I Am Breathing 2013
Distributed by Passion River Films, 154 Mt. Bethel Rd., Warren, NJ 07059; 732-321-0711
Producer n/a
Directed by Morag McKinnon & Emma Davie
DVD, color, 73 min.
Sr. High - General Adult
Biography, Death, Documentaries, Motor Neuron Disease
Date Entered: 05/06/2015
Reviewed by Sandy Costanza D’Youville College, Buffalo, NY“don’t let yourself slip by unnoticed….”
This is an inspirational film about the cruelty of life, the determination of the human spirit and the love of one family. Neil Platt has Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease or Motor Neuron Disease. There is no cure to date and death is a certainty. This begs the question: if it were you where would you draw the line? For Neil it is with the freedom to communicate.
Less than one year from diagnosis Neil is paralyzed from the neck down. He is dependent upon his wife and caregivers for his every need. He uses a respirator to breath and while this disease obliterates all independent movement it does not dull the senses in anyway. His mind is fully functional and if his nose itches he feels it, he just can’t do anything about it.
What he hasn’t given up is his spirit, his love of life and his wish to communicate the future to his young son Oscar. Coming to terms with his dying Neil makes a memoir of his life for those, especially his son, who will be left behind. While it may be somewhat disturbing to see the daily struggles faced by Neil it is also inspirational to see him experience each moment. This is a devastating disease and any education that can be presented to the public is positive. Awareness, how others cope with this diagnosis and possibilities for the future are all a step forward in dealing with this disorder.
Awards
- Best Documentary, RiverRun International Film Festival 2013
- Best Director, British Academy Scotland Awards 2013