Heal (2017 documentary film)
Heal is a 2017 documentary film that was written and directed by Kelly Noonan-Gores and produced by Adam Schomer.[1] The focus of the film is centered around mind–body interventions and follows several individuals who used these techniques after being diagnosed with a fatal disease.
| Heal | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Kelly Noonan-Gores |
| Produced by |
|
| Screenplay by | Kelly Noonan-Gores |
| Starring |
|
| Music by | Michael Mollura |
| Cinematography | Christopher Gallo |
| Edited by | Tina Mascara |
Running time | 1h 46min |
| Country | United States of America |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $12,668 |
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Synopsis[edit]
The film begins with an opening monologue from the director in which she states her concerns about the growing cases of disease due to the toxicity of the environment and food people consume. Noonan-Gores then transitions to gathering testimonials from those who have experienced mind-body medicine and interviews involved in the field.
The first testimonial comes from chiropractor Dr. Joseph Dispenza who describes his experience when he was hit by a car while partaking in a triathlon. He declined surgery and opted to recover by reconstructing his spine in his mind, and states that he gradually recovered from his injury and lead him to conduct research on mind-body medicine.
Elizabeth Craig is introduced and details her healthy, yet stressful life. Craig noticed something was physiologically wrong when she started developing frequent headaches and nausea. Doctors eventually diagnosed Elizabeth with stage four colorectal cancer. Several scientists and mind-body practitioners discuss the role of stress in the modern age and its physiological effects.
After this segment of the film, the audience is introduced to Eva Lee who describes the appearances of skin rashes and boils throughout her body. Doctors diagnosed her with an unspecified autoimmune disease; she sought an alternative to medications. Dr. Bruce Lipton and Dr. David Hamilton then discusses quantum physics and chemistry applied to mind-body healing.
Anita Moorjani who describes her experience with lymphoma. After visiting her deceased father she realizes that fear is the cause of her cancer and her tumors dissolved within five weeks. Dr. Kelly Turner, who holds a Ph.D in social welfare from the University of California in Berkeley,[2] then discusses her research on radical remissions. Dr. Kelly Brogan then briefly discusses her experience in seeking alternative medicine as a way to circumvent taking medications for the rest of her life. Michael Beckwith then weighs in with his views on pharmaceuticals. Dr. Bruce Lipton and Dr. Deepak Chopra then express their concerns with prescription drug use for chronic illnesses. Anthony William then describes his role in assessing patients and the importance of diet in treating chronic illnesses.
Dr. David Hamilton then describes his role as an organic chemist and the effects of a placebo. Dr. Bruce Lipton, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Michael Beckwith, and Dr. Kelly Turner then comment about the nature of prognosis. Elizabeth Craig is later seen explaining her reasons for seeking treatment in addition to chemotherapy. She eventually starts seeing Dr. Dianne Porchia, a spiritual psychologist, to help her get rid of her fear of death. Dr. Bruce Lipton, Dr. Joan Borysenko, Gregg Braden, and Darren Weissman discuss stem cells, genetics and the role of the environment on one's health. The film then refocuses on Eva Lee, who is in a therapy session with Patti Penn, a Reiki master and Emotional Freedom Technique practitioner. Several individuals discuss the supposed roles of past trauma and stress on physical ailments. This is followed by commentary on the pharmaceutical industry.
Dr. Jeffrey Thompson is then shown discussing the nature of the nervous system and how he uses sound waves to activate Eva Lee's parasympathetic nervous system. Noonan-Gores, Dr. Joan Borysenko, Marianne Williamson, Dr. Deepak Chopra, and Dr. Kelly Turner discuss the role of meditation in relieving stress and activating the parasympathetic nervous by Dr. Joseph Dispenza detailing a study that was conducted which focused on cortisol levels and immunoglobulin A. Gregg Bradden then asserts that prayer and thoughts of love work in combating illness by incorporating quantum entanglement and the Big Bang.
The film concludes by announcing Elizabeth Craig became cancer-free and provides commentary about societal conventions about western medicine.
Reception[edit]
Heal has received criticism for what critics saw as casting a wide net due to the use of various individuals and endorsing pseudo-science. Film Inquiry stated that the film seemed to drag on[3] and The Hollywood Reporter wrote that viewers interested in the topic of alternative medicine should seek films with a narrower scope.[4] Substream Magazine felt that the film pushes an agenda by leading viewers to falsely hope for better outcomes based on wishful thinking.[5] Writing for Slate Magazine, Marc Siegel stated that "The problem, though, is that Heal spends hardly any time exploring the scientific underpinnings of the miraculous cures it highlights, or why they frequently fail for others."[6] The Los Angeles Times wrote that the movie was "more like an infomercial than a documentary" and that "What viewers will get out of “Heal” will likely depend on their willingness to keep an open mind."[7]
References[edit]
- ↑ "Heal documentary | A film about the power of the mind". www.healdocumentary.com. Retrieved 2020-04-05.
- ↑ Turner, Kelly (2010). "Spontaneous Remission of Cancer : Theories from Healers, Physicians, and Cancer Survivors". Worldcat. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ Arabian, Alex (2017-11-30). "HEAL: A Fascinating Look Into The Benefits Of Eastern Medicine". Film Inquiry. Retrieved 2020-05-12.
- ↑ "'Heal': Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2020-05-12.
- ↑ Monson, Leigh (2017-10-18). "'Heal' is a snake oil salesperson wrapped in a cloak pseudo-science". Substream Magazine. Retrieved 2020-05-12.
- ↑ Siegel, Marc (2018-01-02). "The New Documentary Heal Makes Strong Points About Positivity but Misses Key Caveats". Slate Magazine. Retrieved 2020-05-12.
- ↑ "Review: Playing more like an infomercial than a documentary, 'Heal' offers mind-body alternatives". Los Angeles Times. 2017-10-19. Retrieved 2020-05-12.
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