Thursday, August 12, 2010

Extraordinary Measures For Extraordinary Circumstances

By Mari Schultz

Harrison Ford stars in the movie, Extraordinary Measures. The movie is adapted from the real life story of a couple who sacrificed everything they had to find an answer to their illness which is killing their children. The parents take the unusual action of helping to finance research into treating or better still finding a cure for the genetic disease. Is this an extreme action? How many parents would take radical steps to protect the health and happiness of their children?

Without a doubt most parents would be devastated to learn their children had inherited a degenerative disease. Most parents would take any steps possible to ensure their child received the best treatment available. However, not every parent has the confidence to challenge systems designed to keep the cog in the wheel so to speak.

Parallel to the main story, the movie also seems to represents a new period of American History, when a Black Man became President of the United States. For Americans the fact that a Black Man has entered the highest office in the land suggests anything is possible, including restructuring a very ill health insurance system. The movie attempts to highlight the Extraordinary Measures the President will be required to take to accomplish his health reforms

The main theme is not about finding a miracle cure as it appears at face value. The main theme explores the many fears, prejudices and pressures placed upon parents living with children with illness and disability. It brings into the open, in a very Hollywood saccharine manner, an issue many families face at times of crisis, that of rediscovering the resilient human spirit.

The thorny debate surrounding the health care reform bill the new President hopes to push through is also evident in the narrative of the movie. The role of the Doctor, played by Harrison Ford, is to let people know that despite his expertise taking him to the top of his field he is nonetheless still just a human being with faults. He is trying his best, his best might not be good enough but it is all he has to offer.

Somehow the movie also gives the impression that taking a stance against injustice and carrying on despite incredible hardship is solely an American trait. Most people live in hope of a better, more cohesive society. Without inspiration from those who do survive despite the incredible circumstances of their lives, people everywhere would not be able to carry on living in hope.

There are numerous examples of people living full and happy lives in spite of their circumstances. Ordinary people everywhere have stories which defy the odds. That they manage to rise above their situations to consider the feelings and needs of others is testimony to their tenacity.

Extraordinary Measures are taken by parents the world over in an effort to progress their children's health and well being. People have the ability to retain hope even when is seems as though all hope is lost. This human need to hope for the best is what drives human beings to carry on. Engaging in meaningful relationships with others is a basic human requirement. For how long America keeps this feeling of optimism can only be guessed. It is hoped that it lasts long enough for much needed changes to take effect and impact positively upon American culture and society.

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