The new movie Repo Men, in theaters today, is set in a futuristic world in which new organs are manufactured and implanted in patients who often can’t pay the high price of the “medical miracles.” It’s safe to expect some political undertones regarding hot topics like universal health care and privatization, but will all movie goers take home the same message?
Based on the premise of the film, we’re in for some commentary on the corporate aspect of drugs and medical care. Today, big companies have the technology and resources to create miracle cures, as long as we can pay the price. Our current world already sees the effects of money in the medical drug industry. There are potential cures for cancer and extremely helpful and life saving AIDS treatments, yet millions of people suffer everyday because they cannot afford to get treated. Much like in the sci-fi Repo Men world, people are losing their lives over money. The difference (or should I say justification?) between natural selection and murder is all about how you spin it.
Normally, this theme goes hand in hand with an advocacy for universal health care, but there is also a potential anti-universal debate that could be perceived from the Repo Men story. The Repo Men healthcare system is a dystopia of universal health care. Everyone is treated, whether they agree to it or not, and then expected to pay, and hey, won’t we all be paying for a universal health care system when it comes down to it?
What do you think? Where does the film sit on this issue? And will audiences come out feeling enlightened or just grab some good entertainment from a thriller?
