I think your opinion of Dr. Hurwitz will have a lot to do with your experiences. I myself have a problem with chronic pain and was disgusted when I recently went to a pain clinic. No alternative forms of therapy or medication were offered...just large prescriptions for Oxycodone. I was nervous about taking them and the doctors at the clinic basically said that was the ONLY way to deal with my pain. Needless to say, I no longer go to this clinic after they gave me 270 of the pills and encouraged me to take more. To me, this seems like lazy medicine and I know that there are other ways I could deal with the pain other than opiates...and tried to get the doctors to discuss them with no success. So, when I hear Dr. Hurwitz's story, I have no sympathy...none.
This will not necessarily be your experience. In fact, the first portion of the documentary works hard to make you like the doctor and there are many stories about folks who claim he changed their lives for the better. But then comes the odd part...the documentary changes dramatically and then seems to portray him negatively. Perhaps the filmmakers had a change of heart midway through the production. Regardless, the film does not give a clear picture of the man in black & white terms. So, if you demand clarity...you won't find it here.
Overall, this is a very thought-provoking film that is also a tad confusing. Plus, the problems Hurwitz encountered are not unique and other doctors have been prosecuted as well for recklessly overprecribing painkillers.
