Different From You

Milt L. Kogan and Demetrio Cuzzocrea's outstanding and brutally honest 2002 documentary exposes the shameful neglect of America's mentally ill homeless population. In the last several decades, promises to reintegrate the post-institutionalized into society have not been followed with actual assistance; as a result, many of these people now make up a large percentage of states' homeless populations. Different From You follows Los Angeles family physician Kogan as he provides medical care for patients living on the streets as well as in “board and care” facilities (and viewers watch as the afflicted poignantly express the pain, challenge, and frustration of coping with their illnesses, societal prejudices, and hostility). In addition, caregivers and professionals also provide perspective, and the program looks at successful self-help programs and well-funded facilities that help patients regain their self-respect and live as independently as possible. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (L. Stevens)