151. Much Ado About Dying; movie review

 

MUCH ADO ABOUT DYING

Cert 15

84 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong language

This was the most challenging watch ever since I began the Everyfilm quest in 2011.

My dad died in a nursing home last month after spending his final two weeks there. He was in his 80s and was the subject of this documentary, David Gale.

He also kept ill health for his last years and was regularly in and out of hospital, as was David.

Thus, because his passing is still very raw, watching David's final journey brought back the most difficult moments.

Much Ado About Dying is a documentary by filmmaker Simon Chambers, who inadvertently became his Uncle David's carer.

He explains how he was living in India when his uncle began making desperate daily calls.

When he arrived in England he found the veteran actor in chaotic conditions in his London apartment.

It is clear that David was an eccentric, even in good health, and that trying to help him is akin to herding cats.

But the film takes a turn when it seems as if a 'friend' and neighbours might be exploiting his vulnerability.

This prompts Simon to take action, for which David isn't always appreciative - indeed, he often resists.

Aside from the recent memories of my dad's passing, issues with social services during Chambers' movie bear striking similarities to those experienced by another close friend.

He is 88 and was discharged from hospital into his cold, empty home at 11pm, just a week after a near-death fall. 

Days later, clearly incapable of looking after himself, he fell again and broke his hip. 

The care system's failings are all too apparent during Much Ado About Dying.

It alights upon critical issues that let down those most in need.

But it was a damned hard watch towards its end.

Reasons to watch: Personal and poignant

Reasons to avoid: Deeply upsetting

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 7/10

Did you know?  In England, there were 126,488 deaths of care home residents registered in 2022, a decrease of 0.5% compared with 2021 and a decrease of 3.1% compared with the five-year average between 2016 and 2021, excluding 2020 (Covid pandemic)

The final word. Simon Chambers: "At first I was a very reluctant carer, I just wanted to get to David’s house, give him his shopping, cut his toenails and then shoot off to work. It was Uncle David who insisted that I bring my camera. I quickly realised that having been an actor, he was never happier than when he felt like he was performing in some way. Actors seem to come alive when they are performing. And so I ended up with all this footage." movies.ie

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