“All the Rage is a documentary that has found itself one fascinating subject — Dr. John Sarno. Dr. Sarno, who specialized in rehabilitation medicine at New York University before retiring, has posited for decades that many types of chronic pain, particularly back pain, are caused by stress and repressed emotions. In such cases, he eschews drugs or surgeries. Instead, he counsels patients to consider the connection between their minds and their bodies, and that way decrease their discomfort through psychological understanding.
“Such ideas, we’re told, have caused Dr. Sarno, now in his 90s, to be shunned by the medical establishment. His theories and books, however, have been championed by the likes of Howard Stern and Larry David, who are interviewed here along with plenty of noncelebrities.
“Michael Galinsky, one of the film’s directors (with Suki Hawley and David Beilinson), sought Dr. Sarno’s help for back pain. Recounting his own experiences for the documentary is an intriguing plan.
“All the Rage shows Dr. Sarno to be a convincing speaker, as well as an affable and somewhat crusty character. The documentary is a good introduction to his work.” - The New York Times
On June 22, 2017 Dr. Sarno passed away – one day before his 94th birthday.
A beautiful obituary in the New York Times recounted his legendary life and profound contributions to science.
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