who was to be the first person executed by
the U.S. Federal Government in almost 40 years. Timothy McVeigh, Hammer's ally
at Terre Haute, Indiana, earned the distinction instead. Hammer talks about his
own plight as well as that of McVeigh; like McVeigh, Hammer had waived his
appeals and was seeking "speedy execution," but has vacillated a number of times
and is again appealing his execution.
Sometimes surprising opinions on the complexities of the death penalty are
provided by some of the leading opinion makers on the subject: from the
executive director of Amnesty International and the assistant executive director
at the Innocence Project to legal scholars, such as New York Law School
professor Robert Blecker, an outspoken proponent whose unpopular opinions are
somewhat to the right of politically incorrect. The more personal aspects of the
issue come from interviews with families of homicide victims and district
attorneys.
"No matter what side of the issue you're on, the film helps people understand
the U.S.'s application of the death penalty, as well as Americans' ambivalence
on the subject," says Galvin.
The film has a bit of a
fan club from the likes of former Boston Mayor Ray Flynn who calls it an
"objective and straightforward account of this critical public issue that, to
this day, continues to divide our nation… it’s a compelling film," and political
satirist Jimmy Tingle, who calls it "riveting, powerful, honest and balanced."
Award-winning filmmaker Maryanne Galvin has shot and produced four short
documentary films in as many years. Her latest film, The Pursuit of Pleasure,
which challenges commonly held beliefs about female sexuality, gender roles,
relationships, and satisfaction, recently won the Providence Film Award for best
documentary at the Rhode Island International Film Festival, as well as the
Indie Spec Special Recognition Award at the Boston International Film Festival.
Her other films include Amuse Bouche: A Chef's Tale, about Chef Barbara Lynch of
No. 9 Park in Boston; and High, Fast and Wonderful, about three priests who
minister to circus performers, race car drivers, and migrant workers. Her films
have won awards at numerous independent film festivals and have been broadcast
and distributed widely. As a practicing forensic psychologist in Boston, Galvin
has also written, directed, and produced three educational training videos for
mental health and law enforcement professionals.
The Boston Public Library is handicap accessible and admission to the event is
free. For more information about the film, visit www.thanatosrx.com or call
617-266-0884 for screening information.