You Don't Know Jack
2010 Directed by Barry Levinson
Synopsis
The Life and Deaths of Jack Kervorkian
Angel of mercy… or murderous “Doctor Death”? Jack Kervorkian is one of the most polarizing figures in modern American history, a man whose passionate belief that people have the right to die has brought him both praise and vilification. Oscar®- and Emmy®-winning actor Al Pacino brings “Dr. Death” to life in an all-new HBO Films presentation: You Don’t Know Jack, directed by Oscar®-winner Barry Levinson.
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There was a time, many years ago, where a good Pacino performance would almost be a given but now, sadly, they are a true rarity. Thankfully there is still some evidence that his gifts haven't deserted him altogether as this HBO TV-movie attests. You Don't Know Jack is about the charmingly named Doctor Death (aka Jack Kevorkian) a man who helped assist almost 200 suicides. The film documents his struggle with the law and the far right (often the same thing) as well as the people he 'helps'.
Euthanasia is such a big and complex issue that the film largely sidesteps the debate and concentrates on Kevorkian's disputes with the law leaving the very murky middle ground well alone. Some…
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God, I dare say that even you could not have out acted Al Pacino in this. He was born to play Jack Kevorkian. He left me speechless.
Jack Kevorkian understood something which very few human beings can. Many refuse to accept, even if they know it.
Death is Salvation
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For a documentary and HBO movie, it's brilliant. Al Pacino has had better performances but this was certainly not his worst. Jack Kevorkian was such an interesting man and that is captured very well in this, along with the whole argument of what's right or wrong when it comes to mercy killing... or medical services as Jack would say.
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The HBO telemovie about controversial doctor and euthanasia practitioner Jack Kevorkian presents an assuring one-sided argument on what a patient feels is right. It's only until the very end where a court reading delivers professionally balanced evidence to counterpart this information. Proceeding that are sensationalist views from lawyers and religious protesters which add minimal insight on influencing one's opinion. That's really the only flaw in You Don't Know Jack and it seems like a major one, but everything else is done with exceptional precision. Al Pacino hasn't been this electrifying since The Insider. His sympathetic trait is a beautiful correlation to a somewhat stubborn-headed and pragmatic personality. Sure, there's Susan Sarandon and Brenda Vaccaro who are the two people which…
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I never thought I'd see a made for TV movie of this caliber. Al Pacino directed by Barry Levinson deliver a great movie, Pacino's acting was amazing I actually found myself forgetting it was him, which is quite an accomplishment for such a well known actor. I was completely engaged all the way through.
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God, I dare say that even you could not have out acted Al Pacino in this. He was born to play Jack Kevorkian. He left me speechless.
Jack Kevorkian understood something which very few human beings can. Many refuse to accept, even if they know it.
Death is Salvation
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The controvercial career of Dr. Jack Kevorkian and his role as an advocate for the assisted suicide of those with terminal illnesses. It has been a while since Al Pacino has been this good where he actually becomes someone else.
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One of Pacino's best late career performances.
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Perustuu tositapahtumiin. Vahva kannanotto rankasta aiheesta (armokuolema). Al Pacino huikeassa vireessä.
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Publiqué el 12/06/2011:
Muy recomendable recreación del caso Kevorkian, muerto hace días... Y lo hace Levinson con su usual talento y el esmero de un documentalista
2011-06-12 04:43:11 (EDT)Pacino espléndido como siempre y, esta vez, su protagonismo embona perfecto con el del personaje; Sarandon y Goodman, inspirados ´as usual´
2011-06-12 04:49:28 (EDT) -
For a documentary and HBO movie, it's brilliant. Al Pacino has had better performances but this was certainly not his worst. Jack Kevorkian was such an interesting man and that is captured very well in this, along with the whole argument of what's right or wrong when it comes to mercy killing... or medical services as Jack would say.
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The HBO telemovie about controversial doctor and euthanasia practitioner Jack Kevorkian presents an assuring one-sided argument on what a patient feels is right. It's only until the very end where a court reading delivers professionally balanced evidence to counterpart this information. Proceeding that are sensationalist views from lawyers and religious protesters which add minimal insight on influencing one's opinion. That's really the only flaw in You Don't Know Jack and it seems like a major one, but everything else is done with exceptional precision. Al Pacino hasn't been this electrifying since The Insider. His sympathetic trait is a beautiful correlation to a somewhat stubborn-headed and pragmatic personality. Sure, there's Susan Sarandon and Brenda Vaccaro who are the two people which…
-
There was a time, many years ago, where a good Pacino performance would almost be a given but now, sadly, they are a true rarity. Thankfully there is still some evidence that his gifts haven't deserted him altogether as this HBO TV-movie attests. You Don't Know Jack is about the charmingly named Doctor Death (aka Jack Kevorkian) a man who helped assist almost 200 suicides. The film documents his struggle with the law and the far right (often the same thing) as well as the people he 'helps'.
Euthanasia is such a big and complex issue that the film largely sidesteps the debate and concentrates on Kevorkian's disputes with the law leaving the very murky middle ground well alone. Some…