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!

"Smallpox" was shot in 2002. Before the SARS epidemic of 2003 and before the Covid epidemic of 2020. Unfortunately, we missed the warning and made the same mistakes as in the movie. And many others too. Some of the events in the film sound like a prediction. The lack of goods (albeit for a short time), the restrictions on movement, the overload of the health system. The analogies with recent real events are many.

However in the film the disbelief in the virus and the anti-vaccination movement are absent. It is missing the people spreading lies about vaccines, and the proud anti-vaxxers who would rather die (and often do) than get vaccinated. In 2002, we didn't know that, in addition to being vulnerable, humanity is also stupid.

We should also mention some inaccuracies. Smallpox is not that contagious - one infected person transmits the infection to an average of 4, not 10 or 20 others. The percentage of deaths is around 10%, not 30. Those born and vaccinated before 1970 were the majority in 2002, and then as well as now are protected to a very high degree.

This film has been seen by few people, it is not popular and is very hard to find. Unfortunately, we are as prepared for the next pandemic as we were in 2002 and as we were for Covid in 2020. It is only a matter of time before it happens.

I saw this a while ago and to be honest, I reckon that Messrs Chinn and Perceval have a lot to answer for.

This was broadcast a while after 9/11 and it's obviously scaremongering to whip tension (especially in the wake of the Anthrax scare) so In that way, I take a particularly dim view of this fake documentary.

Besides, why smallpox? If it was as contagious as it sounds then it would have run rampant during the middle ages onwards. (The most likely way to catch it would have been close and dare I say, irresponsible contact with a victim) This would have been better if it was made as a feature film as it would be more appropriate and responsible, besides, its out of date now isn't it? However, it was not without it's upsides as the drama was well portrayed, well documented and well thought up (despite it's plot holes and controversies).

I am trying to locate a copy of this movie to show to my class. We are about to begin a science programme on diseases and vaccinations. I have contacted SBS but the movie is not available. SBS do not have the rights to it. They suggested I try the makers of the movie. It is a British documentary I believe and time constraints make that avenue unsuitable. Has anyone reading this got a copy of the movie? IsDoes anyone reading this know of someone who has a copy? I am quite desperate and do not know where else I can look? Both the Education and Health Departments do not have any videos that are suitable for my programme. Again....does ANYONE out there have a copy or can tell where I can get one please? Deb email address ; herzy2@bigpond.com