Exploitation Or Sending A Message

Have you seen the documentary "Farrah's Story"? It is about Farrah Fawcett's cancer journey. I watched it a few days ago. Boy, did it bring up many different emotions in me - sadness (at her pain), inspiration (at her strength to fight it), hope (for her recovery). I had some other feelings too - uneasiness at some very private moments on public display.

There have been numerous debates on blogs and websites since the documentary aired. There are some lawsuits and accusations against the show producers, Alana Stewart and Ryan O'Neal. I am not quite sure about that whole thing, so I won't go there. However, I will share my own thoughts as I sat watching the documentary.

I watch movies that have an uplifting theme. Even if a movie has excellent acting and won the Oscar, I do not watch it if the entire story is depressing. I like some fantasy in my movies, since reality already has a good dose of gloom and doom (smile). When I heard about Farrah's Story, I wanted to watch it. I figured if someone was willing to share such a painful journey, then their message must be strong and valid.

I heard that Farrah wanted to bring to light the alternative treatment she got in Germany. To focus on why the U.S. does not encourage such treatments here. Great idea, I thought, since celebrities have far better reach in getting the message across. For me, only one message came through - the fact that one should never give up when dealing with cancer. A good message no doubt. However, it would have been useful to know more about the treatment she received in Germany, to find out how she found out about such treatments, to hear scientists in the U.S. speak for and against such treatments, etc. Information that would have helped others dealing with the same disease find treatment options. Information that would bring more focus to the lack of funding for certain types of cancer in the U.S. But, none of that happened in detail. I was disappointed.

Two segments made me really uneasy. The part where I find out that the doctors were using chemotherapy treatments that spared her hair. It was only towards the end that she agreed to treatments that would make her hair fall out. I realize that Farrah's hair was a big part of her success. But really, your hair is not who you are, is it? It will grow back. The second was when they showed her son Redmond (who had been arrested for drug possession). He was allowed to visit her and he came in leg shackles. Farrah was in pain and incoherent. I am not sure about the message in that segment. Some things are just meant to be private.

Days after that documentary, I am still shaken. I realize that it is not my place to judge. Yet, I wonder about the purpose of this documentary. Money definitely played a part. I am sure Farrah had a pure purpose in documenting her journey, but as she gets sicker and is unable to make decisions, who then makes the decisions? Are documentaries like this exploitative or do they send the right message? What do you think?

I am off to sit on my acylic dock and do more pondering.....