The Pain of Others

Itchy skin, unsightly lesions, subcutaneous fibers, hair loss and loss of concentration-these are just some of the symptoms of Morgellons disease. There is some controversy about whether Morgellons is even a condition at all: some doctors say that it is simply a delusion that makes disturbed patients believe that there are insects crawling under their skin. The Pain of Others-American director Penny Lane's third full-length documentary-does not resolve the issue, but enables viewers to form their own opinion. Not by studying medical records, but by watching recordings posted online by people who believe that they are suffering from the illness. Are they trying to share knowledge about the disease or perhaps just looking for attention? The director compiles these recordings, focusing especially on the cases of Tasha, Carrie and Marcia. She creates a fascinating but frightening collage of people trapped in the hell of their own body. Or their mind.