Watch Gates of Heaven

Gates of Heaven is a 1978 documentary film directed by Errol Morris, which explores the phenomenon of pet cemeteries in the United States. The film's title is based on a quote by the founder of one of the pet cemeteries featured in the film, who believed that pets do not have souls and therefore cannot enter heaven, but they still deserve a decent place to rest in peace.

The film takes an unconventional approach to documentary filmmaking, with a style that is often described as quirky and offbeat. It does not follow a traditional narrative structure or use a voice-over to guide the viewer through the events on-screen. Rather, it relies on interviews with several characters involved in the pet cemetery business to tell the story.

The film begins with a man named Floyd McClure, who founded the first pet cemetery in California. McClure, who is in his 80s, talks about his lifelong love for animals and how he came up with the idea of starting a pet cemetery. One of the most memorable scenes in the film is a shot of McClure sitting on a bench, surrounded by his beloved dogs, as he relates the story of how he saved a dog from a gas chamber.

The rest of the film is devoted to the stories of two pet cemeteries, one of which was founded by a businessman named Ed BURNS, who he hoped to make a fortune from it, and the other by a woman named Florence RASMUSSEN, who established her pet cemetery out of love for animals. Burns' pet cemetery is eventually shut down, and the bodies of the deceased pets are disinterred and moved to Rasmussen's cemetery.

One of the most unique aspects of Gates of Heaven is the way in which it explores the relationship between humans and their pets. The film captures the intense emotions that accompany the loss of a beloved animal, as well as the lengths to which people will go to honor their pets' memory. The interviews with pet owners, some of whom have commissioned elaborate headstones for their pets, are poignant and at times heart-wrenching.

Another fascinating aspect of the film is the way in which it explores the business side of the pet cemetery industry. Morris interviews several characters involved in the business, including embalmers, landscapers, and crematorium workers. The film documents the financial struggles of both pet cemeteries, as well as the challenges they face in trying to provide a meaningful service to grieving pet owners.

Throughout the film, Morris demonstrates his unique ability to find humor and humanity in even the most unlikely subjects. His unorthodox approach to documentary filmmaking has been praised for its originality and for pushing the boundaries of the genre. Gates of Heaven has become a cult classic, and it remains one of the most beloved documentaries of all time.

In conclusion, Gates of Heaven is a fascinating and deeply human look at the world of pet cemeteries in the United States. Through its quirky and offbeat style, the film captures the love and devotion that pet owners feel towards their animals, as well as the struggles of those involved in the pet cemetery business. Morris' unique vision and unconventional approach to documentary filmmaking make Gates of Heaven a truly unforgettable experience.

Gates of Heaven is a 1978 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.