Phases of Matter 2020
Distributed by Institute of Time, Utrecht, NL
Produced by Firat Sezgin
Directed by Deniz Tortum
Streaming, 71 mins
General Adult
Medical Education; Medicine
Date Entered: 06/20/2022
Reviewed by Lauren Stieglitz, Science Liaison Librarian, University of AlbertaPhases of Matter is a meditative journey through a teaching hospital in Istanbul. It is an artistic and abstract contemplation of life and death explored through the microcosm of the aging Cerrahpasa Hospital. Phases of Matter is non-narrative, with no voiceover, instead exploring these themes through vignettes of hospital life.
The camera follows various people and scenes around the hospital throughout the day. It is an honest and unflinching portrait of life in a hospital that captures both the mundanity and importance of medical work. Scenes of hospital workers chatting over lunch or playing on their phone are contrasted with doctors imaging a hernia and working on uncooperative patients. The camera is presented as a neutral observer, allowing the viewer to feel they are getting a candid glimpse of the inner workings of a hospital. The film shows all aspects of the hospital from patients to resident training to waste disposal. It provides a unique view of a real hospital that feels refreshingly authentic.
As Phases of Matter is more contemplative and artistic than informative, it would have little use in a classroom setting. There are some scenes that may be useful in health sciences courses, but overall, it is more for general audiences than academic ones. Though it is not recommended for academic settings, it is a beautiful and thought-provoking documentary general audiences will enjoy. For this reason, it is recommended with reservations.
Trigger warning: Viewers should note that the documentary shows blood, medical procedures, preserved human specimens and other medical imagery that may be triggering or upsetting to some viewers.
Awards: Best Documentary, 57th Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival 2020; Best Documentary, Istanbul Film Festival, 2020; Best Film Award, Best Director Award, Accessible Film Festival; Labocine Special Mention, 13th Imagine Science Film Festival
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