torture

Ken, you've nailed it. For me, the movie was not only compelling as I watched it, but it set off an emotional response within me that I have carried around for years. Your point about Iraq, Guantanamo, et al, is entirely correct. I have wondered if people can have any understanding at all of torture unless it has come into their lives. I think that this film is as close as it gets (except for, possibly, "Death and the Maiden") as far as displaying the varying emotions involved goes. And, of course, the similar emotions among victim and abuser are shown well. Vanessa Redgrave is brilliant as the therapist/victim, as is Raul Julia in his role. Obviously, this is a topic that has touched me. What you say about torturers damaging their own souls is the absolute "bottom line" of this issue. Thanks, Marcia

seafire --- why didn't you also send the same message to the terrorists who always torture our troops if they catch them. And they will continue to do so because that's their mindset for centuries. They have ALWAYS tortured people who disagreed with them. It's part of their faith and culture!

Even if we stop "forceful" interrogation of our enemies, they will not do the same when the "interrogate" our captured troops.

Many readers may not be aware that we, the United States, have been involved in torture for many, many years. We have trained Latin American nations in the art of torture, which is interesting because these nations rarely fight each other. We teach Latino troops torture techniques at Fort Benning, Georgia, and they use this skill on their civilian populations. During the Eisenhower administration we sent civilians to Uruguay to train the police and military in the art of electric torture techniques.

It should also be considered that the torturers themselves become the victims of their own conscience as Julia portrayed in this fine movie. Something our troops who practice torture at our many military prison may have to cope with in the future.