The Bleeding Edge
By Renee Longstreet,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Informative, eye-opening docu about medical-device industry.
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The Bleeding Edge
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What's the Story?
THE BLEEDING EDGE uses interviews, visual aids, and news footage, as well as scenes from the personal lives of its subjects, to bring an important issue to the public. Director Kirby Dick, notable director of other documentaries (e.g., The Hunting Ground, which dealt with campus rape) focuses upon three devices: a contraceptive implant (Bayer's Essure), hip replacement material (DePuy Synthes), and mesh implants (Johnson & Johnson) for gynecological use. In addition, the filmmaker spends time on cutting-edge robotic "surgeons" (daVinci). Primarily, the movie follows several women who had contraceptive devices or mesh implants for urinary tract disorders. In each case, they have been permanently damaged or have had to undergo multiple surgical procedures. Dr. Stephen Tower, an orthopedic surgeon whose own replacement hip resulted in cobalt poisoning, becomes an important advocate for due diligence. Director Dick's premise, documented with precision, is that current methods employed by the FDA for approval of medical devices aren't stringent enough to protect the public. That fact, along with the immense power of medical corporations and their lobbyists, puts the American consumer in great danger.
Is It Any Good?
The case for more stringent testing of evolving medical devices and procedures by government caretakers, specifically the FDA, is presented with clarity, passion, and integrity. Kirby Dick manages to elucidate a complex issue and, at the same time, engage the audience's emotions as they follow these very personal stories to their conclusions. Not everyone gets well, but each story has purpose. It's inspiring to watch Angie Firmalino take on the medical establishment. It's exhilarating to see Dr. Stephen Tower's experience change the course of history for so many others. The Bleeding Edge is a perfect example of how documentary movies, with their increasing visibility, have an impact on today's most significant issues.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can discuss the purposes of documentary filmmaking: to entertain, inform, inspire, and persuade. In which category or categories does The Bleeding Edge belong? Why?
By including testimony from medical professionals about the general risks of such procedures, do you think the filmmakers have adequately presented both sides of the issue? Would you have liked to hear from the manufacturers of the devices? Why do you think they didn't want to be interviewed?
Think about Angie Firmalino, Tammy Jackson, and the other folks who fought back. What specific character strengths were necessary for them to succeed in their efforts? What motivated them? How did their work aiding others help them deal with what they'd been through?
It's clear that countries around the world terminated approval for Essure before the United States acted. Does this movie help explain why? How is this an example of the power of the marketplace over the well-being of the people it serves?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: July 27, 2018
- Director: Kirby Dick
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: STEM
- Character Strengths: Communication, Courage, Teamwork
- Run time: 99 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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