Don't Change the Subject
by Trish Nguyen
DON'T CHANGE THE SUBJECT is a documentary that explores the issue of suicide by taking a lighter and more creative, interpretative approach towards the topic. The documentary partly follows Mike Stutz's own personal experience in coming to terms with his mother's suicide, as well as exploring the subject through others' experiences. From personal interviews, as well as incorporating performance pieces, viewers are taken on an up-close journey, gaining insight into what people who have attempted suicide have felt, as well as the experiences of families and loved ones left behind.
The documentary offers a genuine, straightforward and lighter view towards the subject of suicide – whether in the revealing interviews and reflections from people who have attempted suicide or within the honest discussions from family members, experts and interviewees. The writing in the documentary effectively highlights the various questions and ideas around suicide, including emotional responses, questions, as well as exploring religious and ethical viewpoints towards the subject.
An example of the candid and real discussions of suicide includes how one would want to stage their own death, or what would have caused the person to not go through with it. Other topics include addressing the feelings that may attribute to suicidal thoughts, such as loneliness, or the mental reasoning behind the
attempts.
In addition to personal interviews, Stutz also incorporates different methods and creative outlets to address suicide, such as a choreographed dance piece, an original song, comedic sketch and a theatrical re-enactment. Although the topic of suicide can often be deep and serious, Stutz aims to present the subject in an open, approachable and humane manner, which he manages to do so well. However, by including so many different angles and approaches to discussing the topic of suicide, in some ways the documentary tends to jump from one approach to another and from one idea back to the director's narrative, leading viewers on an emotional journey that moves from one scene or concept to another.
In DON'T CHANGE THE SUBJECT, there were some poignant moments, thoughtful insights and honest and real emotions. While some of the scenes and topics jumped around, the handling of such a personal topic was admirable and the documentary seemed successful in opening up an approachable dialogue on suicide. DON'T CHANGE THE SUBJECT is one film that truly makes you want to understand the subject better.
