Dr. Death

Author(s): Tony
Location: Pittsburgh

"Dr. Death"

Directed by Gregory Hoblit
Written by Brian Helgeland

Main Cast

Peter O'Toole as Dr. Jack Kevorkian
James McAvoy as Mark Quinn
Peter Sarsgaard as Rodney Moldonado
Richard Schiff as Thomas Youk
Stephen Rea as Geoffrey Fieger
James Cromwell as D.A. Arthur Stanton
Martin Donovan as Richard Thompson

Tagline: "Dying is not a crime"

Synopsis: Is dying a crime? According to the words of Jack Kevorkian, it isn't. Director Gregory Hoblit brings you the true story on Americas controversial pathologist. Kevorkian held strong to his beliefs, mainly on death and the right to die. The film begins in 1999, the opening trial to the Kevorkian case. In the hands of lawyer Geoffrey Fieger was Kevorkians livelihood and prosecuting was Richard Thompson. With hollow eyes, Kevorkian flashed back to where it began.

The film back tracks to the late 1980's, the start of his reign. It was then Jack started his campaign to people of illness that he would provide them "assisted suicide", to be their savior. At the start Kevorkian was laid to dry, his medical license was revoked. However, throughout the decade of the 90's Kevorkian was involved with over 100 deaths of people claiming to be ill. Most of them weren't ill, but suffered from depression. Kevorkian was clean due to his device where the push of a button would inject chemicals through an IV into his patient, the patient would push the button themselves.

The date, November 23rd, 1998. The show, 60 Minutes. Kevorkian decided to abuse his power by allowing the show to air one of his patients to their death. The patient, Thomas Youk, victim of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. On this tape Youk gave his consent to Kevorkian to allow the procedure to go on, and since Youk wasn't psychically able to push the button, Kevorkian did it for him. He looked into the camera and dared the authorities to try to stop him. This was enough for D.A. Arthur Stanton to put Kevorkian on trial for murder charges. Throughout the trial Kevorkian gained public support and protesters that wanted to free him. Mark Quinn, a human right activist, led this cult. Rodney Moldonado was on the opposing side mostly because of his late uncle who was a patient of the doctors. Moldonado found the doctor responsible for his uncles death.

The scene before the last consist of Kevorkian talking to himself in his cell early 2007, knowing he'll die in a short period of time (victim of Hepatitis C), realizing his ironic position in this stage of his life. The last scene is the real footage of Jack Kevorkian on Larry King Live on June 4th, 2007, three days after his release. Kevorkian stated his beliefs stay the same, but he'll never do it again.

What the Press would say:

"Dr. Death" is the years new leading candidate for many different categories, but to shorten it, controversy and brilliancy. The film bounces back and forth from the trial to Kevorkians early stages, to his last stages, and along with the side story of the 2 fresh characters representing one side to the devestating case. You'll find yourself in a theater with half the audience against and for our leading character. That's the beautiful nature of this film, that our mind and our belief choose the films protagonist and antagonist. Gregory Hoblit puts all his talent in a blender, mixes it up and out comes Dr. Death, the brilliant dialogue of Primal Fear, the haunting vibe of Fallen, the intellect of Fracture, it's all there. Peter O'Toole takes on one of his most challenging roles to date, the charismatic and controversial Jack Kevorkian. O'Toole warms your heart then rips it out with this mind blowing performance of a devoted doctor believing what he feels is right. No matter what side you're on there is evilness in this role. James McAvoy and Peter Sarsgaard put the cherry on top to complete this lively film. McAvoy is the well spoken, smooth activist whose dialogue and pitch cannot be replaced, while Saarsgard plays the part of the emotionally distraught, mourning the death of his uncle, a "victim" or "patient" of Dr. Kevorkians. Together the two create an incredible charge. A good amount of the film focuses on these 2 characters and their devotions. Their rivalry and battle towards each other. In closing, it's without a doubt a film that one can debate on for days, a film thats power, drive, acting, and well roundness can push it for Oscar contention, an instant classic.

FYC:

Best Picture
Best Director - Gregory Hoblit
Best Actor - Peter O'Toole
Best Supporting Actor - Mark Quinn
Best Supporting Actor - Peter Sarsgaard
Best Original Screenplay - Brian Heldgeland
Best Editing