No conoces a Jack

I’m just writing an assignment about euthanasia, but I stopped writing until I had the chance to watch You Don’t Know Jack. Of course, I also read some books about it, but I said to myself that Pacino might make me a little more enthusiastic about this topic and make the essay better. And I wasn’t wrong, Kevorkian is his best role for the last few years and it’s a pleasure to see him act with such enthusiasm. But I certainly mustn’t forget about John Goodman who complements Al perfectly and some scenes make this almost a snappy-lined buddy movie. Barry Levinson pulls some director’s aces from his sleeve, the story gracefully depicts all the years of Kevorkian’s struggle against the system. I was afraid that, being a TV movie, it might lose some of its punch, but in fact it’s the other way around. This is a personal drama that people should watch at home and have time to think about it in peace without someone crunching on popcorn in the seat behind him. This is a picture about respect for human life and about the opportunity to choose. If those aren’t fundamental themes, I don’t know what is. Way to go, Jack! (15.07.2010)

A nice film about a strong topic with a (let’s not exaggerate) very good performance by Al Pacino. But a TV film is still a TV film. What irritated me personally was that Kevorkian’s opposition is portrayed only with a bunch of religious fanatics and an arrogant lawyer. Even though I’m in favour of euthanasia, I’ve met people who support the opposing view and they were able to argue very well. I really missed that kind of opposition in You Don't Know Jack, and compared to other users, I will keep my feet on the ground. 7/10 (12.09.2010)

I don't claim that Jack Kevorkian is Al Pacino's best role, but I do think that he handled it perfectly and breathtakingly. The film, which clocks in at over two hours, is gripping mainly because of him (he doesn't play the doctor, as is his wont, but he simply is him), but it would also be a mistake to forget Barry Levinson and the excellent line-up of supporting actors - an unrecognizable Susan Sarandon, the always likeable John Goodman or Danny Huston with a really bad haircut. Euthanasia is still a hot topic (I don't understand why) and it was good to see that the filmmakers approached it in the same way that Dr. Kevorkian approached death - with sensitivity and dignity. Thank you, HBO, for making this. (20.02.2011)