You Don’t Know Jack (2010)

Directed by Barry Levinson, and starring Al Pacino and Danny Huston, You Don’t Know Jack is the harshly candid biopic of polarizing euthanasia proponent Jack Kevorkian – or as lovingly referred to in the media, Dr. Death.

Highly methodical, no-nonsense physician Dr. Jack Kevorkian develops a crude euthanasia device out of scrap parts he calls the “Mercitron” after contemplating the prolonged suffering of quadriplegics and begins staunchly advocating for its usage with terminally ill patients. As Kevorkian’s cases of assisted suicide are publicized, he is embroiled in controversy. The nation soon becomes enveloped in an intense debate over the “right to die”, with voices surfacing on both sides. Yet as Kevorkian comes to prominence as a leading American public figure, within his private life, his withdrawn and increasingly stubborn attitude pushes those closest to him away – leaving Kevorkian completely alone as he faces his most demanding challenge yet.

You Don’t Know Jack is a film just as calculated as the man it depicts, filled with meaningful performances from a brilliant cast, and well-paced drama. Al Pacino is perfect as Dr. Kevorkian. He looks exactly like the doctor and replicates Kevorkian’s down-to-earth Michigan accent, and quirky, pensive mannerisms flawlessly. Despite dealing with such a heavy subject matter, the characters’ gallows humor keeps the movie bearably lighthearted. Yet the most laudable aspect of You Don’t Know Jack is its repeated refusal to be partial towards its own star, who (in the film and the real world withal) has been called everything from a murderer to an “Angel of Mercy”. Kevorkian’s headstrong, oftentimes selfish actions are carefully counteracted by his charming, witty nature, leaving him only a begrudgingly likable leading man to root for. Further, the prosaic color palette used throughout paints a powerful picture of Kevorkian’s own unfaltering nihilism. Ultimately, however, the stark gloom cast over the You Don’t Know Jack makes even more important the questions it asks, compelling the audience to consider their perspectives on life and death itself. For anyone interested in medical ethics, You Don’t Know Jack is a must-see.