Synopsis:
A searing indictment of Big Pharma and the political operatives and government regulations that enabled over-production, reckless distribution and abuse of synthetic opiates.
There are a multitude of things to question in life and many things not to trust. Your government and doctors shouldn’t be one of them. Unfortunately, we all know that’s not the case, especially now. In this day and age, the age of technology, transparency, and accountability, we are realizing more than ever that when given the choice between integrity and dirty money, many in power prefer the latter. However, even when caught red-handed, money essentially allows them to make wrongdoings disappear. All the while, the citizens they claim to serve, suffer long prison sentences or death for the same transgressions. Luckily, there are still some willing to fight the good fight but after viewing this documentary, I can’t help but think that money may flip them as well.
“Delayed absorption of OxyContin is believed to reduce the abuse potential.”
The HBO Original two-part documentary, The Crime of the Century is an eye-opening display of corruption by those we trust most. Directed by the award-winning Alex Gibney, this monumental film delves into the origins and explosion of the opioid crisis. Part one focuses on the history of opioids going back to the ancient Egyptians and the role they played throughout time. It then introduces us to the main players in its transformation into OxyContin as well as the family and company responsible for its manipulative growth and addictive popularity. Beginning with staggering statistics, it’s numbers that are not only infuriating but numbers that you know that Big Pharma knows about but simply doesn’t care. It’s also numbers that I wasn’t fully aware of even with my state being one of the most affected. And just as there are legal versions of most illegal activity, the medical and pharmaceutical field became indistinguishable from drug cartels when you break it all down.
The most terrifying part of it all is that if you buy illegal drugs, you know there is a level of distrust and risk. On the flip side, when you visit the doctor, you confidently put your life in their hands and expect them to have your best interest in mind; you don’t expect for them to create a fiend out of you. The documentary features a variety of professionals ranging from authors that have been covering the epidemic for years, drug salesmen, doctors, and people that the addictive drugs have negatively affected. While some of those involved in the distribution process eventually realized the detrimental impact they were having on society, others maintain that addiction is the fault of the consumer. Knowing the quote that the salesman use, that I have in bold above, is complete bullshit, many doctors across the country were easily swayed by large paydays. Intertwining interviews, never-before-seen depositions, personal tragedies, survivals, leaked documents, and insider information, the documentary is equal parts greed and tremendous calamity.
Part 2: What’s in it for me?
Our champion of Part 2 is a former DEA agent by the name of Joe Rannazzisi. He along with a few others are some of the only individuals with power and influence that have been attempting to inform the government of the dangers of the growing epidemic that is opioids. Focusing more on the distribution and moving parts of the crisis, Part 2 exposes the full scope of the corruption that took place and is still happening today. From the pharmaceutical companies to the doctors, to pharmacies, the greed and corruption are widespread and none of them are innocent. It turned doctors into dealers and patients into junkies. With more jaw-dropping statistics and criminal activity by people we deem as upstanding citizens, the blame always seems to fall on the unknowing and now addicted citizen. Another focal point is the fast-talking salesman, Alec Burlakoff. He prides himself on being able to unabashedly tell the truth and still sell millions of pills. He’s so good at selling that as he breaks down the insider viewpoint, you’re not quite sure if he’s regrets anything he did or is even a tad bit remorseful. With plenty of twists and turns, slander, and sadly many deaths, this documentary doesn’t seem like reality. Politicians don’t read, Big Pharma doesn’t care, and we suffer. Because as we see, nothing matters other than commas and dollar signs. Told in compelling fashion and letting the evil show itself without having to be completely pointed, The Crime of the Century is a must-watch documentary. Its rewatchability is high.
Final Thoughts
At the end of it all, I can’t help but be confused as to how these people can actively watch people die due to their gluttonous need for money. Not only do some of these politicians act against the interests of the people they swore to represent and protect, but they help push legislation that actually does more harm and block bills that would help. I haven’t been personally affected by opioids as I tend not to take medicine but with causing harm to so many, I’m positive that we have all been indirectly affected in some way. And lastly, with the soundtrack being so fitting with its use of drug-infused bops, I wonder if any artists have been paid by companies like Purdue to help them move products.
Part One of The Crime of the Century premiers tonight on HBO at 9:00-10:50 p.m. ET/PT as well as HBO Max with Part Two premiering on Tuesday, May 5, 2021. Stay safe and enjoy.
Director: Alex Gibney
Producers: Sarah Dowland, Alex Gibney, Tina Nguyen, Svetlana Zill
Executive Producers: Nancy Abraham, Aaron Fishman, Lisa Heller, Todd Hoffman, Stacey Offman, Richard Perello
Rated: N/A
Runtime: Part One is 1h 52m and Part Two is 1h 58m
Rating: 4.5 out of 5