Realism of movies, TV shows can stir emotions

  • Published
SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) --  Sometimes the realism of today’s movies and television programs can stir up emotions some people have a hard time dealing with.

Such might be the case with the new HBO documentary, “Baghdad ER,” which airs Sunday, May 21 at 8 p.m.

The film documents the lives of the doctors, nurses and medics at the Army’s 86th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad’s Green Zone. Over a two-month period, the filmmakers captured the hectic, and often horrific, life the Soldiers must endure.

The HBO Web page states the documentary allows the viewers to “experience the physical and emotional toll of war by capturing soldiers and care providers in personal moments amidst intense crises inside” the hospital. The film offers “an unflinching and at times graphic look at the realities of war.”

But the film’s powerful images, which depict the horrors, anguish and ravages of war, might be too much for some viewers to deal with, said retired Air Force Col. (Dr.) Bob Ursano. He directs the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md.

“Watching movies and reminders of the stress and pain of war can be difficult,” the doctor said.

But he said it may be particularly hard to watch for people who have been to war, are going to war, or who have loved ones serving or going to serve in war zones.

“The emotional issues that arise from watching these movies can be painful and, at the same time, remind one of the camaraderie and closeness that such difficult events create,” Dr. Ursano said.

When the graphic war movie Saving Private Ryan premiered, the opening scene affected many veterans of the World War II D-Day invasion the movie depicted. When the U.S. troops landed on the beaches of Normandy in the movie, the reality of the scene triggered a host of emotional effects in some of the veterans. Many got up and left the movie.

That is why the doctor said it is important to help servicemembers and their families who want to watch the documentary and other such films. The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress has prepared information to help people who may want to watch the documentary.

“We believe the guidance in these information sheets can aid military viewers and their families in deciding whether to watch and, if so, assist in managing their worries, concerns and reminders.” 

The fact sheets and other information is available at www.usuhs.mil/csts