‘Sicko’
”
Sicko,
”
the latest documentary from writer/director Michael Moore, was
released nationwide June 29 and as always with Moore’s films, it
was met with a flurry of controversy.
”
Sicko
”
tackles the complicated and personal subject of the American
health care system and the more than 45 million uninsured
Americans. Health care has become a hotly debated topic in American
politics, and just recently, reports on CNN criticized some of
Moore’s data, while simultaneously validating the film’s basic
concept
– that the system needs to be changed.
‘Sicko’
“Sicko,” the latest documentary from writer/director Michael Moore, was released nationwide June 29 and as always with Moore’s films, it was met with a flurry of controversy.
“Sicko” tackles the complicated and personal subject of the American health care system and the more than 45 million uninsured Americans. Health care has become a hotly debated topic in American politics, and just recently, reports on CNN criticized some of Moore’s data, while simultaneously validating the film’s basic concept – that the system needs to be changed.
I arrived at the theater Saturday night with popcorn in hand. Part of me was thinking this might not be the best movie for popcorn. Healthcare reform isn’t known to strike up an appetite nor is it known to be the topic of many family dinners.
As I anticipated, this movie was not particularly popcorn friendly, as one of the first scenes shows a man sewing up his own leg. Come to think of it, the movie was not all that teenage-friendly either. There was not one other person under the age of 40 at the showing I attended. I felt like Anne Coulter at a Democratic convention.
The disconnect created through the age gap is understandable, considering health issues are more pertinent for older Americans, and few 20-year olds – who are often still covered by their parent’s insurance – are concerned about the cost of health care or prescription drugs.
The film opens in typical Moore fashion, with a clip of his favorite target, President George W. Bush, speaking about the state of doctors in America. Though much of the film focused not on the President, but rather the health care system in general, the movie did take its jabs at politicians, democrats and republicans alike. I appreciate that Moore criticized not only the conservative right, but also the liberal left. Pointing the finger at one particular person, organization or party for this issue seems unwarranted. Both sides have had their chance to deal with the issue of health care and both have neglected it.
The film follows Moore as he interviews numerous people who had been wronged by the health care system. One man whose story was particularly disturbing was that of Rick, no last name given. Rick accidentally cut both fingers off while using a table saw. One of his first thoughts following the accident was about the cost for medical care, as Rick had no insurance. At the hospital Rick was given the choice of attaching his ring finger at the expense of $12,000 or his middle finger for $60,000. He ended up choosing his ring finger.
It’s hard to imagine someone having to choose between a finger – as though there is a price tag on life and limbs.
But, as there are two sides to every coin, there are two sides to every issue – even this one. Moore’s use of Cuba as an excellent example of free health care seemed a bit far fetched to me, and it seemed inconsistent with the World Health Organization’s health care rankings, which lists America as 37th in the world and Communist Cuba as 39th. I doubt anyone would trade in their freedoms as an American to get health care in Cuba.
Having seen two other Michael Moore films, “Fahrenheit 911” and “Bowling for Columbine,” I had a good idea of what to expect with “Sicko.” I knew there would be many shots of men and women who had been negatively impacted by the U.S. health care system and a persistent, but compassionately portrayed Moore getting to the bottom of the issue. I knew it would be filled with insider reports, sarcastic stints and highlighted memos exposing the depth of America’s disorganized system, and I was not let down.
Like many of Moore’s films much was said to identify what is wrong with this country but little was said regarding practical steps to achieve an affordable, workable national health care system. In a way, being told about all the things that are wrong with the current system but offering no relief is like being diagnosed with cancer and having no insurance to cover it. Ironic isn’t?
Overall the movie was well done and thoughtfully articulate. I thought Moore did a great job showing real people who suffer because of our system, but I wish he had been more balanced in his approach.
But what Moore shows us with “Sicko” is we all do have something to worry about when it comes to health care. Most of us will have to deal with this issue at one point or another in our lives. What I got out of the movie is that Moore, in spite of his over the top antics, believes we need to change our current system. Our parents’ concern now will become our problem later.
