National Geographic Films presents Fauci,
a documentary on Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the top infectious disease
specialists on the current COVID-19 pandemic. Is it pro Fauci? Yes, it is, and
filmmakers Janet Tobias and John Hoffman make a sound argument that their
subject is a genuinely good man.
Not surprisingly, the documentary gives
us a quick run through of Fauci's background and personal life, like a funny
anecdote about how he met his wife, Christine Grady. Of course, we see Fauci on
the front lines of the current COVID-19 pandemic and, how, at the beginning, he
said that he doubted that people needed to wear masks. It was confusing, and a
misstep on his part, but he quickly rectified it and stated that, yes, people
should wear masks to protect themselves from COVID. Then there is his
frustration in dealing with the now former occupant of the White House, who
would often contradict anything Fauci would say regarding the pandemic and how
people can keep themselves safe from it.
The most engrossing part of the
documentary is Fauci's contributions in battling the AIDS epidemic in the
1980s. At first, AIDS activists considered Fauci as the enemy—just a clinical
scientist who didn't care about the lives lost. Instead of push back, Fauci met
with HIV/AIDS activists to try and find solutions together. It's clear in
interviews with the doctor that he is emotionally affected by the AIDS era.
This documentary is an engaging portrait of Dr. Fauci. Fauci is currently playing at The Prytania Theaters at Canal Place.
