Review of You Don't Know Jack (2010) by Jon T — 03 Jan 2011

Powerful, and gripping, You Don't Know Jack tackles a challenging subject by telling the story of the man who made it such a huge issue. A strong performance by Al Pacino as "Doctor Death" as well as powerful, yet horrifying video footage, make this film a spectacular retelling of the controversial Jack Kevorkian.

The story follows as it says "The life and deaths of Jack Kevorkian." The film sticks true to this by following Jack from his very first patient killing in 1990, until his trial for the murder of Thomas Youst in 1999. Throughout the film actual video footage of the patients, and important political figures, are shown- this includes the footage that appeared on 60 minutes with Mike Wallace where Kevorkian admits to killing Youst with his own hand. Following the 60 minutes interview, Kevorkian was put on trial for the murder of Youst, because this time he had not assisted in the suicide, but rather had actually committed the suicide. Kevorkian decided to defend himself in the case rather than stick it out with his successful lawyer Jefferey Fieger (Danny Huston). Kevorkian ends up losing the case, primarily because he could not present his witnesses due to them not being relevant to murder. Kevorkian is then sentenced to 10-25 years in prison for the charges of 2nd degree murder, and delivery of a controlled substance. The end of the film tells us how he was released in 2007 after 8 1/2 years.

This film is exceptionally good because it fully addresses the topic of euthanasia, and physician assisted suicide. The film in itself poses an ethical question... is euthanasia right, and should physician assisted suicide be legal? While I am certainly not going to tackle this challenging topic in this short review, it is definately something worth thinking about. Also, how director Barry Levinson portrays Kevorkian and his cause are fantastic as well. Levinson does not make out Kevorkian to be a saint, but he does not make him out to be a demon either. He portrays Kevorkian pretty much how he was; a corky guy, who was rather obsessed with death. However, what Levinson does project is the length Kevorkian would go to defend his cause. By the time the film ends your almost rooting for Kevorkian, even if you think he is guilty.

Al Pacino recieved an Emmy for his portrayal of Kevorkian and he certainly deserved it. The film was also nominated for Outstanding Made for Telvision Movie. You Don't Know Jack is one of the better TV movies ever made, and it brings the ethical dilemma of euthanasia back to the public eye. While certain scenes are disturbing and dark, the film overall does an excellent job of portraying Dr. Jack Kevorkian and his cause. Kevorkian is still out there promoting his cause, while not actively practicing it. Three states have made PAD (physician aid-in-dying) legal. Is this good or bad? That's for you too decide.