Dr. Dundee

 

“Dr. Dundee”

A Review of Medicine Man: The Stan Brock Story by Nick Olszyk

 

Distribution Service: Fathom Events

MPAA Rating, Not rated at the time of this review

USCCB Rating, Not rated at the time of this review

Reel Rating, Two and Half Reels

 

            Stan Brock is an amazing man who accomplished tremendous things in his lifespan. Medicine Man, a new biographical documentary, does a fantastic job examining his journey from post-war Britian to the wilds of the Amazon to crisscrossing the globe providing medical aid to the most vulnerable. Yet like a great ship that is burdened with decades of barnacles, it’s hard to appreciate his charity through all the political noise. The film is both a keen insight into a great soul and an all too familiar exercise in losing focus.

            Stan was an introverted child whose British parents moved to Guyana (then an overseas territory) as a teen to get a fresh start. He became enamored with the South American cowboys and learned to live off the land, sometimes not seeing another human for days. Fate intervened in the late 60s when he was visited by the producers of Wild Kingdom. He wrestled pythons, wrangled bulls, and sang along with toucans. He was an instant hit and became a regular on the show, a proto-Steve Irwin. Eventually, he moved to the US, using his persona to star in a series of B tier adventure films. This short-lived fame, however, left him feeling disillusioned and bereft of meaning. He was also haunted by the memory of a fellow worker who died of an injury in the bush because medical help was not readily available.

            In the early 80s, he decided to do something for the county that had shaped his life and formed Remote Emergency Services, a non-profit group of doctors who volunteered to give medical care to people in developing countries. Starting in Guyana and the surrounding areas, REM would hold pop-up clinics that would give medical, eye, and dental care to anyone who showed up free of charge. It was so successful, the organization expanded across the world, even the United States.

            Brock’s story follows a familiar hagiographical pattern. He spent his early days in comfort and ease, indulging in self-pleasure. Many would look at him isolated in the wilderness and not think it is was the hedonism of St. Augustine’s early life, but this was still Brock’s desires full manifested. He soon finds this lifestyle hallow and sacrifices every need to the service of others. He takes no salary from REM. He does not have a home but sleeps on the floor of his office. He eats the same tasteless oat gruel for every meal and wears the same simple tan shirt every day. I was reminded of St. Teresa of Calcutta, whose feet were permanently warped from wearing the only shoes no one else wanted.  

            The sequences of the poor receiving vital medical care is moving. Desperate mothers and children stand in line for days waiting for a small ticket that guarantees them a spot. There are two things that stood out from these experiences. First, a major percentage are present for dental rather than medical needs. Pulling teeth is the most common operation performed. Second, most of these people, especially the middle aged, are severely overweight. It does make one wonder how much of this problem is lifestyle rather than financially related. This isn’t to cast blame on them necessarily. While personal responsibility is certainly needed, we live in a society that often ignores health and fitness, even celebrating obesity.

            The appreciation of Brock’s charitable work, however, is frequently marred by the filmmaker’s constant political banter. At one point, Brock says he “doesn’t like politicians” but is frequently shown interacting with them. Again and again, the audience is told the American medical system is broken. At times, the filmmakers seem supportive of universal health care, giving considerable praise to the Affordable Care Act. Yet, it appears all officials are corrupt, left and right included. Either way, the answer always seems to be direct government intervention without any thought of the myriad of problems involved in such a venture. Like thoughtless climate scolding in an otherwise beautiful nature documentary, it limits the audience and waters down the message.

            It is unfortunate that many Christians believe any solution to injustice must firstly involve comprehensive sociopolitical action. Jesus never led a committee, never attended a protest, and never sent a tweet. He simply acted. Stan Brock did the same. In the middle of production, he died as he lived – quietly and with great love. May we follow his example.