Watch 3801 Lancaster: American Tragedy

3801 Lancaster: American Tragedy is a powerful and harrowing documentary film that explores the shocking reality of a medical practitioner who was found guilty of committing heinous and illegal practices in his abortion clinic in Philadelphia. The film is named after the clinic's address, which was the scene of some of the most appalling crimes of recent times. Dr. Kermit Gosnell, the owner, operated a clinic that was plagued with unsanitary conditions, overcrowding, and most disturbing of all, the killing of fetuses born alive during late-term abortions.

The documentary opens by detailing the massive police raid that took place at the clinic in 2010, which led to the sensational discovery of Gosnell’s criminal activities. The film showcases the day by day revelations that uncovered the gruesome details of Gosnell’s illegal operations, which included using scissors to snip the spinal cords of living babies struggling for their lives.

However, the documentary goes beyond the discovery of the criminal acts, as it tries to find answers to some of the most pressing questions of our time. How was it possible for a man, who had a history of malpractice and questionable practices in his clinic, to operate for years without being reported? What systemic failures allowed these crimes to go on undetected? How did the mainstream media fail to report on such an important story?

The documentary provides some answers to these questions, as the viewers are given access to the testimonies of former employees, reporters, and investigators who were involved in the case. Moreover, the film amplifies the voice of the victims who were silenced for years and offers a platform for those who were too scared to speak out.

The film's director, David Altrogge, creates a visually stunning narrative that reflects the complexity of the story. The film juxtaposes the horror of Gosnell's actions with the beauty of his unsuspecting neighborhood, capturing the irony of the contrast between the two. The aesthetic contrasts are used to not only heighten the emotion but also to challenge our understanding of what happens around us.

Overall, 3801 Lancaster: American Tragedy is an unflinching account of a story that was ignored for far too long. The documentary is one of the most important films of our time and showcases the need for transparency and accountability in the healthcare system. However, the film also shows the importance of humanizing those who are most affected by crimes like these, highlighting the need for empathy in our society.

In conclusion, 3801 Lancaster: American Tragedy is a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in the complexities of social and political issues. The film provides an unforgettable insight into the human experience of the victims and the caregivers who were complicit and showcases the power of storytelling in triggering meaningful change.

3801 Lancaster: American Tragedy is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 57 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.