Gates of Heaven
| Gates of Heaven | |
|---|---|
| File:Gatesofheaven.jpg | |
| Directed by | Errol Morris |
Release dates | October 19, 1980 |
Running time | 85 min. |
| Language | English |
Gates of Heaven is a documentary film by Errol Morris about the pet cemetery business. It was made when Morris was young and unknown and did much to launch his career.
The film, like Morris' other works, is unnarrated and the stories are told purely through interviews. It is divided into two main sections. The first concerns Floyd "Hal" McClure and his lifelong quest to allow pets to have a graceful burial. McClure's business associates and his nemesis, a manager of a rendering plant are interviewed. Eventually the business fails and the 450 animals have to be dug up and transported to the Bubbling Well Pet Memorial Park. This operation is run by John "Cal" Haberts and his two sons. This business is far more successful, and continues to operate today, run by Cal's son Dan Haberts who is seen in the film as a rather lonesome young rebel.
Morris' chosen subject matter was considered improbable by many, [citation needed] and noted director Werner Herzog pledged that he would eat his shoe if it were completed. When the film was released Herzog lived up to his wager and the consumption of his footwear was made into the short film Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe. Not only did Morris complete the film, but it launched his career and is now viewed as a classic. In 1982 Roger Ebert named it one of the ten best films of all time. The film's acclaim stems less from its coverage of pet cemeteries than how Morris builds on this base to discuss issues such as mortality and the afterlife.
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