German actress Leonie Benesch, known for her role in September 5, The Teachers’ Lounge, has voiced her concerns about the unrealistic portrayal of hospitals in numerous medical dramas on television.
According to Benesch, the embellished narratives presented in these shows starkly contrast her own experiences while filming Petra Volpe’s movie Late Shift. In the film, she portrays Floria, a dedicated nurse managing the demanding night shifts at a major hospital in Switzerland.
Benesch points out that in traditional medical dramas, the focus tends to be disproportionately on doctors, overshadowing the critical and complex roles nurses play at the bedside. “Nurses often engage in more intricate medical tasks than what is typically depicted in mainstream emergency room series,” she notes.
Late Shift is set to release in the UK and Ireland through Vertigo, coinciding with a time of significant turmoil in the healthcare sector. Following a five-day strike by resident doctors concerning pay and pensions, nurses, who often face long hours and low pay, are contemplating similar actions.
The nursing profession is facing a severe staffing crisis, particularly in the UK and across Europe. Despite these challenges, hospitals continue to function, largely due to the relentless efforts of nurses like Floria, portrayed by Benesch.
Floria’s character embodies resilience and constant movement, a transformation that begins the moment she puts on her sneakers and starts her shift, attending to a diverse array of patients.
Benesch shares insights from a brief internship at a hospital in Basel, where she observed the dynamic and swift movements of nurses during her shifts, a suggestion from director Volpe to better understand the physical demands of nursing.
The reality she witnessed in Basel starkly contrasted the dramatized versions of hospital life omnipresent in television, from classic series like Emergency-Ward 10, Dr. Kildare, M*A*S*H, and Julia to modern dramas like The Pitt, House, and Chicago Med.
The portrayal of medical scenarios in Late Shift is grounded in meticulous research, avoiding the exaggeration of already dramatic situations. Benesch appreciates this approach, emphasizing the accuracy in depicting the everyday routine and challenges nurses face.
In preparation for her role, Benesch was encouraged by Volpe to observe the interactions between nurses and their handling of medical tools and procedures. This included overcoming any discomfort around bodily fluids and embracing the practical aspects of nursing.
A particularly memorable scene involved a continuous shot of a patient being prepared and transported to an elevator, which required precise choreography and numerous rehearsals to capture the fluidity and urgency of the moment.
Benesch found the focus on the authenticity of nursing tasks in the film refreshing. She highlights the time it takes to prepare medications and the careful procedures followed to manage pain relief and other treatments, underscoring the film’s commitment to realism.
Her immersion into the nursing role included shadowing real nurses during her shifts, which provided her with invaluable insights into the profession’s realities, from patient care routines to the handling of medical equipment and emergencies.
Benesch’s experiences on set, from observing the nuances of nursing to handling the demands of filming, reflect a deep respect for the profession and an understanding of the challenges faced by healthcare workers daily.
Beyond her role in Late Shift, Benesch is engaged in various projects across different genres, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to her craft.
From her early days, influenced by a family environment that cherished storytelling and literature, to her challenging yet formative experiences in the film industry, Benesch continues to evolve as an actress, driven by a passion for authentic, impactful performances.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
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