THE BEST OF MEN

UK, 2012, 90 minutes, Colour.
Eddie Marsan, George Mackay, Robert Brydon, Niamh Cusack, Richard Mc Cabe, Nicholas Jones.
Directed by Tim Whitby.

Here is a film that could be recommended for most audiences. The setting is 1944 and the year towards the end of World War II. It is set in an institution, not well-funded, for those who have suffered spinal injuries. Authorities consider that they will not recover.

Into this setting comes a German refugee, Jewish background, Dr Ludwig Gutmann. He has had qualifications in spinal surgery in Germany and comes into the Institute with a very Germanic approach, very definite, often peremptory. He wants broader treatment of the soldiers, more compassionate, less reliance on morphine, he prefers a belief that there can be improvement in quality of life even if not reversal of spinal injury.

He is played by Eddie Marson in one of his best roles. He is assisted by the severe nurse, Niamh Cusack, who resents his presence and his methods – but, slowly and ultimately, comes to support him, especially when she sees the results. Amongst the patients are George Mackay and Robert Brydon is a sardonic Welshman. There is also a superior doctor, looking down on the patients, certainly hostile to Dr Gutmann, played by Richard Mc Cabe.

The film shows the slower reactions of the patients, the response to the change of attitudes, some dying, some refusing hope – but eventually moved out of their comfort zones, moving their limbs, the doctor finding ways of keeping them active, including sports.

Despite opposition and lack of means, Dr Gutmann improves the lives of the patients, especially through sport. Some audiences may know that this led to the para-Olympics. For many audiences this is a discovery, the games and competitiveness, growing support of the public, National games, international games and finally to the Olympics.

A fine 90 minutes of humanitarian hope.

1. The title? An inspirational film?

2. The story of a Ludwig Guttmann, his background in Germany, qualifications, in England, his career? Skills in spinal medicine? His foresight, games and activities? His knighthood?

3. UK, 1944-1945, the countryside, the hospital, interiors, the wards, surgery, government offices? The musical score?

4. The grounds of the hospital, sports and performance?

5. Will, his age, with the girl on the hill, called up, his injuries, spinal effect, wanting to die, his howling in the Ward, the treatment?

6. The men in the Ward, Wynne Bowen? The Welsh background? Complaining? The interchanges?

7. The nursing staff, nurse Rogers, routines, strict, her new assistant? The resentment towards Dr Guttman? Mr Callan, surgery, expertise, instructing the recruits, his superior and snobbish attitudes?

8. Eddie Marson, his presence, appearance, manner? Bringing Dr Guttman to life? The German background, the visit to his wife and children, the Jewish background and family in prison? His being in England, Germanic and style, a man of vision, his past qualifications?

9. HIs manner, brusque, decisive, eliminating morphine, medical routines, the treatment of bedsores, getting the patients to move? The reaction of the men? The reaction of the nurses, of Mr Callan?

10. The general, his support, the discussions about supplies and requests? Callan and his attitude towards spinal sufferers, not holding any hope?

11. The response to movement, exercise, slow processes? The psychology of the patients, listening to their stories, nurse Rogers and her listening?

12. The critique of Dr Guttman, their comeuppance, his success, getting support, the officer assigned for exercises, his initial hostility?

13. Exercise, the introduction of sports, the gradual development, playing indoors, the variety of sports, the teams, moving outdoors, getting the equipment, participation?

14. Callan, no hope, his speeches against the sports, outvoted, humiliation?

15. Will, the gradual development, his parents and his father’s hesitation, seeing him as a failure, the decision for him to go into care? His discussions with them, the sports, Dr Guttman forcing him to make a decision?

16. Wynne, the visit of his wife, upset, contemplating the divorce? Going for the weekend, and Beaulieu and on his arrival back?

17. Some deaths in the Ward, the pace of pathos of death? Survival?

18. Nurse Rogers, her change of heart, standing up a Dr Guttman?

19. The games, the development, wills father and his visit and support? Wynne arriving for the Welsh team?

20. The games, the spread, institutions, in the UK, National – leading to the para Olympics?