Extremis

About Extremis

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About

Extremis is a documentary film released in 2016 directed by Dan Krauss. The film provides an intimate and unflinching look at the emotionally charged end-of-life decision-making process in the intensive care unit of a public hospital.

The documentary captures the complex intersection of medical, ethical, and emotional issues faced by doctors, patients, and families as they navigate critical decisions about life support and end-of-life care.

Making / Production

The documentary was filmed over a period of one year in the intensive care unit at Highland Hospital in Oakland, California.

Director Dan Krauss utilized a cinema verite style of filmmaking, capturing raw and unscripted moments as they unfolded, providing a candid and unfiltered view of the difficult decisions and emotions surrounding end-of-life care.

Actors

• Dr. Jessica Zitter - Portrayed by herself, Dr. Zitter is a critical care and palliative care physician who plays a central role in the documentary, offering insights into the challenges of end-of-life care.
• Patients and their families - Various real patients, their families, and hospital staff were featured in the documentary, portraying themselves in their actual roles and situations.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Extremis was nominated for the Best Documentary Short Subject at the 2017 Academy Awards.
• The filming process was sensitive and respectful, capturing real-life moments without intruding on the privacy or dignity of the patients and families involved.

Awards

Extremis was nominated for the Best Documentary Short Subject at the 2017 Academy Awards.

Quotes

• "This is the greatest disease in the history of medicine. It's called 'I can't fix this.'" - Dr. Jessica Zitter
• "The hardest thing in the world to know, Think about what's right." - Dr. Jessica Zitter

Music, Soundtrack

• The documentary features a minimalist and understated soundtrack to enhance the emotional weight of the scenes, focusing more on ambient sounds and silence to create a poignant atmosphere.
• The sound design in Extremis is meticulously crafted to evoke the tension, grief, and contemplation that permeate the intensive care unit setting.