Here we take a look at the SxSW doc CONFESSIONS OF A GOOD SAMIRITAN and our reaction.
WHAT IT IS ABOUT: Director Penny Lane’s decision to become a “Good Samaritan” by giving one of her kidneys to a stranger turns into a funny and moving personal quest to understand the nature of altruism. “Confessions of a Good Samaritan” is a provocative inquiry into the science, history, and ethics of organ transplantation, asking an ancient question in a whole new way: Who is your neighbor, and what do you owe them?
Reaction: Almost immediately jumping off to a terrific start, Penny Lane’s VERY personal documentary about what would be a simple kidney donation turns out to be a deep and fascinating personal journey of ups and downs, coupled with a very unique approach to documentary filmmaking. I really loved how clips, interviews and even on-screen note-taking is very creative and we really get a sense of Lane’s style as a person here. This could have been really by the numbers but it pushes through and becomes something more and even very theatrical, demanding a big screen experience. Though it is a tough subject it is handled with care, and I admired how the documentary is not just informative but entertaining, which of course a movie always has to be. Just starting its festival journey, CONFESSIONS OF A GOOD SAMIRITAN would make for a good streaming or VOD release tailored to health documentaries. — JW
This is one of the many movies showcased at SxSW this year. For more information on showtimes point your browser to www.sxsw.com!