ianlueck

Back when I first saw this short on What a Cartoon! Show in 1996, I didn't get that it was a biting commentary on health care, I just found it an entertaining Rocko's Modern Life-style cartoon. While the short was made in Italy, its themes could easily apply to our health care system in America: The unnecessary tests, the poor bedside manner, the disregard for what the patient's telling the doctor, the maze that is the modern hospital, the reluctance on the part of the patient to receive further medical care even if something's wrong with them (usually because of how costly it is); all of that is wrapped in a very entertaining cartoon. The short is mostly told in pantomime and physical comedy; the only word uttered is "Help!" The presentation is top notch: It's fully animated and has an appropriately frenetic score that weaves in various classical pieces. Very memorable character designs as well, especially Jof with his fluffy tail that always seems to get in the way.

The only aspects it doesn't really touch are the high costs of health care (at least in the U. S.) and the agonizing amount of waiting. Jof manages to be seen by a doctor almost immediately. That's really realistic.

It's easily found online; go watch it if you haven't.

After watching this documentary, frankly, we're lucky Pamela is still with us. The barrage of hurtful "jokes", accusations, and invasion of privacy she had to endure over the years, not to mention the shocking revelation that she was raped on many occasions in her teen years, would've driven many to suicide. But it's to her credit that she's endured, is still willing to try new things in her career, and has kept her bright personality throughout adversity.

The movie even paints her Playboy shoots in a light I never thought of before. It was more for herself than anybody else- to take control of her sexuality after being made to feel ashamed due to her traumatic experiences as a teen. Yes, she has an incredible body (even with cosmetic surgery) but it was more than that. It gave her confidence that she needed at the time, and it ties into the overall theme of empowerment to just do what you want/need to do, critics be damned, as it ties into her Broadway debut in Chicago.

Worth a watch, especially in light of the Pam & Tommy Hulu miniseries which, while it had some redeeming qualities and did touch on some of the feelings she discusses here, was too unfocused and trashy. Plus, if the miniseries didn't have her blessing (and why would it, since it was just bringing up a past trauma she'd rather not dwell on), it feels like more piling on.