Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God (2012)

Alex Gibney explores the charged issue of pedophilia in the Catholic Church, following a trail from the first known protest against clerical sexual abuse in the United States and all the way to the Vatican.

Director:

Alex Gibney

Writer:

Alex Gibney

Stars:

Jamey Sheridan, Chris Cooper, Ethan Hawke

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jamey Sheridan	...	Terry (voice)
Chris Cooper	...	Gary (voice)
Ethan Hawke	...	Pat (voice)
John Slattery	...	Arthur (voice)
Alex Gibney	...	Himself - Narrator (voice)
Donagh Gleason	...	Father Murphy (as Dennis Gleason)
Robert Hoatson	...	Religious Ritual Priest (as Robert Hoaston)
Doriel Printz-Nadworny	...	Dorm Room Boy / Confessional Boy (as Doriel Pryntz-Nadworny)
Brady Bryson	...	Deaf Child
Kyle Donnery	...	Deaf Boy (as Kyle Donnerly)
Wyeth Freaney	...	Deaf Boy
Alexander Primavera	...	Deaf Boy
Antony Toron	...	Young Terry
Matthew Ryan Hughes	...	Young Terry (as Matthew Hughes)
Larry Hunt	...	Terry

Storyline

Alex Gibney explores the charged issue of pedophilia in the Catholic Church, following a trail from the first known protest against clerical sexual abuse in the United States and all the way to the Vatican.

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Plot Keywords:

pedophilia | vatican | catholic | catholic church | sexual abuse | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 November 2012 (USA)

Also Known As:

Den största synden

Filming Locations:

Ireland

Box Office

Budget:

$1,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Jigsaw Productions, Wider Film Projects, Below The Radar Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Goofs

The narration states "In 1929, a cardinal, soon to be Pope Pius XI, signed the Lateran Treaty with the Fascist government of Mussolini to create the Vatican State." Actually, in 1929, Pius XI was already pope, having been elected in 1922.

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Connections

Referenced in See Hear: Episode #32.36 (2013)

User Reviews

The Truth Will Set You Free

This is an excellent documentary on how the Catholic Church has let down its people. Child Sexual abuse has long been a problem in the Church. That's not to say that other religions have had their problems too. It focuses on how sexual abuse, especially in deaf community and it was so rampant. The film gives great insight on how the Catholic Church succeeded in creating a massive cover up. It evens show how Pope Benedict XVI, then Cardinal Ratzinger played a vital role in covering up the abuse happening worldwide. The film may make you bitter, even angry, but for those of us who are Catholic it's an amazing outpouring of sadness. I found myself doing more research on this subject. The victims in the film pour out their heart and souls, and even though they were deaf and they signed their lines, you are offered the opportunity to hear what they are saying with excellent guest star voices. Even the use of photography where the zoomed in on the hands signing was awesome, I felt their grief through their sign language. The cinematography is excellent and the use of old film footage makes you feel like you are there. In my opinion a must see film, especially if you are Catholic. It sends a clear message that the Church has a long road ahead in rebuilding its trust with its congregation.