Code Black – A vital sign of the times
Code Black is a vivid documentary about life in the busy LA County ER for a group of dedicated medical residents, led by physician and filmmaker, Ryan McGarry. Using raw footage shot over the course of four years, McGarry and his candid cast on the front line weigh in on the vicissitudes of practicing medicine in the US.
From the get-go, this documentary is a real eye-opener. It is excellent at contextualizing America’s health care system, now a hot button topic since health care reform in the US was indoctrinated in 2013. Topics discussed by these hardworking doctors, include, the dilemma of treating the uninsured, patient mortality, cramped working conditions and hideously long wait times for patients, some of who require urgent care and emotional support.
In between his nightshifts at a new job at Weill Cornell Medical Center, IFQ was delighted to briefly chat with McGarry about the making of this important film about healthcare and the bureaucracy in one of America’s busiest emergency room.
Independent Film Quarterly (IFQ): Congrats Ryan – “Code Black” is a very informative debut film – was this doc something you had planned from early on in medical school?
Ryan McGarry (RM): Well sort of… I always had ambitions of being a filmmaker and at the same time contribute to a better understanding of healthcare in America. I realized I was on the front line and had all the ingredients of a great film: drama, footage and incredible characters.
IFQ: Yes you definitely had a great cast – How did you talk your cast members into participating, especially heads of hospitals?
RM: Happily, it was relatively easy, everybody was charitable and there was certainly no outside crew. We all believed it was a good story to tell and the mission of LA County ER is included in this film. The hospital often gets requests for filming and they mainly decline. Thankfully they felt that our specific film could be done with a level of authenticity.
IFQ: Are you surprised by all of the positive reviews, awards and attention that “Code Black” has received so far?
RM: Very surprised. We had a great screening at the LA Film Festival. The topic of healthcare can certainly ruffle some feathers so I am glad it has been well-received so far.
IFQ: It must be a horrible feeling being uninsured or a plan that does not cover diagnostic tests or expensive medications – What do you think about Obamacare and efforts to reform healthcare in America?
RM: Yes it’s a worry. I feel any step in the right direction is good as it gives access options to people. Obamacare has definitely increased the number of people with insurance. We must always encourage people to seek medical care and Americans need to understand that Health care is a basic human right. It’s long been a societal question, I feel the majority will definitely agree that it should be our right.
IFQ: So you are definitely seeing more people with insurance cards?
RM: Yes BUT they don’t always cover the patient’s medical needs therefore the coverage is just not good enough a lot of the time.
IFQ: You are now working in Weill Cornell Medical Center. Is there a difference between east and west coast ER?
RM: Yes – definitely cultural differences and different diseases affect different populations. That said, an ER anywhere in the US will get all types seeking medical help.
IFQ: Any follow up film in the works?
RM: Well there’s no sequel [Laughs]. We are happy to announce a distribution deal that includes a theatrical release across the US as well as Netflix and iTunes by the holidays.