Watch Where Does It Hurt?
- R
- 1972
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5.4 (554)
Where Does It Hurt? is a satirical comedy movie from 1972 that stars Peter Sellers, Jo Ann Pflug, and Rick Lenz. It takes place in a fictional hospital in the United States, where the main character, Dr. Albert T. Hopfnagel, is a scheming administrator who is willing to do whatever it takes to make money. His goal is not to help patients, but to figure out ways to exploit the hospital's resources for his own financial gain.
The movie begins with an introduction to the hospital, which is struggling financially. Hopfnagel is seen discussing plans with some of the hospital's board members to increase revenue. He is a very opportunistic character, and it becomes clear that the welfare of patients is not paramount to him. He comes off as a greedy and selfish administrator who is eager to wring every penny out of the hospital.
Throughout the movie, Hopfnagel comes up with several schemes to make money for the hospital. One of those includes devising a plan to sell addiction treatments to patients who do not really need them. He conspires with Dr. Ashley Brilliant, a psychiatrist, to convince patients that they are addicted to drugs so that they will pay for treatment. It's a humorous take on the medical profession and addresses the issue of the over prescription of drugs.
Another scheme Hopfnagel devises is to charge patients for access to televisions, radios, and newspapers. He also plans to sell additional services at a premium rate, such as special meals and access to private rooms. It seems that there is no end to his greed when it comes to squeezing every last penny out of the hospital.
Just as things seem to be going well for Hopfnagel, he is confronted with an ethical dilemma. A wealthy patient invests in the hospital and requests a special treatment for his son, who is not really sick. Hopfnagel sees this as an opportunity to make more money, but Dr. Hogue, the chief surgeon, refuses to go along with the plan. Hogue reminds Hopfnagel that his job is to help patients, not to exploit them for financial gain.
The movie manages to raise awareness about the priorities of people in power in the medical profession. Rather than focusing solely on the well-being of patients, some administrators seem to be more interested in making money. At the same time, the movie is filled with several comic situations, and the acting is excellent. Sellers is seen in his usual form, and the supporting cast provides excellent comic relief.
The movie is well-directed and well-shot. It's filled with authentic-looking hospital sets, and the attention to detail in the production is impressive. The cinematography is also worthy of a mention. The camera work is smooth and polished, and there are several unique shots that add to the movie's comedic effect.
All in all, Where Does It Hurt? is a movie that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The issues it raises are still relevant to this day, and the acting and production are excellent. It's a movie that can be enjoyed by both fans of classic comedy and those interested in the issues that arise when the medical profession conflates itself with the money-making industry.