Film Review: The Fruit Machine

Lynne Gouliquer,Carmen Poulin

doi:10.7202/1076203ar

Abstract

The following is a review of The Fruit Machine documentary film directed by Sara Fodey. This documentary sheds light on a dark period in Canadian history. Using the testimonials of survivors and historical expert, The Fruit Machine film illustrates how a democratic state could legally wage a discriminatory campaign against its own citizens whose only crime was being (or suspected to be) “homosexual.” For fifty years, Canadian state institutions hunted down and interrogated thousands of individuals suspected of homosexuality. This film is a must see.

Highlights

Abstract: e following is a review of e Fruit Ma chine documentary film directed by Sarah Fodey. is documentary sheds light on a dark period in Cana dian history
The Fruit Machine is a Canadian documentary film written and directed by Sarah Fodey and re leased in 2018. It presents as something between a documentary and a spy movie, yet it is one hundred percent based in reality—a Canadian reality. is film details how Canadian soldiers, civil servants, and po lice officers serving in our national institutions—the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Civil Service, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)—were in vestigated, intimidated, and interrogated like prisoners of war from the 1950s to the 1990s
Using the testi monies of numerous survivors and subjectmatter ex perts, the film illustrates how thousands of people lost their job, their health, their confidence, their future, their dream, and their trust in the Canadian state. e Fruit Machine tells the story of what is known as the Canadian LGBT Purge campaign and unveils a piece of Cana dian history that has remained invisible and unad dressed for many years

Summary

Introduction

Abstract: e following is a review of e Fruit Ma chine documentary film directed by Sarah Fodey. is documentary sheds light on a dark period in Cana dian history. Is film details how Canadian soldiers, civil servants, and po lice officers serving in our national institutions—the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Civil Service, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)—were in vestigated, intimidated, and interrogated like prisoners of war from the 1950s to the 1990s.

Results

Conclusion