The Crime of the Century

HBO's 2021 offering, The Crime of the Century, is sure to provide a jolt to the viewer's conscience. This two-part investigative documentary series, directed by award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney, examines the origins, extent, and fallout of one of the most devastating public health tragedies of our time, exploring corporate culpability, political complicity, and the widespread health effects in the United States. It’s a game-changing, hard-hitting question into the roots of a crisis that continues to ravage and disrupt American society.

Representing a shift from HBO's usual lineup of fictional dramas and comedies, The Crime of the Century is a deep dive into the murky waters of the opioid epidemic, focusing specifically on the role of pharmaceutical companies, regulators, and doctors in perpetuating what has become a dire, ongoing American crisis. Gilbert paints a searing picture of an issue that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives over the past two decades.

The documentary zeroes in on the role played by major pharmaceutical companies, especially Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin. In addition, it takes a good look at other key players, including the durable medical supply companies, in driving the crisis. It places these entities in the harsh light of scrutiny, focusing on their aggressive marketing and sales strategies, questionable working practices, and apparent disregard for the devastatingly destructive consequences of their actions on public health.

Equally complicit, according to the series, are medical professionals who doled out prescriptions too freely and regulators who failed to rein in these practices. The filmmaker extensively uses whistleblower testimonies, insider interviews, and previously unseen document extracts in a bid to shed light on these dark corners of the American health care system. Moreover, it charts the government’s role and failure to curtail these damaging practices.

The Crime of the Century also significantly highlights the human cost of the opioid crisis. It doesn’t shy away from showing the real-life impact, featuring harrowing interviews with victims and their families, exploring how their lives have been utterly devastated by addiction. The series gives a face and voice to those who have suffered the most amid the health catastrophe, evoking compassion and empathy.

One of the unique elements about this documentary is that it's not purely historical. It digs deep into the roots of the crisis but also connects it to the present day, spearheading conversations about ongoing litigation, policy changes, and efforts to hold accountable the powerful entities behind the ever-persistent problem. It is a sobering reminder that although the COVID-19 pandemic now occupies the center stage in terms of public health crises, the opioid crisis still persistently lurks in the background, continuing to cause untold harm and suffering to millions across the country.

The Crime of the Century is a chilling examination of these complex, interwoven issues that pulls no punches. It uncovers and exposes the sobering truth of the situation, showing us just how deeply rooted the crisis is and how widespread the effects have been. It demonstrates the warped incentives and systemic weaknesses that enabled such a catastrophe to happen, implicitly asking us as viewers to consider what needs to change within American society to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.

A compelling narrative, concise storytelling, and deft direction make The Crime of the Century an essential viewing for those interested in public health, justice, and accountability. Just as importantly, it delivers a clarion call to action, showing us the power of investigative journalism in holding individuals and institutions accountable for their actions. It leaves audiences not only aware of the catastrophic mistakes of the past but armed with the knowledge to recognize and prevent future missteps.

The Crime of the Century is a must-watch for those keen on understanding the complexity of the opioid crisis, its origin, and its impact. It's a grim and gritty reality check, an unflinching look at a system-gone-wrong, and a brooding meditation on loss, pain, the human cost of greed, and dysfunction. By showcasing the darkest facets of the issue, the series boldly illuminates a path toward acknowledging and addressing it head-on.