Review: In ‘Confessions of a Good Samaritan,’ a cheeky documentarian tests her own altruism
As a film enthusiast with a deep appreciation for documentaries that delve into the human condition, I find Penny Lane’s latest work, “Confessions of a Good Samaritan,” to be an intriguing and thought-provoking exploration of altruism, morality, and the complexities of kidney donation.
Documentary filmmaker Penny Lane’s decision to donate a kidney to a stranger, which forms the heart of her latest project “Confessions of a Good Samaritan,” leaves one pondering if her altruistic inclination or the movie concept came first. After all, not many people go to such lengths for a stranger.
Filmmaker Lane, known for her witty and intriguing documentaries, welcomes the curiosity surrounding “Confessions,” a film delving into both the enigma of human instincts and the topic of elective surgery, as well as the roots of altruism. With approximately 100,000 individuals requiring kidney transplants, there exists an intriguing disparity between this seemingly solvable predicament and the reality that people aren’t flocking to hospitals to donate their extra kidneys.
As a curious and avid reader, I’ve always been drawn to nonfiction works that challenge my perspectives and take me on unexpected journeys into the world. And when it comes to unconventional storytelling, there’s no one quite like Lane Moore. Her latest work is a perfect example of her unique approach, taking us on an intriguing exploration of kidney donation.
As a seasoned film critic with a deep appreciation for authentic storytelling, I have to say that Lane’s decision to both undergo surgery and document her journey in “Confessions” struck me as a complex and deeply human commitment. From the very beginning, she makes it clear that she made the choice to have the procedure before she decided to film it. However, what makes this narrative believable is the intricate arc of research and self-reflection we’re granted access to throughout the documentary.
Despite her research on the background of transplant surgery, it’s clear that opposition has been a constant element since its inception. Initially, it was considered risky and even unethical in medical circles, only becoming accepted when it was safe for related donors. Later, with immunosuppressive drugs, it became feasible for unrelated individuals to undergo transplantation. However, the surge in awareness of altruistic donations, fueled by numerous heartwarming media stories, brought new questions to light. While it’s generally accepted that keeping your own kidneys during dangerous activities isn’t frowned upon, what about a healthy twin with a sick sibling?
According to advocate Sally Satel, who is highlighted in the film, the solution to these complex issues she raises is compensation, although this idea may be contentious for some. Satel’s detailed argument can be found in her book titled “When Altruism Isn’t Enough.” In reaching her own perspective, Lane should not be seen as transforming her personal story into a public call to action through “Confessions of a Good Samaritan.” Instead, she prefers sharing an unpolished and sometimes embarrassing journey that showcases the challenges and joys of voluntary, anonymous good deeds. The path may seem difficult, but the rewards are certainly worthwhile.
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2024-07-18 18:10