Accelerated Growth

The chapter on “Accelerated Growth” is an exploration of the concept of cancer as applied to pollution, climate change, over-population, and global economics. For example, rampant cell growth in our bodies parallels the excessive speculation and risk-taking that is undermining our financial system and depleting our natural resources. 

Lisa and Mark (a political economist), create a puppet game show entitled “Who’s in Charge?” exploring “accelerated growth” seen in the sub-prime mortgage scandal, which has led to massive foreclosures and recession. A puppet representing a giant corporation depicts this phenomenon of “economic cancer”; growing larger as it consumes the common people, until it finally deflates.

The film culminates with the growth of Lisa and Mark's relationship expressed through a moving wedding ceremony, a year and a half after Lisa’s cancer was first detected.  Their wedding vows reflect hard-earned insight and profound healing.