The John Q of Healthcare in America…
John Q. is a 2002 American thriller drama film written by James Kearns and directed by Nick Cassavetes. It stars Denzel Washington as John Quincy Archibald, a man who feels he is forced to take a hospital emergency room hostage in order for his son to receive a heart transplant, after he’s exhausted every option financially. Robert Duvall, James Woods, Anne Heche, Kimberly Elise, and Ray Liotta appear in supporting roles.
When the film was released in 2002, it raised general questions and critical conversation about the healthcare system in America. Shooting took place for 60 days from August 8 to November 3, 2000, and the film was released on February 15, 2002. It received generally negative reviews from critics, but was a commercial success, grossing $102 million on a $36 million budget. Over 20 years later, and healthcare in America is still the bitter pill we must swallow, there has been progress in system since the film was made, but there are still many flaws, and still no universal healthcare for Americans. Most Americans feel that healthcare is a right, and not a privilege that every John Q. Public is entitled to as citizens of the United States. This film is still relevant in 2024 and allows Movies to History to examine the history of healthcare in the United States through the eyes of John Q.
John Q. is the Featured Film Blog of the month for March for its examination of the healthcare system in America! You can expect to read a detailed critique of the 2002 film, John Q. You can also read a recommendation for the film that includes a history of the healthcare system in America. There is also a detailed review of the film from 2002 by Roger Ebert. You can also watch a classic interview with star Denzel Washington, Anne Heche, Kimberly Elise, and director Nick Cassavetes discussing the film John Q. in 2002. There is also a Top Ten List to commemorate the film being a Featured Film Blog of the month, and for John Q., the topic of the list is My Top Ten Healthcare Movies! And finally, as a Featured Blog of the month, you can watch the Official Trailer for the 2002 film and then plan on watching John Q. tonight!