Educational Media Reviews Online

Randy Bertish, a handsome and energetic actor in his twenties, was in a persistent coma after suffering a severe closed head injury when his car was crushed by a runaway truck. The doctors gave him a 1% chance of survival; if he were to survive, then the probability of continuing in a "lifelong vegetative state" was virtually 100%. For Randy's mother, a one percent chance was enough; she refused to give up hope. This film chronicles what was, by any standards, a miraculous recovery; yet it was an extremely long and arduous recovery -- one that will most likely never be total.

After opening with home movies of Randy growing up and clips of Randy's commercials and television appearances, the story continues with his family and friends recounting the details of his accident and the early hours of his ordeal. The collage of commentary no doubt subliminally conveys the sense of chaos and uncertainty of that time; on the other hand, the splicing of the comments creates the annoying impression of too many people talking at the same time and finishing each other's sentences.

For reasons which weren't made clear, Randy's mother set up a video camera at his bedside. The footage shows Randy while he is still in a coma and later when he emerges from the coma, unable to control his movements or speak. As time passes (days into weeks, weeks into months, months into years), Randy's progress is documented on videotape. Randy's doctors and therapists recount the details of hours and hours of physical therapy and dozens of surgical procedures. At the film's close, Randy is ten years post-accident, walking albeit hesitantly with a walker, speaking slowly but understandably, vowing to dance in three more years.

This film is a testament to the courage and persistence not only of Randy Bertish, but of his family and friends who refused to give up hope, and to the army of doctors and nurses and therapists who persevered day after day with only the tiniest signs of progress. Suitable for high school and up, Giant Steps could be used for nursing and physical therapy students, and others who work with head-injured persons. It is also potentially useful for friends and families (who are emotionally ready for the intense reality of Randy's rehabilitation and long term prognosis) of head-injured patients.
Recommended.