Valenetine Road Essay

On October 22 at 7:30pm in Williams Hall, I watched a film by Marta Cunningham called “Valenetine Road”. The film was about a murder that occurred on February 12, 2008 in Oxnard, California, were either-grader Brandon Mclnerney shot an openly gay classmate Larry King. Although what seemed like an open and shut case, the trial took over three years before the judge and jury was able to deliberate a decision. Coupled with the abnormality of a juvenile murderer and extenuating trail time, the case garnered countless media appearances that choose to depict the case one sided. However, through the film, the background information proved to be vital because the film choose to present both sides of the story persuasively and effectively. This allows

the audience to think objectively and raises critical questions about our education and justice system. Using an objective lens, I learned about the impact of nurture, gay culture, and the inability for humans to create a black and white justice system.
The value of the film is that humans are easily influenced by nurture.

The nature versus nurture debate has been argued across centuries. Within the film, both Larry and Brandon grew up in abusive families, which complicates their maturity levels. It was evident that both parties had their own supporters. On Larry’s side, people saw Brandon’s actions as a hate crime. In the opposing side, people saw Brandon as a confused juvenile that needed a just punishment that did not jeopardize his entire future. Both parties presented convincing arguments. Ultimately, everything can be broken down into the concept of “nurture” and how vital it is for children to grow up in a positive

environment.
The significance of the film is it shows how the majority of education and justice system are unprepared to deal with evolving social manners. In 2008, homosexual was already well known. Laws were even passed to prevent discrimination. Although laws are supposed to protect people, the discrimination law provided almost immunity to the homosexual community, which in turn jeopardizes heterosexual communities. Thus, laws cannot be created hastily even if their intent is positive because nothing is purely “black or white”. Within the film, Brandon was not able to seek any help as he felt that he was being bullied from Larry with his comfortable attitude of being openly gay. Although Brandon’s actions are condemnable, one must also learn to consider the struggles of the opposing views. By being able to objectively analyze situations, improvements can be addressed and made.
Although the quality of the film was mediocre, the context of the film was enriching. Throughout the film, there was a copyright statement that hindered parts of the film. Additionally, a few photos of the victim and murderer seemed a bit more bias as it foreshadowed the director and film team’s own personal opinions about the case. For example, Brandon (the murderer) possessed an ominous dark lighting was Larry (the victim) was always portrayed happily. This in turn contradicts the films original intended purpose of portraying an objective opinion about the case.
The films place in our culture is it reminds us to be open minded towards others.

In an increasing liberal society, we must learn to become more tolerate towards others. The freedom for others to truly express themselves is vital as it’s apart of one’s identity. By embracing others, we become respectful and allow everyone to positively grow in an encouraging environment. According to Marta, though conservative values are diminishing, it is also important for others to also respect their ideals even though they may seem to be unpopular, as it too, is apart of their identity. Thus, although possessing a moderate perspective towards others may be difficult, we must lean to become more selfless. In turn, we all help foster a more harmonious generation that is filled with tolerance and

respect.
Over, I enjoyed the insightful film. I admire Marta’s honesty towards her work as she was able to present both the victim and murderers side equally and objectively. Her film was exceptional, and it helped train Oxford students how to think critically instead of what to think. Furthermore, the film has changed my perspective on the community, to never judge and listen to stereotypes about certain regions and people.