The Gospel of Eureka

By: Taylor Gates

This year has been full of game-changing documentaries that have tested limits and set records. From the heartwarming and inspiring Mr. Rogers and Ruth Bader Ginsburg movies to the mind-blowing and compelling Three Identical Strangers and Whitney, the genre has never been more revolutionary or appealing. The Gospel of Eureka continues this trend of risk-taking reality filmmaking, breaking the mold of the traditional documentaries and contributing something unique to the genre and world by its blend of history, folklore, character study and humor.

The Gospel of Eureka examines the small Arkansan town of Eureka Springs, which boasts a population of just over two thousand. The film’s only agenda is to truthfully show every aspect of the complex community coincidentally at the center of Non-Discrimination Ordinance 2223.

Eureka Springs is a fascinating town in that there are groups co-existing that on paper (especially in this day and age) seems ridiculous. Not only is it home to one of the largest passion plays in the world and the biggest Jesus statue in North America, but it also has a flourishing drag scene. Instead of focusing on the tension between these two groups; however, this documentary highlights the harmony of them without ever feeling fake or overly-sweet.

This is due to the showcase of eclectic interviewees from primarily three locations: the theatre, a local church and a drag bar. One man who works at The Great Passion Play’s outdoor amphitheater is a dead ringer for “Parks and Rec” character Ron Swanson in both sound and look. Kent Butler, who plays Jesus in the play, is ecstatic about his work, enthusiastically showing the camera crew how he holds onto the cross as it’s lifted in the air and sharing tidbits about the fake blood the production uses. (Apparently, it’s edible and tastes like spicy mint.) The camera pans to the audience during one of the elaborate productions and the crowd is a diverse mixture of people. There are bored adults, riveted children and even a transgender woman and her husband cuddling.

The church members, too, are just as colorful. When talking about homosexuality, the pastor tells the congregation that The Bible is the most misused and abused book of all time. “I believe you can make The Bible say whatever you want it to,” he says, going on to remind everyone that technically the scripture says bacon is sinful, too. The pastor’s son, Jayme Brandt (who owns a Christian t-shirt shop) agrees. There’s a particularly poignant moment where he explains to his children that some churches don’t accept gay people. His kids can’t quite wrap their head around that concept with one of his daughters reacting with an iconic confused stink face.

Gregory Lee Keating and Walter Burrell, the gay couple who own the popular bar, round out the subjects. Keating and Burrell, still clearly in love after thirty-one years of marriage, are impossible not to immediately adore. True country boys, they have a jewelry-box type contraption solely to hold their cigarettes and enjoy a nice glass of whiskey. “Christianity isn’t about who you’re fucking—it’s about who you’re loving,” Keating says bluntly between smokes. Everyone who walks into their bar feels like family and even the audience feels at home every time they’re on screen.

The “villains” of the narrative, so to speak, are not the central focus and light, poetic justice is promptly administered to them. One vile protestor of the Non-Discrimination Ordinance 2223 cannot defend his beliefs, even on a basic level, despite being gently prompted. Racist, anti-Semitic orator Gerald L.K. Smith, who was responsible for the giant Jesus statue, was eventually buried beneath it though Jesus is facing ominously away from his grave. Anita Bryant, a homophobic actress who became the face of the orange juice industry, was eventually fired from her job and had a pie thrown in her face on national television while spouting hateful rhetoric.

Still, the film doesn’t completely ignore or write off the town’s dark history. Narrator Justin Vivian Bond chillingly talks about some of the horrific, violent hate crimes that have been committed in the town while the camera pans to various scenes of nature. Michael Palmieri and Donal Mosher have done something truly spectacular with The Gospel of Eureka, painting a captivating and meaningful portrait of a tiny Southern town. The film is sure to entertain, educate and maybe even open up some minds and hearts.

**Non- Discrimination Ordinance 223: “The new legislation will ban discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations against people based on their race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic background, and a number of other important categories.”** – HRC