Carroll Pickett has served for fifteen years as the death house chaplain to the infamous 'Walls' prison unit in the heart of Huntsville, Texas. During those fifteen years he has presided over 95 executions, including the first lethal injection ever done. Unable to share his emotions, or even cry, Reverend Pickett set down after each execution and recorded an audiotape account of that day. Out of the 95 executions that Pickett served for, only one stuck with him long afterwards, that of Carlos De Luna. From the beginning Pickett thought that the man was innocent, and as time progresses we see that he just might have been right.
Told through the eyes of Pickett himself, At the Death House Door successfully challenges the views on the death penalty and bring awareness to the crippling effect that ending one man's life can have on another man. The film is powerful and emotional as it plays its cards right; making you question even your sternness of beliefs.
What really makes this film so great is the personality and story of Reverend Carroll Pickett. Having served as chaplain for Walls Prison in Huntsville, Texas for fifteen years, it would be a shock if the job didn't have an effect on his lifestyle and personality. But what truly makes Reverend Pickett so appealing is his outtake on life. He doesn't regret serving as chaplain and he doesn't consistently complain about the death penalty. Instead, he tells what he is feeling, what emotions are going through his body and thoughts through his mind, allowing the viewers to piece together his story and discover for themselves the true meaning to what he is saying. He doesn't preach to the camera nor does he ever raise his voice. Instead he comes to us as another person of equal stature, like a next-door neighbor, becoming our friend and companion instead of our preacher. His approach is rare but pleasant, and it ultimately helped make watching this film and enlightening experience.
Additionally I have to commend Steve James and Peter Gilbert for their camera work. Getting to the bottom of Pickett's inner-emotions could not have been easy; however the pair of directors successfully did it, allowing the film to reach its full potential. Additionally the amount of research and knowledge that was presented throughout the film was nothing short of amazing as an educational yet passionate approach became present, really showcasing the film and its story.
The film easily fascinates its audience through in-depth interviews and eye-opening first-hand accounts. But the film's main subject, Reverend Carroll Pickett, proved to be the highlighted piece as his presence created a personable feeling within the film, one that made you feel and question one of society's most controversial subjects.
