Assisted Suicide in Belgium

A Williams student, Ananya Mayukha, alerted us to an Economist video, 24 and Ready to Die, that focuses on Assisted Suicide Belgique. At 22 minutes, it is well-worth watching.

24 yo subject of Economist film

 This is a moving film that raises n=many questions and does not try to provide facile answers.

The Farewell Party

This is an Israeli film about assisted suicide and euthanasia.

See posting on KOHD Blog.

Dormant Beauty (2014)

Bella Adormantata (Ialian with English subtitles)

In 2009 the young Eluana Englaro because of an incident remains in a coma. The girl is deemed incurable and therefore the parents opt to commit an act of euthanasia for their daughter; but in Italy it isn't a legal to do this particular process, for which the Church and politics are hurled ruthlessly against the parents of Eluana. In the mean time some episodes occur among acquaintances of the girl, a young woman decides to kill herself wanting to ingest a massive dose of heroin, but she is persuaded to stop by a nurse; while a member of the political government of Berlusconi refuses to align himself with the party and plans to vote against a bill that will make euthanasia illegal.

NY Times Review June 6, 2014

You Don't Know Jack (2010)

This is an amazing movie, a great introduction to the area. Here's what Netflix says: "Al Pacino stars in this Emmy-winning biopic that focuses on the life of Dr. Jack Kevorkian, the controversial physician who boldly advocated the legalization of euthanasia and personally helped more than 100 terminally ill patients commit suicide. Directed by Hollywood veteran Barry Levinson, the made-for-cable drama also stars Susan Sarandon as vocal activist Janet Good and John Goodman as Kevorkian's trusted friend and supporter Neal Nicol.

The HBO biopic is based on the book “Between the Dying and the Dead: Dr. Jack Kevorkian's Life and the Battle to Legalize Euthanasia,” by Neal Nicol and Harry Wylie.

Whose Life is the Anyway (1981)

From NetFlix: "Sculptor Ken Harrison (Richard Dreyfuss) is paralyzed in a car accident and left unable to do anything but speak. Now, he just wants to die, but no one will allow it, including his doctor (Christine Lahti) and the hospital's chief of staff (John Cassavetes). Harrison's fight for the right to control his destiny takes him all the way to court. Bob Balaban and Kaki Hunter co-star in this moving adaptation of Brian Clark's play."  2008, 118 minutes

DJE:  This was recommended by Dr. Larry Zaroff.  It's a powerful and important film that discusses suicide, euthanasia, quality of life, patient-centered care, patients and physicians.  It was a bit before its time and I'd never heard about it.  Very un-Hollywood.  Richard Dreyfus was masterful.  This film takes the issues head on with little sentimentality and no pandering to the public.  Great for anyone in the "healing" professions.

At the End of the Day (1998)

The Sue Rodriguez Story
Wendy Crewson won the Canadian Gemini award for her towering performance as the title character in this made-for-TV biopic. Terminally ill with cancer, Sue Rodriguez wants to exercise the option of ending her own life, primarily to spare her family the trouble and expense of caring for her in her final months. The story explores the effects of Sue's decision on her loved ones, particularly her grief-stricken son who is determined to talk her out of suicide. Throughout, details of Sue's pre-illness existence are filled in via the time-honored "interior monologue" technique. Based on a true story, previously chronicled in the documentary Who Owns My Life?, At the End of the Day: The Sue Rodriguez Story aired in Canada in 1998, then was unveiled October 19, 1999 on the American Lifetime cable network. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

DJE:  This was well-received and a huge legal case in B.C. and Canada.  The biopic may prove difficult to find.

You Don't Know Jack (2010)

This HBO docu-drama about the career of Jack Kevorkian, the physician who became notorious for assisting over 130 suicides, argues that even though many know of him, they don’t really understand him.

It was aired in April 24, 2010 (You Don't Know Jack) and should be out on DVD in a few months.  The NY Times gave it a very positive review.

DJE: I will add more after I've seen YDKJ.

I've Loved You So Long (2008)

Il y a longtemps que je t'aime French with English subtitles

From Netflix: "After more than a decade apart, estranged sisters Juliette (Kristin Scott Thomas) and Lea (Elsa Zylberstein) try to rebuild their fractured relationship. But the task is hardly easy, considering Juliette's past. She's been in jail for 15 years -- for killing someone. As she settles into small-town life with Lea's family, the locals can't help but talk. Philippe Claudel's feature film debut garnered him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Language Film." 2008 1 hr 57 minutes.
NY Times Review . Trailer

DJE: This is a powerfully movie with many important themes. Grief, imprisonment, murder. Beautifully acted, beautifully filmed. Haunting. Perhaps the ending is a bit banal; but then, too, so is real life.