We received many calls and letters about Alan Charlton’s June 22 review of the pro-life movie Unplanned. Many expressed disappointment The B.C. Catholic would publish a column so critical of the film. Although Charlton found fault with much of the film’s structure and noted its accuracy has been questioned, he acknowledged its efforts to portray the pro-life movement in a positive light and criticized those who tried to prevent its showing. Ultimately a critic’s task is to give an honest appraisal, which is what Charlton has been doing in The B.C. Catholic for more than five decades. And although I didn’t agree with everything Charlton wrote, his review of Unplanned was the most honest and professional I saw anywhere.
– Paul Schratz
While I agree with Alan Charlton’s critique of the acting in Unplanned, several of his comments are disturbing.
Charlton writes that “considerable doubt has been cast upon Abby Johnson’s narration of the events in her book, as a quick Internet search will reveal.”
I did not expect such skepticism about the truthfulness of Johnson’s story, especially in a Catholic publication. We should all be aware that “a quick Internet search” will result, by and large, in pro-Planned Parenthood rhetoric, since much mass media is funded and controlled by wealthy secularists with liberal agendas. It was negligent of Charlton not to mention this fact. At the very least, he could have taken the time to read Johnson’s book and watch her interviews instead of relying on Internet information.
Charlton also contends supporters of abortion are consistently portrayed in the movie as “ruthless, lying, unfeeling merchandisers” and “monsters.” One of the biggest supporters of abortion in the film was Johnson, who oversaw 22,000 of them and had two of her own. She is portrayed throughout the movie as incredibly sincere in wanting to help women. She established a fast-rising and lucrative career in one of the world’s most powerful corporations, and she would not have walked away from it all unless she experienced something far more significant and life-changing.
Charlton recommends a more nuanced approach to filmmaking in order to change hearts and minds, but it was the graphic display on the ultrasound screen that changed Abby. There are times we need to be shocked into reality.
Finally, Charlton’s question “Is it really valid to shock viewers with bloodshed ... when an actual childbirth is almost as terrifying?” is ludicrous. Unplanned received an R rating, not for nudity, sex, profanity, or showing a natural process involving blood, but for three scenes on abortion.
It would be good to remind ourselves that although Americans under 17 weren’t allowed to watch the movie unless accompanied by a parent, millions of young women have this R-rated procedure without their parents ever knowing.
As Abby’s character said in the movie, “If you can’t tell your mother, it is probably something you should not do.”
Erica King
Richmond
I take issue with Alan Charlton’s view that “this film will do little to convert anyone not already onside.” Historically evil practices such as slavery, child abuse, murder, etc. have been stopped when the public is forced to face the stark evil of these acts. Action brings about change.
Thirty million American babies have been legally killed since abortion was legalized by Roe vs. Wade. That’s the whole population of Canada. Surely we are called to do something about this horrific statistic.
Doris Rankin
Vancouver
Thank you to Alan Charlton for his balanced review of Unplanned. We certainly have to try to understand the viewpoint of “the other side.” Loving those who oppose us is one of life’s most difficult challenges.
Maybe there could be a new column in The B.C. Catholic that offers real-life examples of new and creative ideas on how to act in a variety of different life scenarios.
To love the sinner and hate the sin is something we have to do every single day, starting with ourselves.
Marianne Werner
Vancouver
We love The B.C. Catholic and have had it delivered to our home in Manitoba for many years. It is a real blessing for us. However we were very disappointed with Alan Charlton’s review of Unplanned.
The article’s pull quote – “It presents a pro-life case in a way that will do little to convert anyone not already on side” – wasn’t much different from what can be found all over the Internet from pro-choice organizations and activists.
Why would a Catholic newspaper echo this negative review when there is so much fruit to be had for people on both sides of the issue as they watch the movie?
I have seen the movie five times – each time in a different venue with a different audience. The theatre is silent after the movie ends. Everyone is touched. Unplanned is a game-changer for the pro-life movement!
Charlton’s review says “considerable doubt has been cast upon Johnston’s narration of the events of her book, as a quick Internet search will reveal.” Anything that can be used to shut down or discourage viewers can be found all over the Internet. There is no doubt which side is publishing these attacks. They tried very hard to ban the movie from Canada, especially after its success in the U.S. Unplanned is a real threat to their ideology and they are worried.
Focus on the Family’s movie review site said, “Every now and then, a movie comes along that’s not just merely ‘good’ … films that are genuinely important because they force us to see something clearly that perhaps we've never really seen before … I’d put Schindler’s List in that category. And Saving Private Ryan. And Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ … I’d put Unplanned in the same category as these films in terms of the emotional wallop it packs. Like them, Unplanned forces us to look at an awful reality that we might be tempted to minimize.”
The value this movie has for Catholics and for Catholic teaching is huge. It’s not about the cinematography and special effects. It’s about the fruit of what the movie brings to our culture. For pro-choicers, the movie will at least show the heart of the pro-life movement and why the issue will never go away. It allows the discussions to begin and it shows with empathy what people on both sides of the issues believe they are doing. It may even convert many, as it has in the United States. For pro-lifers, it will reaffirm their convictions. For all those in between, the movie will help them face the issues and discern where their conscience lies. It will inspire many to have their voices heard.
The movie should be seen by everyone regardless of which side of the issue they might be on, especially the large majority of Christians and others who remain silent on these issues or who may not have formed their view.
Tim and Louise Scatliff
St. Norbert, MB