(***)

“The greatest mistake I ever made?” “Not getting a colonoscopy when I turned 50!”

A sense of regret haunts André Ricciardi as he wrestles with terminal cancer. He’s constantly rehashing the forks in the road and paths he didn’t take. As his “What ifs” amass, they make his cautionary tale more and more compelling. Add in the odd juxtaposition of his incessant off-the-wall-humor with his impending death and this doc becomes an attention grabber that doesn’t quit. 

Tony Benna’s eclectic past serves him well as a new documentary filmmaker. His background in film, advertising, post-production and broadcast has prepared him for this moment. Stop-motion animation techniques and a gift for untraditional storytelling make him André’s perfect biographer. He’s the griot who’s letting this humorous man leave behind a handbook on death and dying that makes the inevitable less scary and central character seem prescient.  

André smoked, drank and did a lot of drugs in his day. But turning down an opportunity to have a colonoscopy is his biggest regret. He vividly remembers hemorrhaging from his anus. A scary diagnosis. Tests. Treatments. Then being trapped. No matter how many jokes he tells, how irreverent or rebellious he may be, a dark cloud hovers over him. It’s the grim reaper.

Still, André is upbeat and out to entertain. Like some spirit is protecting him for as long as it can. It’s an aura cinematographer Ethan Indorf captures like a glow. A feeling that stop-motion animator Trent Shy turns into charming images. A whimsy Dan Deacon’s musical score accentuates with grace.  

All the accoutrements, from the catchy technique, potpourri styling and charming mix of mediums, are a strong testament to Benna’s great talent. Skills as a filmmaker, music video director, animator and documentarian are mixed together well. He isn’t afraid to change things up, which mirrors the energy Ricciardi gives in every frame. Eighty-eight minutes roll by almost too quickly. Never a letdown or let up. That’s a great achievement for a first-time, documentary director. 

The footage graciously shares the loving and supportive work of those around André as his health declines. The loving woman who jokingly admits she married him for a green card and then became his devoted wife. Interactions with friends, work colleagues and daughters are equally endearing. They’re all swirling around a man who smiles while death waits on the other side of the door.  

So deep. So thoughtful. The film, its director and lead character are leaving a message for all those headed in the same direction. A step-by-step, DIY guide on what to do as providence takes that last breath out of you. André: “You want to inspire the people around you and have the people on the other side be excited to meet you.” Duly noted. 

Prepare to have your emotions tickled and heart broken by this fascinating take on death and dying.  

Photos courtesy of the Sundance Film Institute. 
For more information about the Sundance Film Festival go to: https://festival.sundance.org
Visit Film Critic Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk.com.