Larry Birkhead, the ex-partner of the late Anna Nicole Smith and father of her daughter, Dannielynn, has expressed strong opposition to the upcoming biopic "Trust Me, I’m a Doctor". This film focuses on Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, who was implicated in Smith's 2007 death due to drug overdose. Birkhead's criticism is multifaceted, addressing the ethical implications of the film's portrayal of Smith's life and the potential impact on his daughter, Dannielynn.
A Personal and Professional Stand
Birkhead's primary concern revolves around the exploitation of Anna Nicole Smith's life. He believes that the film's depiction of her life and the involvement of a doctor who was once charged with illegally providing excessive prescription drugs to her is disrespectful and potentially harmful. "We absolutely object to any of Anna Nicole’s, my life, my daughter’s life being used in a movie," he stated, emphasizing the emotional distress it could cause to both himself and his daughter.
The photographer further elaborated on his attempts to prevent the biopic's creation, stating, "I actually have had conversations with this doctor and his representatives. I warned them about the harm and the emotional distress that this puts on not just myself but also, most importantly, Dannielynn, and how this could impact her and the things that she sees."
Legal and Ethical Battles
Birkhead has taken legal action, filing a complaint with the California Medical Board over Dr. Kapoor’s participation in the movie. He believes that Kapoor's involvement in the film is a violation of professional ethics, especially given the doctor's past legal issues. "I have filed a complaint with the California Medical Board over Dr. Kapoor’s participation in this movie," he said, indicating a determination to hold the film and its participants accountable.
The Impact on Dannielynn
Dannielynn, now 19, has also expressed her disapproval of the biopic. Birkhead shared that his daughter had "some choice words" for the doctor and the project, indicating a deep personal connection to the negative impact of the film. Despite Dannielynn being over 18, Birkhead remains committed to protecting her, stating, "my job as her dad is still to continue to protect her daily."
A Familiar Story?
Birkhead also points out that Smith's story has been told in various forms before, including an episode of "Law & Order" and a 2013 Lifetime movie. He believes that these portrayals have already covered the essential aspects of her life, making the new biopic redundant. "Smith’s story has been done several times," he noted, suggesting that the film's release might be unnecessary and potentially exploitative.
The Actor's Embodiment
Birkhead also criticized the choice of Abbie Cornish to play Smith in the film. He stated, "I’m sure she’s probably a nice girl and a great actress. But I don’t think she quite embodied Anna Nicole," suggesting that the actor may not have captured the essence of Smith's persona and spirit. This criticism highlights the challenge of accurately representing a complex and controversial figure in popular media.
Conclusion: A Complex Legacy
Larry Birkhead's opposition to the biopic "Trust Me, I’m a Doctor" underscores the complex and often contentious nature of Anna Nicole Smith's legacy. His concerns about the film's ethical implications, potential harm to his daughter, and the redundancy of the story being told, all contribute to a nuanced perspective on the biopic's release. As the film prepares for its October release, Birkhead's voice remains a significant part of the ongoing dialogue surrounding Smith's life and legacy.
