l pauley

The parents in this film can really only be understood if you are familiar with the Mormon church. The completely flat tone used by the mom in the phone call is representative of many many Mormon families I knew in the 70s, but even many families I know today. Mormon-speak is bizarre to someone not familiar with the church. Mormons need to display a perfect facade to their neighbors and members of their ward. The relationships they have with people are extremely shallow—even within their own families. They have to be because you can’t reveal your true flawed self to others when you’re a member of this church. I’ve always found Mormon family relationships to be quite sad. The fact that this could happen to a Mormon family does not surprise me at all. A lot of brainwashing goes on in this religion as far as I’m concerned. Sad situation but not at all surprising to me after growing up in Provo and living in Salt Lake as an adult.