Reviews & Viewer Commentary

I had the pleasure of watching this film, while attending the conference of the Latin America Psychology Association, in Guatemala City. As a non-psychologist, the balanced presentation, using a variety of media techniques, brought to the forefront, a component of the war on terror, that is not broadly known. The dilemma posed for the psychologist, in balancing the protection of individual rights v. potentially protecting the broad society, is truly daunting. I commend the film maker for taking on such a challenging subject, and presenting it in an engaging manner. -Samir S. Gupte, President - ACLU of Florida/Central Chapter

I saw the film ‘Interrogate This’ by Maryanne Galvin at The International Association of Forensic Mental Health Congress in Edinburgh, Scotland. Although a trainee within forensic psychology, I had not yet delved into the various areas of politics, ethics, morals and national security in relation to the psychologist’s involvement in interrogations of detainees. I found this film provided me with the perfect opportunity to do so. Maryanne’s thought-provoking and powerful screening subjected the viewer to this debate in all its glory and was able to portray the full extent of this issue within the USA. I enjoyed watching this film immensely and have developed a newly-found interest that I am sure will not subside.’ -Amie Plant, U.K. Trainee in Forensic Psychology

The board of the 11th European Congress of Psychology requested and was generously offered to screen the film Interrogate This by Maryanne Galvin. We found that it was perfect to present at the Congress in Oslo, Norway (July 2009). As a novice to this field of psychology, politics and ethics I found the film shocking but was also impressed by the way the director of the film had balanced the conflicting opinions on psychologists role in war. We could not have found any better way to start a debate about ethics and psychologist role at the Congress. -Per A Straumsheim Program Coordinator ECP2009, Oslo, Norway

When selecting it for the Bridge Fest 2009, held this year in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, I knew "Interrogate This" would spark debate over issues of morality, politics, ethics and national security. “Interrogate This” covered so many issues that we simply have to applaud the filmmaker for getting involved in such a touchy subject in America: national security. On the other hand, morality and ethics should not be forgotten. Especially in USA and as the whole world awaits changes in their government’s foreign policy. At the Closing Ceremony of Bridge Festival '09 in Sarajevo, "Interrogate This" earned the "Best Director" Award. I am happy that worldwide film making community has Maryanne Galvin. Thank you for making this film, Ms. Galvin -Denis Cviticani Bridge Fest Director, Bosnia-Herzegovina & Vancouver, BC

I very much enjoyed Ms. Galvin’s film, Interrogate This” I watched it while it was showing at the FIDE (festival internacional de documental etnografico) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I especially enjoyed the fact that it was “stupid proof” and to the point. Not only were those interviewed very clear in their positions, but also the visuals were entertaining, making this difficult subject easier to understand. After you see this film you have no choice but to take a stand on the subject. I hope to see many films from Maryanne Galvin in the future! -Alice Dana, Ph.D. Candidate in Anthropology, University of Puerto Rico

Dr. Maryanne Galvin's film "Interrogate This" is a visually provocative and clever exploration of the implicit connection between terrorism, global war, the "war on terrorism", and its consequences - suffering, trauma and human rights violations. Against the backdrop of ordinary people making important life decisions, Dr. Galvin's film chronicles psychologists grappling with their role as it pertains to the interrogation of those suspected of terrorist activity or involvement against the United States. Where psychology ultimately lands on this issue will be a defining moment in the field and Dr. Galvin's film will stand as an historical multi-faceted reflection of such a moment. -Linda Daniels, author of Healing Journeys: How Trauma Survivors Learn to Live Again

Our government stands accused of violating the standards of a civilized world – and perhaps committing crimes against humanity – in the ways it has identified, captured, and treated actual and supposed enemies in its proactive so-called war against terror. In the service of those government efforts, some psychologists have come under fire for the roles they have played in implementing acts of “enhanced interrogation.” In Interrogate This, acclaimed independent filmmaker Maryanne Galvin – herself a psychologist – challenges viewers to look at multiple viewpoints on the issue and make up their own minds. It’s not as easy as you might think. -Philip Luber, Ph.D. Forensic Psychologist and author of the Harry Kline mystery novels and The Clorox Chronicles

Press

This Week In New York

This Week In New York Boston-based forensic psychologist Maryanne Galvin is also an award-winning documentary filmmaker who has examined such issues as the crisis of faith in America (HFW), economic simplicity (AS IS: A DOWNSIZED LIFE), capital punishment (THANATOS RX), and female sexuality (THE PURSUIT OF PLEASURE). Her latest film, INTERROGATE THIS:PSYCHOLOGISTS TAKE ON TERROR, looks at the question of whether it is ethical for psychologists to participate in the military interrogation of national security detainees. "It was unfathomable that any of my colleagues would engage in acts of torture, cruel or degrading behaviors toward others, particularly in settings where the detainees had very few rights," Galvin explains on her Web site. "I had to know more. This project was conceived. I pushed back the curtain and entered a murky world revealing the complex intersection of personalities, politics, national security, ethics, and moral decision-making." The screening at Anthology Film Archives — part of a three-program NewFilmmakers presentation called "The Bush Legacy" — will be followed by a Q&A with Galvin and several mental-health professionals who appear in the documentary, including Dr. Michael Gelles, Dr. Steven Reisner, Dr. Neil Altman, and Ghislaine Boulanger, PhD. --