Valentine Road (HBO)

About Valentine Road (HBO)

Valentine Road is a compelling HBO documentary that debuted in 2013. It is an exploration of the murder of a middle school student who had been exploring his gender identity at his California school where the attitudes were not very accepting. The film demonstrates the tragedies that can occur when ignorance occurs.

Making / Production

The documentary was directed by Marta Cunningham and it took more than five years to create. She was inspired to create this documentary after learning about the murder case. The production of the movie involved extensive interviews with key people involved in the case, including fellow students, educators, lawyers, and even the murderer himself.

Actors / Contributors

• Marta Cunningham - Director: Marta was not just the director of this film; she was its heart and soul. She showed a passion for telling this story in an unbiased and respectful way.
• Larry King - Himself (archive footage): Larry King is featured in the movie through archive footage. The clips used in the documentary reveal details about his life and gender identity struggles.
• Brandon McInerney - Himself (via telephone): The documentary features telephone conversations with the murderer, Brandon McInerney, offering insights into his mindset.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Unearthing Trauma: The film uses this tragic incident to bring to light the deep-seated discrimination and prejudices against the LGBTQ+ community.
• Real-life story: The documentary is based on real-life incidents, making it both compelling and heartbreaking to watch.

Awards

Though Valentine Road did not win an award, it received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Quotes

• "I think he really didn't consider the ultimate outcome of what he was about to do."
• "You can't make people accept what they're never gonna accept."

Music / Soundtrack

• The music in "Valentine Road" was composed by international multi-instrumentalist Gingger Shankar, known for her evocative score work. The score was praised for being subtly effective in conveying the emotions of this tragic event.