The contrast between the real hospital and the TV soap is a riot, but what I like most about this movie is that it doesn't go overboard and make the tawdry, inept processes of the real hospital so exaggerated that it dispels belief. It's a frighteningly real place well removed from the immaculate soap hospital, but not so far exaggerated as to dispel belief. Realistically, the soap has a great many close-ups, although glossily made on what is obviously a very limited budget. The real film, on the other hand, utilizes mostly long shots and medium shots. The sets are incredibly realistic and the photography utilizes a gritty, documentary approach. Of course, it is the difference in the acting styles that most people will notice and marvel at. All the players are excellent, although the National Health episodes provide more opportunities to excel. I should emphasize that this film is most definitely not suitable for children or the squeamish. Believe me, this is what a real hospital is like (and what a TV soap is like too). The contrast is made very effectively, but the wit and the satire have a sting, and it's actually a very bitter pill that has been so cleverly sugar-coated with spoof and satire here. The decadence of TV's fairy floss "drama" is contrasted with the real deficiencies and filthiness of a real hospital. Well, it will put you off getting sick, that's for sure!
Review of The National Health
