Bernadette Wegenstein’s documentary follows four breast cancer victims from diagnosis through treatment and post-operative follow-up—including surgery, problems arising from procedures, and counseling when outcomes do not meet expectations. All are patients of Dr. Lauren Schnaper, Director of the Breast Cancer Center at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center, and her associate, Dr. Sheri Slezak, a plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction. Schnaper, whose manner is compassionate but straightforward, emphasizes the importance of mammography but also expresses some provocative ideas about the prevalence of radical mastectomy as the treatment of choice, and Wegenstein includes archival footage of Dr. William S. Halsted, who pioneered and promoted the procedure, to provide historical context (the film also presents quite explicit footage of the operation itself). But while concentrating on the medical and psychological realities of the four cases, The Good Breast also adopts a wider cultural perspective, discussing the Christian legend of third-century martyr St. Agatha, who was tortured by having her breasts cut off. Now recognized as the patron saint of breast cancer victims, Agatha is venerated at an annual festival in her honor at her birthplace of Catania in Sicily, with Wegenstein following Schnaper and Slezak as they attend the event in order to attain a greater understanding of the importance of the breast as an ancient symbol of female strength. The film serves a practical purpose by explaining breast cancer treatment for patients and their families, while also commenting on female empowerment. Extras include additional scenes, and a featurette on the music score. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
The Good Breast
(2016) 94 min. DVD: $29.98 ($298 w/PPR from www.icarusfilms.com). Icarus Films Home Video (avail. from most distributors). Closed captioned. Volume 34, Issue 5
The Good Breast
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