Under Our Skin

Falling squarely into the category known as agit-docs—documentaries which aim to convey a sense of injustice while also providing information—the critically acclaimed Under Our Skin zeroes in on Lyme disease, a bacteriological infection that first appeared in the United States in the 1970s. Caused by deer tick bites and often misdiagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or syphilis, the condition can lead to MS and Alzheimer's disease if left untreated, according to experts interviewed here. But because it's difficult to detect, patients are accustomed to hearing that it's all in their heads; furthermore, representatives from the Infectious Diseases Society of America don't believe that chronic Lyme disease exists, while insurance companies would prefer not to cover long-term treatment. Director Andy Abrahams Wilson interviewed more than 150 people about their experiences (author Amy Tan among them), spending four years with six in particular, including an event producer for the rock band U2, who suffers “relentless pain”; and a park ranger who quit his job of 21 years when he began experiencing fatigue, vision problems, and memory loss. Others have dealt with miscarriages, birth defects, and loss of speech and mobility. Also interviewed is Willy Burgdorfer, the doctor who discovered the disease. DVD extras include audio commentary by the director, interviews, deleted scenes, updates, and a discussion guide. One of 15 documentary finalists selected by the Oscar nominating committee, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)