Miri Navasky and Karen O'Connor share credits as producers, directors, and writers of Facing Death—originally broadcast on the PBS series Frontline—which examines the profound questions accompanying end-of-life choices, with a visit to the intensive care unit of New York's Mount Sinai Hospital in order to examine moral and medical considerations for those facing the decision of whether or not to “pull the plug” on terminally ill patients. Several families graciously allow the filmmakers access to their anxious and complicated discussions related to ending the life of a severely incapacitated loved one. Medical professionals interviewed here provide sobering explanations of various aspects of these heartrending decisions. In one of the most harrowing scenes, relatives of an elderly woman surviving with a breathing tube agree to have the device removed from her mouth, and for a brief but terrifying moment it appears she will immediately expire before she regains the ability to breathe on her own. Facing Death is not a comfortable film to watch; nonetheless, it's an important addition to the ongoing healthcare debate, especially in view of the unfounded rumors about federal “death panels.” Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
Facing Death
(2010) 60 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.95 w/PPR). PBS Video. ISBN: 978-1-60883-387-0. Volume 26, Issue 3
Facing Death
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: