Movies on the Brain

Abstract

Support. Film: Million Dollar Baby. This film, released in 2004, concerns a woman of 32 years (played by Hilary Swank) who trains to be a boxing champion. In the championship fight she is fouled by the other boxer and sustains a cervical 1-2 transection. The last third of the film deals with the ethical questions involved in the decision to discontinue life support in a patient who is conscious and can clearly express her wishes. The film, Swank (Best Actress), Morgan Freeman (Best Supporting Actor), and Clint Eastwood (director and producer) won Oscars. Eastwood, the co-star, was also nominated but did not receive an Oscar as Best Actor. Neurological Disorder: Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury. Film: Passion Fish In this film, released in 1992, a soap opera actress (played by Mary McDonnell) sustains a thoracic spinal cord injury in a New York taxi accident, resulting in para-plegia. She is reduced to an embittered wheelchair existence. With the help of a strong nurse (played by Alfre Woodard), she must face up to her disability.