Educational Media Reviews Online

This is an unflinching look at death and dying – the camera almost never stops rolling during conversations about treatment options, transplantation and alternative therapies for Mel, a man with liver cancer. His wife Michelle is the filmmaker and they both are honest and straightforward about the prospects of death right up to the end – there is audio of Mel’s last moments of consciousness before his death. Filming the end of Mel’s life seems to give Michelle a role in his illness that otherwise she would not have as Mel is, understandably, focused on extending his life, dying “right” and celebrating his life.

While this film is an award winner, I don’t recommend it for academic use as it is quite dated – mid 1990’s era. The content is also surprisingly matter-of-fact given the subject matter, right up until the end. The lack of sentimentality is a good quality, but also makes for uncomfortable watching, especially as Mel waits for a liver transplant and consults various alternative healers and other doctors in an attempt to halt his cancer. I think that this film will appeal most to those interested in studying approaches to death and dying and relationship issues in the face of terminal illness. Most of the film is showing how this couple copes rather than providing much reflection or analysis. In the end, Michelle concludes that she has received a great gift of insight into life and love through the process of Mel’s dying.

Awards

• Santa Barbara Film Festival, Best Documentary
• New York International Independent Film & Video Festival, Best Documentary
• San Francisco Film Festival, Golden Gate Certificate