Big Charity

Big Charity is a powerful and captivating documentary film directed by Alexander Glustrom, which focuses on the rise and fall of "Charity Hospital", the oldest operating hospital in the United States until Hurricane Katrina devastated the region. From humble beginnings to a beacon of hope for the underprivileged, this documentary weaves a narrative that is engaging and deep, filled with a myriad of emotions. Peter Deblieux, Larry Hollier, and Goldie Huguenel play leading roles in providing a comprehensive insight and extensive background into the workings and history of this enchanting institution.

The core of Big Charity is the passionate narration by Peter Deblieux. As an emergency physician who has worked extensively at Charity Hospital, Deblieux addresses the significant role this institution served in providing care for generations of marginalized communities. His unique and heartfelt portrayal is powerfully moving and brings to light the crucial function this public institution fulfilled in its time of operation.

Larry Hollier, a respected physician and professor, provides an erudite and informative perspective on the impact of Charity Hospital. With remarkable eloquence, he decodes medical jargon and interpretive procedures, shedding light on the inherent challenges the hospital faced over the years. His contribution goes a long way to understanding the medical aspect of the hospital’s journey and its influence on the community.

Then there’s Goldie Huguenel, whose caring demeanor and warm personality reflects the essential human element of Charity Hospital. The documentary looks at the hospital from her eyes, a former nurse who spent decades inside its walls, and she brings a different perspective to the tale. Through her emotional narration, one can explore the heart and soul of the hospital, reminding us all of the compassionate side of healthcare and the emotional toll it can take on the people involved.

Drenched in rich Louisiana history, Big Charity compels us to reflect not only on the medical and social implications of the hospital's legacy but also on the broader socio-economic underpinnings of healthcare in America. It covers the hospital's noteworthy achievements, including its critical role during the Civil Rights movement and its pioneering efforts towards integrating clinical services in the Southern part of the country.

The documentary is masterfully shot, moving between the hauntingly beautiful halls of the vacant hospital to heartfelt interviews of former staff and patients. It offers a visual feast of archival footage and photographs that enrich the narrative, painting a poignant picture of an institution that once stood as the archetypal symbol of hope and healing for many.

Beyond being a historical examination, Big Charity delves into the repercussions of the hospital's closure post-Hurricane Katrina. It encapsulates the heartbreak, frustration, and sense of loss voiced by staff, patients, and local community members who were impacted by the closure. The film respectfully broaches the potential political motivations behind the hospital's end, openly posing questions about whether the disaster was used as an excuse to shutter an institution viewed by some as a burdensome relic of the past.

Big Charity is not merely a tribute to a Commonwealth-era behemoth but is a plea to learn from the past. The hospital may have been an emblem of antiquated bricks and mortar to some, but to many, it represented equity in healthcare, an antidote to the commercialization of health services. It beautifully encapsulates the sentiment that a hospital isn't merely defined by its technological advancements but by its capacity to serve those in need, espousing the values of compassion, tolerance, and empathy.

In conclusion, Big Charity is a compelling documentary that offers a rich, deeply touching, and thought-provoking examination of a storied institution. Combining a careful blend of historical analysis, moving personal narratives, and a comprehensive exploration of the nuances of healthcare, it invites viewers to reflect on the intersectionality of medicine, politics, race, and socio-economics.