Summary: A former heroin addict realizes that he wants to help other addicts kick their habits. The problem is, he wants to do this using a hallucinogenic drug - Ibogaine - that is completely illegal, and which requires medical expertise he doesn't have.
In 35 hours of taping conversations with Dimitri, Lu Olkowski never hears him speak ill of the addicts he's trying to help. It's a phenomenal piece of editing and narration, which not only distills 35 hours into 16 minutes, but does it in unfalteringly clear tones. This story has a quality that brings compassion for addicts right down to its aching roots, and Dimitri, a wounded healer himself, is its heart. It's a profoundly spiritual story, probably because it's not trying to be.
A fascinating piece which combines investigative journalism with personal storytelling. We are guided through the controversial treatment of heroin addicts with an illegal (in the US) drug by Dimitri, a surprisingly engaging ex-addict with heart, humor and the dedicated commitment of a true believer.
At first I thought there might be a bit too much narration. But Lu's script and delvery turns out to be just what the doctor ordered to tell this unusual tale. We get the prescibed amount of medical and legal information as well as the right dose of suspense to keep us hooked to the very end.
Perfect for September - National Drug & Alcohol Recovery Month (who knew?) - but such an excellent story really needs no peg at all!
Comments for I'm Not a Doctor, but I Play One at the Holiday Inn
Produced by Trey Kay & Lu Olkowski - with Alix Spiegel & Nancy Updike
Other pieces by Lu Olkowski
Rating Summary
2 comments
Creighton King
Posted on June 17, 2007 at 08:23 AM | Permalink
Review of I'm Not a Doctor, but I Play One at the Holiday Inn
In 35 hours of taping conversations with Dimitri, Lu Olkowski never hears him speak ill of the addicts he's trying to help. It's a phenomenal piece of editing and narration, which not only distills 35 hours into 16 minutes, but does it in unfalteringly clear tones. This story has a quality that brings compassion for addicts right down to its aching roots, and Dimitri, a wounded healer himself, is its heart. It's a profoundly spiritual story, probably because it's not trying to be.
David Swatling
Posted on June 16, 2007 at 11:06 PM | Permalink
Review of I'm Not a Doctor, but I Play One at the Holiday Inn
A fascinating piece which combines investigative journalism with personal storytelling. We are guided through the controversial treatment of heroin addicts with an illegal (in the US) drug by Dimitri, a surprisingly engaging ex-addict with heart, humor and the dedicated commitment of a true believer.
At first I thought there might be a bit too much narration. But Lu's script and delvery turns out to be just what the doctor ordered to tell this unusual tale. We get the prescibed amount of medical and legal information as well as the right dose of suspense to keep us hooked to the very end.
Perfect for September - National Drug & Alcohol Recovery Month (who knew?) - but such an excellent story really needs no peg at all!