Review: “8” Starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt

Written By: Dustin Lance Black
Directed By: Rob Reiner

Dustin Lance Black’s play “8” is based on the case Perry v. Schwarzenegger, which overturned California’s Proposition 8, a 2008 ballot initiative that amended the state constitution to restrict marriage to opposite-sex couples. On August 4, 2010, U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker overturned Proposition 8, stating it is “…unconstitutional under the Due Process Clause because no compelling state interest justifies denying same-sex couples the fundamental right to marry.”

Judge Walker agreed to the request of opponents of Proposition 8 to broadcast the trial, a move that was opposed by the proponents of Prop 8. The proponents went to the US Supreme court, which ruled in their favor, blocking broadcast of the trial. This play is an attempt by American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) to let America and the rest of the world know what happened at the trial, something the proponents fought so hard to keep from public view.

A stellar cast that included George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Martin Sheen, Kevin Bacon, Jane Lynch, Jamie Lee Curtis and Christine Lahti brought the trial alive with amazing performances in the web premier of “8” on March 3, 2011. The premiere was watched by millions across the globe.

The play begins with a conversation between female couple Kris Perry and Sandra Stier (played by Curtis and Lahti) and their teenage sons. The couple, along with another male couple, are the plaintiffs in the case. The kids are worried about their soccer practice and how their moms appear in the media, but not the significance of the case. They don’t want to be in court and are not happy that their moms have to spend time in the court taking time away from their home life. Perry tells them “Who knew! I have never personally sued Schwarzenegger before.” The statement evokes laughter, but is very powerful in articulating the enormity of the struggle that same-sex couple face in their quest to live life in a manner equal to their heterosexual counterparts.

The trial begins with the introduction of the couples, the attorneys and the Judge. Attorneys Ted Olson (played by Sheen) and David Boies (played by Clooney) who opposed each other in 2000’s Bush v. Gore are now on the same side arguing in favor of same-sex marriage. After the plaintiff’s testimony, Olson presents eight witnesses who are experts in marriage, American history, psychology, sociology, economics and political science. These experts make powerful and compelling arguments for same-sex marriage, dispelling myths and showing the court how providing everyone the right to marry will only lead a better society.

During cross examination of the expert witnesses, Charles Cooper (played by Bacon), raises questions about same-sex couples ability to procreate, whether domestic partnership is equal protection, whether there is any evidence from Massachusetts (where same-sex marriage was legalized in 2004) that allowing same-sex couples to marry has improved their lives, and whether conversion therapies have worked for people who ‘sincerely’ wanted to change their sexual orientation. Cooper calls the children of same-sex couples “irresponsible procreation” and “illegitimate natural children.” When these statements are made, the play shits to the plaintiffs, who express their outrage and also talk about their struggles, challenges and the discrimination they face in their daily lives. In a moving conversation between Stier and her son, Stier lovingly explains how the boy was conceived and delivered.

Cooper calls only two witnesses in defense of Proposition 8 and presents no studies, data or findings to make his case. His arguments crumble when he and the witnesses make statements like “I don’t have to have evidence to prove”, “It is on the internet” etc. One of the witnesses, Mr. Blakenhorn (brilliantly played by John C. Reilly) scores a same-side goal and ends up supporting same-sex marriage! The most crucial moment in the case comes when Judge Walker asks Cooper how allowing same-sex couples to marry will negatively impact heterosexual marriages and procreation. In response to this key question, Cooper hesitates and, significantly, can only muster three words: “I don’t know.”

Seven million people in California voted against same-sex marriage, but only two came to the court to testify. Boies’ closing statement stresses this point. “When they come into court they have to support and defend their opinions under oath. In cross examinations, those opinions just melt away! There simply wasn’t any evidence, there weren’t any empirical studies, its made up. It’s junk science. It’s easy to say that on television, but the witness stand is a lonely place to lie. When you come into court you can’t do that. And that’s what we did. We put fear and prejudice on trial.” Olson concludes the argument with extremely powerful statements comparing the fight for same-sex marriage to the fight to allow interracial marriage. Sheen’s performance in these few minutes gives you goosebumps!

Everyone in the cast plays their part to perfection. Jane Lynch, as National Organization of Marriage’s Maggie Gallagher, is hilarious! Chis Colfer makes a strong impact as a person who went through (failed) conversion therapy. George Clooney is a delight to watch. And of course, Brad Pitt as Judge Walker puts out a restrained and awesome performance.

“8” is a must watch!

Sources: Wikipedia.org, Afer.org

Watch the play on Youtube.