So the movie "The Constant Gardener" finally opened in Switzerland last Thursday. I'd like to think it takes so long for movies to open here cause of the time they need to do the subtitles in German and French (and Italian). Whatever the reasons, I went to watch it on opening night with some Kenyan and Swiss friends.
Plot
Most of the movie was shot in Kenya and revolves around the big pharma companies and their practices. The main issue is how the drug companies handle the test results for planned substances (apparently, by covering up the negative ones). There's also a love story in there.
I'm no movie critic, so if you want a better plot outline, check out IMDB or other sites...
It was nice to see a movie set at home. I liked the real-life shots from Kibera - I know, it's sad, but that's the "real" Kenya with the "ordinary" wananchi. My favourite scene was probably when the small boys block the road and ask for money (and other scenes where one can hear Swahili in the background).
I don't know how much of the movie I should believe. I'm sure there's some truth to the story, but I'm just not sure whether the whole issue of negative test persons dying away unidentified can be believed. I haven't read the book yet, so maybe I'll get more insight when I do that. Some pharma firms are bound to have practices which go against morals / ethics, but I'd like to think it's not as bad as shown in the movie. Or maybe I'm just that naive...
If you ask me, the losers from the movie are the British and the Kenyan governments. The pharma industry, they more or less remain where they were for me. They may do a lot of good, but they certainly could do more - especially in Africa (slightly biased here). The bottom line is that for them it's a business. It's not like I went into the movie expecting the drug firms to be the good guys at the end of the day.
The involvement of British officials and her majesty's service in the whole scam were probably the most disappointing for me. Majority of the British officials (in the movie) came across as, sorry to say this, a**holes. Whether it was their active roles or just how they were willing to ignore the facts (main actor included). And that's without even bringing in the whole issue of Kenya being a former British colony and them continuing to run things and mistreat the Kenyan people despite independance.
The Kenyan government and police in the movie are corrupt. So what's new there?! But it's sad to see lives lost while fellow citizens either get richer or just look on. What makes it worse, is that the corrupt Kenyans don't realise that they are being instrumentalised by the West against their own people.
Disclaimer: The author is aware that the post above contains several general statements. Even worse, the statements are based on a movie. But hey, that's what the author felt after watching the movie.
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12 comments:
I enjoyed the movie too! It was really nice to see Kenya again
I also watched the movie and loved it. The funniest/most authentic part for me were the cops - ngai fafa. I laughed in parts and cried in many parts.
I don't know how true the plot is, I also read the book, but I think that most of the allegations are probable, especially in a country like ours where clinical research practices are not developed and patient information is not available. Coupled with the poverty and the illnesses, people do get taken in by promises of free drugs, I think. If this story were real, the losers would be the Kenyans, because the pharma companies and Britain do not owe us anything.
It was a good movie, and remained close enough to the book which was very good.
I'm done with blogging on your blog.
I am yet to see that movie...things move slow here aish :-( The latest they have is the white maasai. That jungu woman was showing kichwa, the maasai bwana chapad her kibao cha nguvu..lol! not that I am all for domestic violence but hey...
I haven't seen the movie; I saw a TV review of it, and as with anything shot in Africa I'm always cynical. For one thing, the prevailing theme with such movies is always 'white expat saves Africans.' It also irritates me when they bring actors to play 'Africans' yet we have actors in the place.
This one sounds different, and it's always good if/ when films shot in Africa are sensitive and not condescending.
I really like this post (more, please, of your views). And how true (and very sad) it is that many exploits of Kenya/Africa are allowed to continue.
hi adrian, yaani it takes that long for a "new" movie to come out? as long as u got to watch it. i watched it awhile back and i thought it was a beautiful movie with lots of shots showing authentic kenyans and scenaries. the most memorable scene for me was the one where the village in turkana is being raided and everyone was trying to get away from the raiders, and the little kids...it broke my heart.
back to your other discussion, ever wondered why a lot of clinical trials are carried out in third world countries? (especially things like AIDS vaccines?) Awhile back, some profs from Oxford developed what they considered to be an AIDS vaccine and after they were denied permission to carry out clinical trials in the UK, they linked up with some docs in Kenya and proceeded with the trials. Needless to say, those trials were called off after awhile cuz they realized that the benefits were not "statistically significant". the reason this happens is because the regulations in third world countries are not very stringent and this gives companies like these a big leeway so they're not held accountable. In the US, the FDA has strict regulations and it takes 5-10 years of careful studies before any trial occurs on humans and the first signs of trouble signal the end of the study. in most cases, the companies are also required to compensate the victims.
anyway, this turned out to be longer than i thought:)
I havent watched the movie yet Adrian although it came out last week I think. I have heard good reviews about it and watched it being featured on tv and seen the previews. Looking forward to watching it.
You gave quite a good summary of it though and makes me want to run and watch it now.
also, from what i have read about this pharma companies and their testing their drugs on humans, I wouldnt put it past them, and yes, sometimes they do it with the knowledge of host country because lets say kenya, well, you know bribes are the answers to everything?
Having said that, I will reserve my judgement to when I read the book or watch a movie - however fictional... Nice post Adrian
Isn't it a lovely movie that? The memories and nausea of seeing Kenya , the tears and joy.
Thanks for sharing.
Happy Week :)
i havent seen it yet!!
i have to say i didnt read your post (didnt want a spoiler) but i will come back and comment once i watch it (this weekend, touch wood)
damn i havent watched the movie yet for once am silent on a movie post...this is unbecoming
I too have not seen the movie thus will see it first then come back to your post. Still planning to go home, kijana?
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