Watch Autopsy: Confessions of a Medical Examiner

Autopsy: Confessions of a Medical Examiner is a 1994 documentary movie that takes a unique look into the unseen world of forensic pathology. The movie brings together the accounts of multiple medical examiners, pathologists, and other forensic experts to provide a thorough and candid examination of the causes and consequences of death. The voices of the experts are woven together seamlessly in a compelling narrative that gives the viewer a first-hand look into the challenges, mysteries, and rewards of the field of forensic science and investigation.

The movie is co-written and directed by Arthur Ginsberg, who brings his extensive experience in documentary filmmaking to the project. It is produced by PBS and it offers an excellent look at the work of medical examiners, who are tasked with determining the cause and manner of death of those who have died suddenly or unexpectedly. The movie is not only informative but also engaging and thought-provoking as it reveals the science and art behind the autopsy, a process that is essential to determining the truth about how and why someone has died.

The movie is narrated by Marlene Sanders, a well-known journalist who has reported on many high profile events in her career, including the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, the Watergate scandal, and the space shuttle Challenger disaster. Her calm and authoritative voice provides an excellent counterpoint to the often graphic and disturbing images that are shown during the autopsy procedures. The movie opens with Sanders explaining the importance of medical examiners in the criminal justice system and how the work they do is critical for both the living and the dead.

Autopsy: Confessions of a Medical Examiner provides an in-depth look at the science behind forensic pathology, from the different types of injuries that can cause death to the tools and techniques that are used to determine the cause and manner of death. The experts interviewed in the movie provide detailed explanations of how they makes determinations based on the evidence they find, including the effects of certain drugs, poisons, and other substances on the body. They also discuss the importance of rigorous scientific methods in the autopsy process, as well as the role that technology plays in modern-day investigations.

Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of the movie is the candid and unfiltered stories that are shared by the medical examiners and pathologists themselves. They speak frankly about the challenges and triumphs they experience in their work, as well as the emotional toll that examining dead bodies can take on them. The viewer also gets a sense of the tension and drama that can arise during high-profile cases, and how the stakes are often incredibly high for everyone involved.

One of the most memorable scenes in the movie involves Dr. Michael Baden, a world-renowned medical examiner, who is shown performing an autopsy on a young gunshot victim. The camera captures in graphic detail the procedure, from the opening of the chest cavity to the examination of the brain. Throughout the process, Baden explains the different findings that he discovers, and the viewer gets a sense of the level of precision, care, and detail that is required from a skilled medical examiner.

Overall, Autopsy: Confessions of a Medical Examiner provides a fascinating and detailed look at the forensic science of death investigation. The movie is successful in its ability to present complex information in a way that is both informative and engaging. The stories and insights shared by the experts interviewed provide the viewer with a powerful sense of appreciation for the work of medical examiners, and the critical role they play in helping families find closure and justice. If you have an interest in the forensic investigation, then this movie is an absolute must-see.

Autopsy: Confessions of a Medical Examiner is a 1994 documentary with a runtime of 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.