Autopsy - The Documentary (18) Review

“You must take this film for what it is - and what it...”

Written on: 30/06/2010

You must take this film for what it is - and what it isn't. It is as if you were present in the room for an actual autopsy. Do not expect a Hollywood production. It demystifies the layman's idea of an autopsy and gives a matter-of-fact insight into the proceedings. Because of the medical terms used, anyone without some background in this area will be totally lost. However, one is left with an appreciation and even reverence for this incredible living machine we use and abuse so freely and take so for granted during our lifetime. It also gives a unique perspective on how much this body is really just a suit of clothing we wear that is perfectly designed to interface between our consciousness and our environment. And that when we are "gone" it is exactly that, "we" are elsewhere and a surprisingly accurate record of our lives and habits are left behind in our bodies, ready to be investigated and revealed in an autopsy. It seems counter-intuitive, but I think this documentary actually helps one to make peace with death rather than bringing out the horror of cutting open a body. The footage itself is totally neutral, it neither glorifies nor butchers nor religifies the proceedings. The absolute absence of emotions allows you to add your own. What you take out of this documentary says more about yourself than it does about the human body.