DRUG$

DRUG$ is a compelling documentary that delves into the complex, compelling, and often disheartening world of the massive pharmaceutical industry. First released in 2018, this film is directed by Jonathan Marshall Thompson. It includes notable appearances from renowned personalities such as Jerry Avorn, Elijah Cummings, and Merrill Goozner – all of whom play integral roles within the narrative.

The film presents an in-depth exploration of the insurmountable costs associated with prescription medication in the United States. It takes viewers on a journey through the multi-billion-dollar pharmaceutical industry, underlining the exorbitant prices of patented drugs, which stand exceptionally high compared to the international market.

In DRUG$, Jerry Avorn brilliantly shares his knowledge as a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and the Chief of the Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics in the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. With his expertise, Avorn examines systematic issues that have led to surging drug prices and attempts to introspect why the U.S. government has been unable to regulate these prices effectively, unlike countries like Canada, Germany, and the UK.

Elijah Cummings, a long-serving and respected U.S. Representative for Maryland's 7th congressional district until his death in 2019, brings his passionately critical political voice into the conversation. His years of fighting against the big-pharma lobby in Congress lend authenticity and a sense of urgency to the investigations presented in the documentary.

The perspective of Merrill Goozner, an award-winning writer on health care, economics, and science, further strengthens the film’s narrative. Backed with extensive experience as a journalist in the field, Goozner hammers in the grim human cost of such profit-driven pricing strategies.

This documentary uses an engaging amalgamation of interviews, animations, and concise narration. It dives into a range of topics, from how drugs are developed to how their prices are set in the U.S. The makers of DRUG$ also elegantly analyze the role of the FDA, the processes of obtaining drug patents, and the monopolization in the field due to these patents.

While being a critique of the pharmaceutical industry, DRUG$ also boldly questions the role of lawmakers, thereby offering an unfiltered peek into a system marred by bureaucratic inefficiencies and blatant capitalism. It poses pertinent questions about morals and ethics against the backdrop of corporate greed, forcing the audience to reconsider the real-world implications of an industry that many we are passively part of but know little about.

Through personal stories, DRUG$ highlights the often heartbreaking struggles of patients who can't afford the lifesaving medications they need due to inflated prices. These narratives are both poignant and powerful, shedding light on everyday individuals who often are left invisible amidst corporate giants and political machinations.

Further, DRUG$ does a commendable job of breaking down complicated pharmaceutical processes into digestible pieces, making it possible for viewers without in-depth knowledge of the sector to understand its major issues. It comes forth as a forceful exposé on the pharmaceutical industry's profits-over-people mentality, painting a picture of a systemic failure that has left millions without adequate access to essential medication.

Touching upon the role of advertising and the manipulation of public opinion in the industry, DRUG$ forces viewers to question the reliability of information disseminated by pharmaceutical companies. The documentary also highlights the flaring inequalities in the contemporary healthcare system, not just in the United States but around the world.

In summation, DRUG$ serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the pharmaceutical industry, brimming with revelations that will leave audiences both educated and exasperated. This contribution to the genre is defined by a compelling narrative, impressive research, and a credible panel of speakers. These elements come together to make DRUG$ an essential viewing for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the pharmaceutical industry and the economic, social, and human cost of its current operations. Regardless of one's position on the industry, this film encourages dialogue, self-education, and introspection, making it a powerful tool for advocacy and change.