In Her Own Time: The final Fieldwork of Barbara Myerhoff

Directed by:  Lynne Littman
Run Time: 60min
http://directcinema.com/dcl/title.php?id=225

This is a very touching film, and we (Christian, Emily and myself) were graced with the presence of Ms Littman for this viewing.  Myerhoff died, RIP, shortly after this film was made, according to Ms Littman, of a severe form of lung cancer.    It chronicles Myerhoff's search for some reprieve from her cancer, some meaning, and even a miracle.

As a participant-researcher she is brilliant.  In an attempt at reprieve she partakes and embraces an orthodox Judaism looking at her relation to religion in the face of death.  Considering the circumstances she is facing, this film couldn't be more about life.  She is so engaging and interesting it's easy to forget her illness.  One particular scene that I find brilliant is her interviewing "Sultana," in front of her bookshelf.  This scene is notable for not only the simple pointed and direct questioning, but also the camera work of Ms Littman.  The camera settles on a set of shelves containing numerous books – secular books.  Then Myerhoff asks her about her orthodoxy books as the camera pans to to several bookshelves of same size.  She's asking Sultana about the strictness of her religion and, trying to break her down a little.  As Sultana expresses her dogmatic view,  Myerhoff relates a quote to her.  With a big and understanding smile, she says, "When the heart is open, there's room for 'yes' and 'no'."  Later on, when Myerhoff is reflecting back on Sultana's stict and dogmatic adherence to this type of orthodoxy, she says, "when I look at this woman, it's across a vast and affectionate distance."  Again, the poetic nature of Myerhoff just pours out.  But, along with this, she looks at the people serving this religion and seems to be asking if the restrictions are actually a freedom.  Are they restrictions, or new possibilities to life?

I don't think Myerhoff needed to go find this strict form of religion, this spirituality.  She, in fact, exuded a spirituality on her own – she just needed to be reminded of her connection, I feel.  I'll never know, but I do know that in a brief 60-min, I found a wonderful spirit in Barbara Myerhoff.