Plastic Disasters (HBO)

About Plastic Disasters (HBO)

"Plastic Disasters" is a gripping HBO documentary that aired in 2006. It delves into the often-overlooked dark side of plastic surgery, shedding light on the negative effects it can have on the lives of the patients. The film primarily follows three individuals - Mona, a woman who went under the knife to lose weight but ended up with grotesque side effects; Tony, a man addicted to plastic surgery; and Lucille, a breast cancer survivor left disfigured following reconstructive surgery.

Making / Production

The documentary is a candid depiction and critique of the booming plastic surgery industry in the United States. Produced by HBO and directed by Kate Davis, the movie serves as a stark reminder of how skincare and beauty can veer into the territory of health hazards when not pursued sensibly.

Actors

• Mona: She plays herself, a patient who underwent plastic surgery to lose weight and depicts her struggles and emotional journey through the complications.
• Tony: Also playing himself, Tony brings to life a person who gets obsessed with plastic surgeries, reflecting the issue of addiction and body dysmorphia.
• Lucille: She represents a breast cancer survivor who experienced a botched reconstructive surgery. Her experience illuminates the predicaments faced by cancer survivors.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was nominated for the prestigious Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2006.
• The documentary doesn't include any professional actors - the 'characters' are real-life people sharing their personal experiences.
• Director Kate Davis said she hoped the movie would encourage people to think critically before going under the knife.

Awards

The documentary did not win any awards but was a nominee for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, putting it amongst some of the most critically acclaimed films of 2006.

Quotes

• "The price of beauty isn't worth this pain."
• "I thought surgery would fix everything."
• "I didn't know I was signing up for this."

Music and Soundtrack

• The sound design helps to evoke empathy towards the individuals' misgivings, effectively reflecting the tension and raw emotions faced by them.
• The music used in the documentary is often subtle yet dramatic, mirroring the intensity of the subjects' personal experiences.