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Dr. Kim Mulvihill ReportingA controversial documentary opens today in select theaters across the country. The film explores why so many people choose to commit suicide by jumping off the golden gate bridge.
Experts in suicide prevention believe the film is good. They say the movie will stimulate much needed conversation about a very difficult subject.
A word of warning: Some of the images you're about to see may be disturbing.
n the movie, called "The Bridge," digital cameras captured every moment on the golden gate during 2004
Mel Blaustein, MD, St. Francis Memorial Hospital: "It is the most photogenic, it's a beautiful stucture, it's an iconic structure. There have been at least 1200 suicides from the bridge. Most of those bodies have never been found."
In 2004, 24 people killed themselves by jumping off the bridge; 23 were captured by cameras. Six ended up in the movie.
Mel Blaustein, MD: "It's a horrible way to die."
Dr. Mel Blaustein Iis director of psychiatry at St. Francis Memorial Hospital.He sees 5 to 10 suicidal patients a day. He's also seen the movie - twice. He recommends it, saying it exposes several myths.
Mel Blaustein, MD: "The myth is that the bridge death is quick and neat. Not true. People who hit the water bleed to death or drown. So it's not a pretty way to die either."
One survivor interviewed by filmmakers is Kevin Hines
Kevin Hines, Survived Jump Off Bridge: "So I got there and stood there for about 40 minutes just crying my eyes out. And this woman comes up to me and she says in a gemran accent, 'Will you take my picture?' And I was like, 'A picture, woman I'm trying to kill myself, can't you see the tears running down my face?'"
Hines then hurled himself over the bridge only to realize he wanted to live.
Studies on the handful of survivors confirm the urge to jump is impulsive.
Mel Blaustein, MD: "Suicide is an impulsive act. And if you can prevent impulsive behavior, you will prevent suicides. Thus a barrier, taking away lethal weapons, removing pills."
The filmmakers tracked down the families and friends of those who died, exposing another myth.
Eve Meyers, San Francisco Suicide Prevention: "One of the myths is that this doesn't hurt anybody. The person dies and this is over with, but the fact what happens is a sucide drives a truck thru families for generations."
Eve Meyers is with San Francisco Suicide Prevention. She hopes the movie will bolster support for a bridge barrier.
Eve Meyers: "If, in that moment of pain, that lethal method is not avallble, the moment passes and the person lives."
Some worry the film may glamourize suicide. These experts however believe if people see the movie and the devastation of suicide, it is a disincentive.
