You don't know Jack films in Pontiac Michigan

Al Pacino, thin with silver hair, fought his way through a crowd of protesters at the Oakland County Circuit Court building over and over again. The scene familar to many area residents who watched the now 81-year-old Dr. Jack Kevorkian also known as doctor death, lead his campaign to legalize assisted suicide. But this time the actors recreated history.

Dr. Death, as Kevorkian was known, was sentenced in 1999 for second-degree murder for the death of 52- year old Thomas Youk. He was given a 10 to 25 year sentence, but paroled in 2007 after agreeing not to assist in suicides. Kevorkian claims to have assisted in 130 suicides.

“The film covers a 12-year period beginning at the start of Jack’s activity to legalize euthanasia,” she said. “Al Pacino and all of us were drawn to the richness of character, Jack’s painting, music, writing and actions," said Lydia Pilcher, executive producer.

As a reporter for WJBK TV, I covered Jack Kevorkian. From his colorful interviews daring the authorities to arrest him after assisting in a suicide to his many court appearances. Watching HBO film "You Don't Know Jack" brought forth memories of a complicated man fascinated by death, indignant when questioned about his mission, and shocked that he could be convicted of helping people end their lives.

I recall very early morning, Dr. Kevorkian arrived in the studio. I'd just finished my morning news, and Dr. Kevorikan was to be interview for CBS network. He had a plateful of cookies he said he baked. The always hungry crew all passed, afraid the chocolate chips might contain fatal chemicals from his famous death machine used to inject poison into the veins of his ill clients.

Local broadcasters Kam Carman (TV2) and Bill Spencer (TV7) play reporters in the fray outside the courthouse. Carman reciting a long report about a '60 minutes' interview with Kevorkian gave with Thomas Youk taking his life. Spencer chased down Pacino's character through the crown, to get a comment .

Crews spent Thursday shooting exterior scenes at the Oakland County courthouse and near the closed Ducky’s Bar, at 44785 Woodward Ave., a Big Boy Resturant in Troy and the Sagano Motel, at 789 Woodward Ave.

Also starring in the film are John Goodman as Kevorkian’s friend Neal Nicol and Susan Sarandon as right-to-die advocate Janet Good. Good took her own life in 1997 while battling pancreatic cancer.Barry Levinson directs the film. His previous films include “Young Sherlock Holmes” and “The Natural
after agreeing not to assist with any more suicides.

“We have been shooting in New York and Detroit, so our crew is 50/50 New York and Detroit,” executive director Lydia Pilcher said. “We are every excited to come to Michigan because of your film incentives. Incentives are critical to filmmakers these days.”

Pilcher said the crews have taken footage of Hart Plaza and the Wayne County Courthouse, as well as skyline shots from Belle Isle and a Big Boy Restaurant in Troy.“The film covers a 12-year period beginning at the start of Jack’s activity to legalize euthanasia. This has been a terrific experience and I look forward to coming back to make another film,” Pilcher added

Christy Edwards was one of the extras protesting outside of the courthouse, and was even able to meet Pacino.“He is very friendly,” she said. “In fact, he has been taking care of the extras. He was worried that we were cold and had us move inside to warm up." she added.

The movie is slated to come out the spring of 2010.
Contact staff writer Shaun Byron at (248) 745-4685 or shaun.byron@oakpress.com. Special writer Nancy McCauley Branstetter also contributed to this report.