Deadly Experiments

Strictly speaking, if one is looking at the fundamental construction of this documentary, it suffers from some weaknesses that make it feel more like a second-rate exposé from a show like 'Hard copy' instead of an earnest production. At some points a bit of dramatic music is laid atop the picture to embellish it with an extra dose of atmosphere; in a couple instances an interviewee is put in a situation (e.g., poring over notes and books) that comes off too much as the contrived recreation it is, fostering a sense of inauthenticity. There are also times when a piece of information is presented - not statements from an interviewee, but information imparted by narrator Nigel Anthony - that exceeds the scope of the content, is immaterial to the central notion, and instead seems to be purely an appeal to emotion, as if the intent of the film wasn't investigative and educational but political or otherwise provocative. With a little retooling the presentation would have been significantly stronger, and though it would have probably exceeded the scope of Channel 4's programming, to make this longer and more in-depth would have also invariably provided a boost.

These criticisms are unfortunate insofar as they take away from the core substance of 'Deadly experiments,' for the sordid history conveyed herein is dire and altogether bleak. It's no news that there have been examples of governments and even private organizations playing with people's health and lives in the name of science, with the subjects not finding out until much, much later if indeed at all. In the twenty-first century such matters surely seem like relics of the past, and conspiracy theorists who proclaim some kernel of unacknowledged truth are lucky if they accidentally stumble onto a fact even 0.01% of the time. Yet it's unfortunately not for nothing that people may develop a mistrust of scientists, health professionals, and government bodies representative thereof, for as this project attests, even within just the past few decades there have been instances of experiments and operations conducted with no consideration whatsoever for ethics and the human element. Such endeavors are also profoundly shortsighted, for the result in subsequent years has been to diminish public trust in these institutions, a trust that is already manipulated by terrible people with their own unscrupulous sociopolitical agendas.

Producer John Brownlow and the staff who conducted the research for this have lifted the veil on programs of a depth and breadth that's astonishing. Very notably this only speaks to experiments concerning radiation - connecting the proliferation of such enterprises to the Cold War, and interests in atomic energy following the end of World War II. 'Deadly experiments' does not delve into any other area, such as the infamous syphilis studies performed by the United States in past decades. While that singular focus means that the full extent of the issue is not broached, it does allow the material to remain cohesive, and certainly the revelations communicated here are more than enough in and of themselves to fill the runtime. The feature may have also benefited from a more concrete thesis, a statement of intent or of actionable steps, rather than a rote dispensation of information and testimony, but by all means what we're given is plentifully sufficient to keep one engaged. Especially as we get interviews with victims, relatives, other researchers, and people who may have been directly involved with the experiments, what emerges is a portrait of secretive, non-consensual human experimentation that is far, far from isolated or limited.

All told I take issue with some of the choices made in terms of assembling the movie, yet the value it boasts in exposing these matters to the light well exceeds any criticism about its form. I rather think that this is essential, in fact, for everyone - as a Channel 4 production this pertains primarily to England, with only slightly less emphasis on activity in the United States, but the thrust of the content is far more widely applicable. It's important for all people to see this so that they can be aware, and take steps to hold accountable both figures within their governments and private entities who operate in a like fashion. It's important as well for scientists, workers in healthcare, and individuals with concern for public health and safety; as much as resistance to public health measures (e.g., "too little, too late" initiatives and policies implemented or limply suggested after the COVID-19 pandemic began) may simply be a matter of childish stubbornness and selfishness, the issue can also be much more grey than black and white as a history of ill doings may agitate a sense of reasonable hesitation. One way or another, its strengths outweigh its faults, and even as its production values have aged 'Deadly experiments' remains a stark tableau of disclosure that's well worth watching.