Code Black

No fictionalized portrayal of hospital emergency rooms can match the raw, visceral power of the real thing as captured here in Ryan McGarry's documentary. McGarry served as a resident-in-training in the ER of the Los Angeles County Hospital, where he worked in the C-Booth (the department where critical cases were treated). Code Black paints a remarkable portrait of the dedication of ER professionals, while also capturing the intensity of the problems they confront—such as the titular term used when the ER is at or beyond capacity, a situation that happens frequently since the county facility is obligated to provide treatment to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. With a waiting room often filled to overflowing, hard choices have to be made about who to treat first. Much of the film is made up of footage of the ER operation, including some wrenchingly graphic episodes of patients being treated by the C-Booth team, but there are also numerous shots of people waiting patiently to be seen, some obviously in great pain. Some patients are directly interviewed, but most of the comments come from residents, nurses, and administrators, who remain devoted to serving the community despite the difficulties. What comes across loud and clear is the incredible idealism of doctors who are struggling to be effective in a healthcare system hobbled by political and economic constraints. Code Black offers an insightful and genuinely moving glimpse into the operation of one of America's premier medical facilities. Highly recommended. [Note: DVD extras include a “Bring Your Own Doc” interview with director Ryan McGarry” (22 min.), McGarry's short film “#Reconnection” (3 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a eye-opening, timely documentary.] (F. Swietek)