If you are unfamiliar with Discovery+, it’s a new subscription based streaming service that brings you new, original and classic content from popular networks such as HGTV, TLC, A&E and Food Network. I currently don’t subscribe to it, but the more programs I see added, the more likely it will be that I’ll be adding Discovery+ to the ever growing list of subscription based streaming services I already pay for (Netflix, Hulu, Shudder, Boomerang, Disney+…).
Now streaming on Discovery+ is the documentary, They Call Me Dr. Miami. The documentary is about Dr. Michael Salzhauer, also known as “Dr. Miami.” I heard of the doctor before, but I have never seen anything from him on social media (I kept meaning to look him up).
The documentary was directed by Jean-Simon Chartier (Corps a la Carte, Playing Hard, Into the Fortress). The film had its world premiere at the Miami International Film Festival and was an official selection at Hot Docs.
Fans come from all over the country to take selfies with him, and rap artists name-drop him in lyrics. At the same time, he has been condemned by the medical establishment. Dr. Miami aka Michael Salzhauer is America’s most controversial and famous plastic surgeon; his meteoric fame built on live streaming graphic procedures on social media to millions of followers, blurring the lines between entertainment and surgery. But past the surface of his wacky professional brand is a more personal paradox: the doctor is a devoted husband, a father of five, and a conservative Orthodox Jew who observes the Sabbath. While Salzhauer sees himself as fighting plastic surgery stigmas, a string of deaths in Miami driven by social media marketing and high-volume clinics bring his two worlds into conflict.
I saw the trailer for the film (below), and it piqued my interest. It doesn’t seem possible that someone like him could really exist. I agree with the film’s synopsis – is he a surgeon or an entertainer? Personally, I’m leaning more towards entertainer. He seems so larger-than-life to be an actual doctor (but he is).
I should warn you, you WILL see actual surgeries being performed in this film (gross!). There is also nudity such as women’s breasts and buttocks. There is also some music with foul language.
In this day and age, people are OBSESSED with how they look on social media. It’s all about the likes, follows, and comments (sad to say). Unless you are a truly beautiful person with a “perfect” body, you are not going to compete with many of the influencers out there. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of beautiful overweight people who have millions of social media followers, but mostly, it’s the people who appear “perfect” who fare better.
This is where Dr. Miami comes in. He is known for shaping and molding people to have the “perfect” body.
You wouldn’t think it by watching his music videos and Snapchats, but Dr. Miami is a very religious man in the Orthodox Jewish faith.
The film gives views a glimpse into Dr. Miami’s home life, plastic surgery business, and his rise to celebrity status. It was actually amusing to see him dragging out the garbage to the curb. With his money, you’d think he’d have someone do it for him.
I don’t think after watching this documentary that I’ll be following Dr. Miami on social media. It’s not that I don’t find him interesting, it’s just that I’m not a fan of watching surgical procedures.
Below is a brief trailer for the movie for your enjoyment.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener to review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
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