It is rare for there to be a full-length documentary on alternative cancer
treatments in the mainstream media. On May 6, 1997, Home Box Office (HBO)
will present just that: "Six Months to Live: Alternative Medicine
and the Fight to Live." (Check your local listings, as times may
vary.) This is a very interesting "cinema verité" treatment
of the struggles of four individuals confronting cancer.
Two of them opt for the Emanuel Revici treatment in New York. One uses a variety
of holistic methods. Another consults with Native American healers out
West. The film is gripping at times and technically well-done. The images
of the Indian ceremonies in particular will stay with you. However, anyone
expecting an upbeat or hopeful message will be disappointed. For all of
the patients die in the end and it is not clear what medical benefit they
derived from these treatments. At the end their loved ones convey a general
feeling that their quality of life was improved by resorting to such measures.
