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Aging Memory

The Incredible Human Body begins with a quick tour of the human body and gives us a fairly glowing description of the thing. From here we're shown a few examples of what can go wrong with the human body and a few examples of what can be done with it. Next, we're given a quick overview of the process of conception. Rather than do something x-rated, these guys opt to describe the process of in-vitro fertilization rather than the more traditional method of producing children. While explaining this, the filmmakers touch on genetic and stem cell research and explain a bit about aging.

Our next step in the exploration involves a man named Scott and his very large brain tumor. Given the size of the tumor, Scott has the option of having surgery, which is extremely risky, or dying. In addition to the real risks involved, Scott has to stay awake through his surgery so as to be able to talk to his doctors. While we're waiting for Scott to prep for his operation, we re-visit Inez and check up on her in-vitro pregnancy, talk to an NBA doctor and explore the interplay between body and mind and the unique way that this works in professional athletes. Lastly, we explore the mysteries of memory with London cabbies.

A lot of this is done with some very nifty, top of the line, 3D visualization software so you get to see some pretty bizarre video footage and the filmmakers toss in a few bits of artsy footage like most documentaries do. This is a fairly high end and big budget film that doesn't break a lot of documentary tradition. It's quality footage that's informative. The brain surgery footage is a bit short but it is pretty wild; just in case that sort of thing appeals to you.