I cannot remember any film about a character of real Life or just a character that does not come from the comics where an actor has used false ears to play the role, especially when his original ears are not that much different in the first Place (but different enough for me to spot it). Was it Pacino's commitment to the role or was it an acquirement by the director or some other people - that, of course, I do not know. Most people don't spot the ears and for most people putting on false ears was totally unnecessary. Nevertheless this is what I Think is most staggering in this performance.

In the 90's, Dr. Jack Kevorkian need no introduction. His name was notorious. A subject of medical controversy, Dr. Kevorkian (Al Pacino) create a manner for people whom suffering from chronic disease, paralytic illness, and chemotherapy failure to die with some dignity and ease. However, it didn't come, without a few legal problems & some outrage from the public. His relationship with society, got so bad, that some news outlets started portraying him, as a serial killer, with the nickname 'Dr. Death'. Because of this, his story was never been properly told, until now. Directed by Barry Levinson & based on Neal Nicol's and Harry Wylie's novel, "Between the Dying and the Dead: Dr. Jack Kevorkian, the Assisted Suicide Machine and the Battle to Legalize Euthanasia", this HBO TV movie, hopes to explore, what makes the man ticks, and what were the true reasons, why the doctor was helping his patients to end their lives. Without spoiling the bio-pic film, too much, I think, the movie, somewhat achieve that, without sugar coated, too much on avoiding the macabre stuff. While, there was some humorous moments. For the most part, the events in the film, mirror very closely to what happen in real-life. There wasn't that many, historic inaccuracies. Still, there were a few events that had to be left out like Kevorkian's previous work history, like experimenting on transfusing cadaver blood to needy human, his advocacy of optional organ donation by condemned criminals and researching on retinas at the moment of death. Then, there is the fact that a few multiply characters had to be consolidated into one, in order to get the movie pacing going; for example, Michael Schwartz, the defense lawyer that help Jack win, most of his cases. Despite that, the film was still, truly a tour de force. Al Pacino's performance was impressive. While, you can still hear Pacino's husky voice, he was still mostly very unrecognizable. He really did, seem like another person, instead of a character that happens to sound and act like Pacino. I haven't saw, acting like this, from him, in a long time. It's nice to see, Al Pacino retake a character actor role. I also like how the movie offers an objective view of Kevorkian's years as a practitioner and advocate for assisted suicide and free speech, rather than shaming him, as a monster like some 1990s media sources did. More so, the film reveals the doctor was just, like any other man. A man who love music, poetry, and painting. Because of this, the movie is clearly on open on Dr. Kevorkian's humanity side. Due to the film's perspective, opponents that are against him, are not really given much of a voice in the film. They're portray, as a bit ignorant and cartoony righteous activist driven type villains, which was a little unfair. They do have good reasons, why physician-assisted suicides shouldn't be, done, but none of the great examples like malpractice of Dr. Harold Shipman or the idea of consent under pressure are, used in the film. Opponents of this will probably, not like this movie, because of that lack of information. While, personally, I have mixed feelings about the issue of voluntary euthanasia. I do believe, that the choice to live or die is a fundamental right for the individual, and not the state. However, I don't think, the film was perfect, even with the awesome music by composer, Marcelo Zarvos. While, I like how Barry Levinson and his crew uses actual interview videos of Kevorkian's patients telling their stories, cleverly using computer image technology to insert Pacino into the scene where the real Kevorkian had been. I just think, the integration of real-footage with fictional footage, could be, done, a little better. At certain moments during the interview, Pacino's head seem, a bit off-titled. The film also doesn't have the best cinematography. I can barely see some characters, in certain frames. Another problem, I got, against the movie is the awkward fade outs. There were points in the film that I felt, were a little too slow & traditional. The first part of the film is a good example, as it doesn't match up with the quicker, and faster paced second half, with all the jump cuts. Don't get me wrong, I know, the first half is, supposed to establish the location and the characters, so, it needed time. However, it doesn't do, a good job, establishing anything. Characters come into the frame, awkwardly, introduce, without much acknowledgment. A good example of this, are the patients. We're never really, get to know, how, they end up, finding the doctor, nor the dilemmas, they must face, in making the decision to die with their friends and family. All, the audience hear about, is bits about their illness. They come and go, without much, emotional weight. Nevertheless, at least, the characters that support, Dr. Kevorkian with his work are established a little better, even if some of them, don't really do much, like Janet Good (Susan Sarandon). Even, after rewatching the film, for a second time, I still really have no clue, what, her character was all about. Despite that, I thought, the acting from the supporting cast was equally as good as the main actor, with John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, and Brenda Vaccaro adding their brilliants to their roles. Great chemistry, between all of their characters and the doctor. However, the best one for me, was Kevorkian's relationship with his headstrong attorney, Geoffrey Fieger (Danny Huston). Huston played it, spot-on. Who knew, that Huston had a convincing comedy side to his acting. It's freshening, not to see him, in a villain role. Overall: While, the movie is still somewhat dark and macabre. In the end, the film still work. It does serves as a tool and a morally questionable of what is your rights as living human being. Because of that, without a doubt, it's worth checking out.

There are very few films that I think should be seen by every adult over the age of 30. This is one of them. As always, this film belongs to Al Pacino. His depiction of this little known or understood man, a groundbreaking personality in any regard, is both subtle and incredibly powerful. While Dr. Kavorkian was known as hero to those afflicted with intractable pain and suffering, and to others, namely those who call themselves Christians, he was viewed as Satan incarnate. My sympathies are unapologetic, and equally doubtless. I think that Jack Kavorkian was a great man, as important as any iconic figure in recent history, and a fearless fighter for human rights and dignity in the face of both the laws of a nation, and the laws of a particular religion. In my eyes, he was a relentless seeker of truth, a warrior without armor. In years hence, I believe he will be viewed in a far more acceptable and positive light. RIP.

Have you ever been seriously ill? Once you're told that you'll recover, you probably found it boring, more than anything else. What if you weren't going to get better? What would you do?Jack Kevorkian (played by Al Pacino) was a pathologist but, by the time we join the story he has left his career behind. His friends and colleagues say he's retired but Kevorkian (Pacino) states that retirement means you are no longer preoccupied with your chosen profession and that he is simply unemployed. Being unemployed, he has a great deal of free time and is intrigued by a local news story. A man who is paralyzed from the neck down wishes to end his life while the hospital caring for him is fighting to prevent it. Kevorkian had written several articles on euthanasia for foreign periodicals by that time and was now determined to make practical use of his theories. The hospital learned of his intentions, stopped him, and the patient died of starvation. Nevertheless, our protagonist continued his search for a patient. Assisting him in this quest, the doctor had longtime friend and colleague, Neal Nicol (played by John Goodman) and his loving sister, Margo (played by Brenda Vaccaro). In time, he is approached by a married couple, a woman suffering from Alzheimer's and her husband. This presents Kevorkian with an ethical dilemma, as Alzheimer's is not a fatal disease. Once Margo (Vaccaro) puts the matter in perspective, they begin devising a plan. While searching for a location, Kevorkian approached a member of the Hemlock Society by the name of Janet Good. Good (played by Susan Sarandon) offers the use of her home but later reneges. In spite of that, the plan is carried out and Kevorkian becomes national news.If you ask most people about the Right to Die movement, they'd probably tell you that reasonable people could disagree on the matter. Personally, I don't understand that, as I am an advocate of personal choice. Likewise, I believe this movie is incredible and cannot comprehend anyone thinking otherwise. Pacino has partnered with HBO on another project Phil Spector, about the renowned music producer. Maybe it's the fact that, deep down, Kevorkian is a sympathetic figure and Spector is not but, the latter film fell flat, at least for me. The story of You Don't Know Jack and supporting cast are incredible and Pacino himself won an Emmy for his performance, as he should've. I'm not sure how you'd find it, but you should absolutely see this film if you can.