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| Movie Review: Nobody's Perfect Alternate Title: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Story: Those, like me, that
are old enough to remember the nightmare of thalidomide in the early
1960's will definitely appreciate this fine documentary by director
Niko von Glasow. Those too young to have experienced
the world wide horror of the thousands of deformed babies born (mostly
in Europe) should not shy away from the film's premise. It is engaging,
entertaining and by film's end you will be better off to have gotten
to know the dozen or so individuals that are featured. The film was
written by Andrew Emerson, Kiki von Glasow and Niko
Glasow.
Niko von Glasgow goes in search
of 11 other people who, like him, were born disabled due to the
side effects of the drug, thalidomide. His idea is that if he can persuade
these victims to pose naked for a calendar they will feel better about
themselves and in the process educate the onlooker. Through his engaging
encounters with other victims we meet people just like you and me. They
lead full lives, do not feel sorry for themselves and have amazing senses
of humor. The film has dark humor and is laughingly filled with political
incorrectness.
The film maker could have gone the route of exposing the German drug
maker, Grunenthal, for selling a defective product in the manner of
a Michael Moore film. But he chose a different route. Yes, there is
a bit of an attempt to dialogue with the drug maker but the film is
more interested in investigating the lives of the 12 people that ultimately
make it to the calendar.
Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmrwcoLxjmU One of the best movie endings ever - form Some Like it Hot - 'Nobody's
Perfect: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLW5jzHsW7c Acting: This is a documentary so 'acting' does not
qualify as a category. The featured players are: Fred Dove, Mat Fraser,
Stefan Fricke, Sigrid Kwella, Andreas Myeer, Kim Morton, Doris Pakendorf,
Sofia Plich, Petra Uttenweiler, Bianca Vogel, Mandel von Glasow, Niko
von Glasow, Theo Zavelberg
Trivia: Thalidomide was sold in a number of countries
across the world from 1957 until 1961 when it was withdrawn from the
market after being found to be a cause of birth defects in what has
been called one of the biggest medical tragedies of modern times. Thalidomide
is now being used to combat some cancers.
Predilection: I like documentaries.
Critters: A few adorable dogs.
Food: The last scene takes place during a celebratory
meal.
Sex Spectrum: Sex is discussed and there is frontal
nudity.
Soundtrack: I cannot recall any music.
Opening Titles: All credits are at the end.
Visual Art: The scenes where they shoot the calendar
pages are wonderful.
Theater Audience: Eight other people.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: Deformity should measure on the quirky
scale but this film was handled so well it does not register.
Squirm Scale: 0
Drift Factor: I paid attention throughout.
Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine but I
always promote seeing it on the big screen (if you can find it).
Length: 85 minutes.
LOBO HOWLS: 7.5
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