I just found a summary review of the movie in the NY Times: http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/453071/
Dying-to-Live-The-Journey-Into-a-Man-s-Open-Heart/overview
I don’t remember being mentioned in the NY Times since I my first starring role in a film, “Moving Violations” for Paramount in 1983 and again when I appeared on stage in John Shaner’s play “After Crystal Night” in NYC later in the 80’s. The thing about any kind of review is; “If you believe the good one’s, you have to believe the bad one’s” In this case I’m drawn to the comment in the Times about “how the demands of maturity can make themselves known at nearly any age.” The hits keep on coming and I’m doing the best I can. Last night I got a phone call from my friend Peggy. She must be in her mid 80’s. Very frail and tiny. Valerie used to call her Twee. She was like an auntie to Valerie. She asked if I would take her over to the Emergency Room at Cedar Sinai here in Los Angeles. She was experiencing vertigo, shortness of breath and a fever. I said I’d be there in 5 minutes and was, but I must admit that I was very uncomfortable being back in the hospital called on yet again to hold someone’s hand. Maturity for me is not, as I might have hoped, a passage in life that ultimately occurs at a certain point in time and than exists. It needs to be worked on at the most unexpected times. I realize most people understand this, but for me it’s always a new realization. Here I am thinking that I’ve grown-up in living thru all of my experience with mortality, care-giving and death. Than the making of this film relating my personal truths and the gratification of bringing it to an audience that could use it to address difficult issues in their own lives. Now I was asked to be there again for a friend and I resented it. I was uncomfortable. Not wanting to change my routine and forgo my needs.
I’ve been speaking after many screenings of Dying to Live discussing end of life issues. A common thread for me is stating that we give so much attention to life when it’s brought into the world and the same care should be given when a life is beginning to leave the world. Last night I consciously had to work on my patience. It’s still tough being an "adult."
I’m getting ready to leave for the Jacksonville Film Festival on Saturday. We screen there on May 19. It will be great to get an audience reaction to the movie in an entirely different region of the country and discuss these issues.
Showing posts with label screening. Show all posts
Showing posts with label screening. Show all posts
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Thoughts beginning to come forth...
Last week I was asked to participate on a panel seeking to set out a bi-partisan platform on healthcare reform for whoever the eventual candidates are for the presidency. It was sponsored by the Creative Coalition and The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. The panel was moderated by former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona (2002-2006) and included several healthcare experts who focused on the fact that chronic disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. and accounts for the vast majority of healthcare spending. I was there to put a personal face on chronic illness.
It was the first time that I’d told the story of Dying to Live - the journey into a man’s open heart to such a large audience. It was also an audience of theatre, film and TV people including a number of celebrities. The response was strong and I’m beginning to realize that many of the thoughts I’ve had about the resonance of the issues of the film are beginning to come forth. I’m not that different than any of the folks in that audience or many others regarding the medical and personal challenges I’ve encountered. I just happened to have a camera turned on while the events of my life played out. But in one regard I am different than a number of other audiences that may see the film. I had the resources to confront many of the challenges with insurance and I had the time and means to provide caregiving to my loved ones when it was most needed. This theme is becoming consistent in all the conversations I am having after screening and discussing the film.
I’m beginning to get into the loop of people who want to make changes in society in a variety of ways. Some of it gets a bit heady to be in the company of people whose work I’ve appreciated for along time. The case in point was an invitation to attend the AARP Magazine “Movies for Grownups” awards. As you know AARP caters to the above 50 demographic in the US and has an active involvement in supporting quality entertainment for this part of the population. I found interest in the film that evening and am hoping that AARP may review the film or do an article on it as the film is really for baby Boomers and Seniors who are one of the most underserved audiences. I’ve been surprised with how seniors respond to screenings of the film, relating so strongly with my mom & aunt going on to tell me “ we have kids your age that we didn’t realize were facing such challenges in their lives”.
Two reviews of the film came out recently. Since I started my career as an actor 35 years ago there was always the apprehension and excitement surrounding the reviews of the work. A lot has been written about critics and the perspectives on things. You know if you believe the good ones you should be believe the bad ones too. I’m glad the film is having the opportunity to find its audience.
Here’s where you can read the reviews:
http://growthhouse.typepad.com/les_morgan/
http://menscenterlosangeles.blogspot.com/2008/02/review-and-invitation-to-dying-to-live.html
Last week I was asked to participate on a panel seeking to set out a bi-partisan platform on healthcare reform for whoever the eventual candidates are for the presidency. It was sponsored by the Creative Coalition and The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. The panel was moderated by former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona (2002-2006) and included several healthcare experts who focused on the fact that chronic disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. and accounts for the vast majority of healthcare spending. I was there to put a personal face on chronic illness.
It was the first time that I’d told the story of Dying to Live - the journey into a man’s open heart to such a large audience. It was also an audience of theatre, film and TV people including a number of celebrities. The response was strong and I’m beginning to realize that many of the thoughts I’ve had about the resonance of the issues of the film are beginning to come forth. I’m not that different than any of the folks in that audience or many others regarding the medical and personal challenges I’ve encountered. I just happened to have a camera turned on while the events of my life played out. But in one regard I am different than a number of other audiences that may see the film. I had the resources to confront many of the challenges with insurance and I had the time and means to provide caregiving to my loved ones when it was most needed. This theme is becoming consistent in all the conversations I am having after screening and discussing the film.
I’m beginning to get into the loop of people who want to make changes in society in a variety of ways. Some of it gets a bit heady to be in the company of people whose work I’ve appreciated for along time. The case in point was an invitation to attend the AARP Magazine “Movies for Grownups” awards. As you know AARP caters to the above 50 demographic in the US and has an active involvement in supporting quality entertainment for this part of the population. I found interest in the film that evening and am hoping that AARP may review the film or do an article on it as the film is really for baby Boomers and Seniors who are one of the most underserved audiences. I’ve been surprised with how seniors respond to screenings of the film, relating so strongly with my mom & aunt going on to tell me “ we have kids your age that we didn’t realize were facing such challenges in their lives”.
Two reviews of the film came out recently. Since I started my career as an actor 35 years ago there was always the apprehension and excitement surrounding the reviews of the work. A lot has been written about critics and the perspectives on things. You know if you believe the good ones you should be believe the bad ones too. I’m glad the film is having the opportunity to find its audience.
Here’s where you can read the reviews:
http://growthhouse.typepad.com/les_morgan/
http://menscenterlosangeles.blogspot.com/2008/02/review-and-invitation-to-dying-to-live.html
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