Review of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

I'd have to say my viewing of the picture was worthwhile, but agree with a lot of other reviewers here that the narrative was more about the legacy of Henrietta Lacks and the effect on her family's fortunes following her death. This was the only time I've seen Oprah Winfrey in an acting role, and I thought she was quite effective as Deborah Lacks, with a nice mix of emotion and gusto whenever she was moved to express her feelings. Much of the story is really about Deborah Lacks and the journalist who researched the story, effectively portrayed by Rose Byrne. As Rebecca Sloot, she had to maintain an inquisitive approach while maintaining a sensitive accord with the diverse personalities of the Lacks family. My greatest astonishment occurred when it was revealed at the end of the story that even today, a patient's consent is not required for research on human tissue obtained during medical treatment if the so called 'donor's' identity is removed. There's something not quite right about that to my mind. When I picked up this film at the library, it was sitting right next to the book about Henrietta Lacks, so I picked the quicker alternative to learn something about the woman who's cells paved the way for once impossible cures for many diseases and medical conditions. Now that I've seen the film, I'm inspired to go back and read the book.