As we reflect on this year's celebrity obituaries, we can't help but notice the increasing number of individuals who have surpassed the age of a century. What was once considered a rare occurrence is now becoming more commonplace, thanks to the advancements in medical science and technology. However, with progress comes a whole new set of challenges - cultural, economic, political, and ethical. The ethical dilemmas brought about by these advancements are at the core of Extreme Measures, a 1996 thriller directed by Michael Apted.
The film follows Dr. Guy Luthan (portrayed by Hugh Grant), a young physician working in a New York hospital's emergency room. When a naked, semi-delirious man is brought in as a patient, Dr. Luthan notices peculiar and unexplainable symptoms. After the patient's untimely death, Dr. Luthan tries to investigate further, only to be met with resistance from his superiors. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a conspiracy involving erased computer files, missing autopsy records, and even planted evidence of cocaine in his apartment. Driven by the need to clear his name, Dr. Luthan's pursuit leads him to the dark underworld of New York's homeless population living in the subways, to which his deceased patient belonged. Clues begin to point towards Dr. Lawrence Myrick (played by Gene Hackman), a renowned neurosurgeon conducting groundbreaking experiments to help those with spinal injuries.
While Extreme Measures may fall short as a thriller, with some attributing this to Hugh Grant's casting and Apted's penchant for overly complex narratives, the film does excel in raising thought-provoking questions. The script by Tony Gilroy introduces a web of conspiracy that challenges viewers' suspension of disbelief, akin to the works of Fritz Lang. Despite its shortcomings, the film's impactful score by Danny Elfman sets a tone of paranoia, complementing the overarching themes of the narrative. The film serves as a platform to explore the ethical implications of modern medicine - the cost of prolonging lives and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of scientific progress. Extreme Measures prompts viewers to ponder on the value of individual lives and the moral responsibilities that come with medical advancements.
Despite its flaws, Extreme Measures warrants attention for its courage in tackling complex ethical issues and sparking meaningful philosophical debates between its characters. The film's ability to linger in viewers' minds long after the credits roll is a testament to its thought-provoking nature. While not without faults, Extreme Measures remains a film worth revisiting for its underlying messages and moral dilemmas.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
(Note: This review was originally posted on Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on October 24th, 2003)
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In 1996, humanity had not yet reached peak lifespan, and believed our lives would continue to get longer and longer. Only recently has data confirmed that we are, for the first time ever, not expected to live as long as we used to. Many people are still unaware, believing science and technology are still advancing and improving their lives.