I hesitate to call this terrific only because the images from the museum are terrifying. As other reviews have commented, though, the tone of the producer and museum guide help give some levity to disturbing instruments of mental treatment. It is a piece that has real impact.
The museum tour could actually be shortened. After abour five minutes I needed some kind of context for all the historical devices. The interview at the end gave me that context and helped me as a listener put all those images into a place in my head where I could really mull over the significance.
Also, the artifacts are presented out of chronological order. It would have been helpful to me to hear about them in a way that gave me a sense of the 'progression' of treatments. For me, that would have given this a stronger story structure, a sense of cause and effect, a beginning, middle and end - something that helps a radio piece stick in my head so I can tell others about it.
This piece does offer much-needed historical perspective on mental health treatment. I find this an important - though gruesome - tour of what humans have tried to do for one another. And, I really appreciate the final thought in this from the producer.
This is the type of piece that could be exploitive or sensationalistic, but Mason's steady hand guides us through, leaving us to make our own conclusions. My favorite part is the guide who in an upbeat way guides Mason through this Museum of the Macabre. The tension between her cheery disposition and Mason's unease is great!
Comments for Inside the Glore
Produced by Michael Paul Mason
Other pieces by Michael Paul Mason
Rating Summary
5 comments
Sidney Steinhaeufel
Posted on September 13, 2009 at 10:35 PM | Permalink
Interesting
I toured the Glore Museum yesterday. I found the exhibits interesting and disturbing. The piece did a good job explaining some of the museum.
Megan Sukys
Posted on July 16, 2009 at 09:37 PM | Permalink
Disturbingly Visual and Thought Provoking
I hesitate to call this terrific only because the images from the museum are terrifying. As other reviews have commented, though, the tone of the producer and museum guide help give some levity to disturbing instruments of mental treatment. It is a piece that has real impact.
The museum tour could actually be shortened. After abour five minutes I needed some kind of context for all the historical devices. The interview at the end gave me that context and helped me as a listener put all those images into a place in my head where I could really mull over the significance.
Also, the artifacts are presented out of chronological order. It would have been helpful to me to hear about them in a way that gave me a sense of the 'progression' of treatments. For me, that would have given this a stronger story structure, a sense of cause and effect, a beginning, middle and end - something that helps a radio piece stick in my head so I can tell others about it.
This piece does offer much-needed historical perspective on mental health treatment. I find this an important - though gruesome - tour of what humans have tried to do for one another. And, I really appreciate the final thought in this from the producer.
Darren Ingram
Posted on February 05, 2009 at 01:40 AM | Permalink
Nice tone.
This is the type of piece that could be exploitive or sensationalistic, but Mason's steady hand guides us through, leaving us to make our own conclusions. My favorite part is the guide who in an upbeat way guides Mason through this Museum of the Macabre. The tension between her cheery disposition and Mason's unease is great!
Connor Raus
Posted on February 04, 2009 at 08:17 PM | Permalink
Very Well Done
This piece is great! I enjoyed listening to Mason's insights.
Jeff Martin
Posted on February 03, 2009 at 10:47 PM | Permalink
Wow
One of the best pieces I have heard in a long time!