Boo to the "Boo-Hoo"

Theme: Murder touches on some sensitive issues -- but it keeps outsiders at bay

Theme: Murder, director Martha Swetzoff's highly personal documentary about the murder of her father, Boston art dealer Hyman Swetzoff, touches on a number of sensitive issues, including the loss of a loved one, the discovery that one's parents kept some deep secrets, and gay-bashing (Hyman, though married with children, primarily loved men). So it's a shame to report that the film doesn't have much of any interest to someone who hasn't "been there." The film tries to look further into the murder case, which remains unsolved, but no significantly new revelations emerge. The hope is expressed that this film will be seen by someone who might have additional information, but isn't that what America's Most Wanted is for? Yes, losing a loved one, especially under violent circumstances, is horrific. Yes, learning that your dad was gay is upsetting. But don't make a movie about it unless you have more to say than that. Martha's short student film on the subject, entitled The Garden, and shot on 16mm, re-appears at various points looking more artful than the rest of the proceedings, which were shot on video. And in a notable celebrity cameo, writer James Ellroy, whose mother was murdered, tells Martha "You can't be doing a 'Boo-hoo' number on it for the rest of your life." It's good advice, but she doesn't appear to have taken it.