At first, I didn’t realize Extremis came out in 2016, and was likely filmed beforehand. With Covid-19 plaguing us for about two years now, I initially thought the really sick patients on machine were dying from Covid-19.
For ethics, I feel these end of life decisions of the patients should have only been recorded if they were mentally aware and able to fully consent. Including the homeless man sort of seemed like an invasion of his privacy, would he want to be on camera if he was aware? did he even know he was being recorded?
Perhaps his family found him from this documentary, but would they have consented if they were there on his bedside? Some homeless people are mentally ill and run away and forget they have families. It happened with/to my uncle. He ran off when I was 7 or 8 and we were only informed when he passed away because they looked for his family. Before that we only knew a possible state because I googled him and a photographer photographed him and posted his name as well, but the rest of the bio given on the photographer’s site was false because he mentally unwell. Sorry, I’m rambling.
The story telling was very strong, the family members they chose to highlight, and how those family members cared for the patients at the end of their life, really stuck with me. It showed how much love and care they have. It crazy yet amazing how sounds bring back memories. I thought this would be upsetting to me because before my Dad passed away, I spent two weeks in the hospital and all I heard were monitors and codes over the speakers etc. I did get teary eyed in class but I am glad I stayed and watched because this was a very well done documentary and really captured what those final moments are like.
Best,
Cristine Trimarco