Educational Media Reviews Online

This complicated, multilayered film mirrors the same qualities that surround its subject. The underlying message coming through in the film is that stem cell research is a means to help save human lives and suffering. Through the story of Dr. John Kessler, Chair of the Neurology Dept. at Northwestern University, and his very personal epiphany that brought him to stem cell work, this film gives a glimpse into the world of stem cell research. Ms Finitzo brings together the detailed experiments of Dr. Kessler and his graduate students working to find a cure for spinal cord injuries, and artfully juxtaposes them together with the bioethical issues prevalent in the media and the emotional personal stories of two beautiful young women who have spinal cord injuries—one of whom is Dr. Kessler’s only daughter. Mapping Stem Cell Research is successful for several reasons. While the controversies swirling around the stem cell debate have taken their turn on the main stage of the medical, religious, and political arenas, Dr. Kessler’s colleague at Northwestern Laurie Zoloth, (Director of the Center for Bioethics, Science and Society and Professor of Medical Ethics and Humanities at Northwestern University) quiets some of the noise by breaking the main issues down into understandable components. A scene where she holds a class discussion in her home is symbolic of the deep feelings these issues hold for so many people. The film also provides a fascinating look at the intricacies of medical research through the scenes of Dr. Kessler’s students hard at work in the lab. The tangible frustrations and joys of scientific experiments come through vividly. The film also shines at bringing about the human emotions that color everyone’s existence, no matter the profession, the religion, or the political stance.

While Mapping Stem Cell Research is not unbiased, it does grapple with the complex sides to this issue. In its entirety, the 90 minutes running time is a bit long for classroom use, however Kartemquin Films has released a shorter 64 min. version. It is a good choice for academic health sciences collections, particularly those needing materials in bioethics and medical research in addition to the main topic. Aired on PBS’ Independent Lens, (obviously production values are first-rate) the film’s web site is worth visiting, especially for Dr. Kessler’s response to the breakthrough news in 2007 that skin cells can be reprogrammed to behave like embryonic cells, quieting the debate; as well as for updates on the major people in the film and behind the scenes stories. Recommended