After “Needlestick“, the Movie comes “Puncture” the Movie.
Puncture is an independent feature film starring Chris Evans, directed by Adam Kassen and Mark Kassen. The movie is based on the true story of Michael David ‘Mike’ Weiss and Paul Danziger.
Mike Weiss (Chris Evans) is a young Houston lawyer and a drug addict. Paul Danziger (co-director Mark Kassen) is his longtime friend and straight-laced law partner. They decide to take on a case involving Vicky (Vinessa Shaw), a local ER nurse, who is pricked by a contaminated needle. As Weiss and Danziger dig deeper into the case, a health care and pharmaceutical conspiracy teeters on exposure and heavyweight attorneys move in on the defense. Out of their league but invested in their own gain, the mounting pressure of the case pushes the two underdog lawyers and their business to the breaking point.
The story is based on two young lawyers and a syringe manufacturer who had invented a safety syringe that he was unable to sell. The safety syringe manufacturer filed an antitrust lawsuit against the two largest hospital group purchasing organizations and a large syringe manufacturer claiming he was being shut out of the market. The case was settled before trial for $150 million.
In addition the film brings to light several issues affecting American health care:
- Accidental needle sticks cause thousands of US nurses to be infected by HIV, Hepatitis C , Hepatitis B and other infectious diseases every year.
- Needle reuse in Africa and Asia directly cause 1.3 million deaths annually, 23 million hepatitis infections annually and 260,000 HIV/AIDS infections annually.
A passing reference in the movie also touches on whether HIV/AIDS in Africa is spread by sex or needle reuse. Research has found needle reuse, rather than sex, may have been the main cause of the rapid spread of AIDS in Africa.
Puncture is described as “an implosive human dram about one man with the courage to stand up for a just cause”. Reminiscent of Erin Brockovich, it is a compelling film that will touch a nerve for all who have an understanding of sharps or needlestick injury and fear.
I have a copy and have been impressed with the accuracy of the storyline and dramatic production.
Much recommended.