Last night, a friend in the UK sent me a link to the new Louis Theroux documentary on BBC2. She’d seen it as it aired a couple hours earlier. I managed to find a version online that I could stream from the UK. But I also found a version to share here with you. It’s on youtube, so the link might be taken down if it gains popularity. Here is a good review and also a link to the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust (BIRT) in the UK, which features in the film.
I’ll watch pretty much anything that Louis Theroux puts out, if I have access to it or hear about it, that is. I’ve been a big fan ever since moving to the UK ten years ago. Vernon and I used to watch a lot of interesting television together…when something interesting was on, that is. It helped me understand British culture better, watching these kinds of shows with him…especially since Vernon was right there with me, explaining all the nuances I never would have understood otherwise, not really. Anyway, Louis Theroux used to make all these outrageous shows where he would interview cultural outliers with his gentle but straightforward style of questioning. He managed to have a disarming approach, slightly awkward, annoyingly smart. Both Vernon probably admired him for different reasons, but we both enjoyed watching him engage with the oddballs— people in society we never would have known anything personal about otherwise. Totally fascinating stuff.
Anyway, here is the film. I hope you can take the time to watch it. I think its really important work. Heartbreaking stuff, even for a toughie like me to watch….but so well-told and engaging.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgOVxcIjpiA
Now, obviously as I’ve said before, every brain injury is different, so those of us who struggle with it have to plod along alone. I know more about this than the doctors I speak to, but I don’t have a guide map either. It’s just machete-ing ahead indefinitely. And that’s what the people in this film are doing …I can relate with that. I was impressed (and slightly jealous) by the system set up by the BIRT and the Disabilities Trust. Vernon has so many other disabilities, I know, but just looking at the brain injury at the moment, there was a lot to relate with in the people interviewed. What impressed me most was Louis’ sensitivity in conversation. He sets a very good example of how to be around people with these kinds of disabilities. Just like the people in the film, Vernon responds best when he is treated eye-to eye, as an equal intellectual, who can communicate from the heart on the important things if not with an understanding of the details. He responds best when he is included. (I think we can all relate to that too.)
“Uniquely, among physical impairments, brain injury affects our deepest sense of who we are…In my time immersed in it, I’d met people caught between old and new selves, working to get their lives back, but with a changed sense of who they now were. The challenge they were engaged in was nothing less than to re-create themselves, with new limitations but also great possibility.”
—Louis Theroux
49
What a great video! Louis is just the way you described him. I was also reminded of Vernon often in his face. He brings out people from behind their masks. I also saw the same character of courageous love in the family members that you display so consistently. Thank you, Alison, for this post and for allowing us to be a fly on the wall as you live and “machete” on through uncharted territories. God is good and you wear His name well.
Thank you Jim! I loved seeing how the families act too. It made me realize that as alone as I can feel in the ‘system’…there are others who are going through similar challenges in other places. Perhaps I am being prepared for more of that kind of community…I’ll be doing more research. 🙂 Others have said that about Louis looking like Vernon. Even Justine and my mom. So that’s kind of fun too. Thank you for your kind words and encouragements.
I watched the video realizing how different types of brain injuries affect people differently. I was beginning to follow the dialog fairly well when I began to struggle with the accent. So I tried the closed caption application to help me along. My hearing issue probably got in the way – but the subtitles were sparse and incomplete- Oh well- I have to say that it seems impressive the way the brits are taking care of these folks. Perhaps this isn’t accurate, yet the film does give that sort of impression.
Reminded me of my cousin, who was involved in an auto accident years ago, she suffered brain damage and lost all memory of who she was- didn’t recognize anyone- The only thing she knew was that Jesus was her Savior and that she would not be alone to face her future. It is rather sorrowful to see how lives have abruptly changed as a result of this sort of injury. Thank you for sharing this Allison- just wish I could have been able to understand better. David and I continue praying for Vernon and your family daily-
That makes sense…the accent isn’t difficult for me, but I’ve been around it a lot. And some of the characters didn’t exactly speak clearly anyway. Thanks for taking the time to watch though, and for sharing about your cousin.
Allison,
I final had time to watch this about brain injuries tonight. It was not for sissy and you must be one touch lady. It very interesting and I can see some of Vernon among these different people. Have you played this for him yet? Don’t know if it would be a good thing or not. One thing that he would probably like about it would be the accents of the people. And they don’t drive on the correct side of the road. God bless you and Vernon.
Hugs,
Becky
I haven’t played it for him yet, but I can see him enjoying this sort of thing. If I caught him in the right mood…we can wait on that. But I’ll let you know if he does. Thanks for taking the time to watch…it was tough and long. But I felt it did give a lot of light on a situation so little know about. They DON’T drive on the correct side, hahaha! So funny that you noticed that.