Smallpox 2002: Silent Weapon

A docu-drama that reports on a (fictitious) attack made by terrorist using the disease of small pox to attack the world. Starting in New York the attack is ruthlessly carried out by one man travelling around the city infecting people as he goes. Using hindsight and video diaries the film looks back on the global impact of a silent attack that affected the world.

Very much of it's time, this was shown at the same time as anthrax fears swept the US. It was so well made that George Bush reportedly requested a copy from the BBC so he could see it. The film is very professionally made and is terrifying in it's cold reporting. It doesn't sensationalise, it doesn't scare-monger, instead it just looks back at events. The disease is terrifying - it spreads so easily and the manner of death is unpleasant.

The film also tackles the horrors of dealing with the disease and is very real in doing so - for example no country in the world has enough vaccine, so who gets it first? The film interviews people who are experts (actors in some cases) and we find how politicians covered up the lack of vaccine etc to give us a realistic picture. The film also uses video diaries of a UK family who are living with the realities of fearing to leave their house, and being `taken' when it is found that they have been exposed - it doesn't work well as the actors doing it are very soapy, but some bits hit the mark (the reaction of the estate residents when one family gets the disease is realistic).

It may be seen as opportunistic film making, but it is well done for the most part, and uses chilling statistics and facts to make it's case. With lots of white powder showing up in envelopes and the weakness of governments to react to biological warfare of this type, this is even more chilling. Very enjoyable.if that's the right word!