All Films start at 2pm at the Society.
February 21: “The Sea Inside”
During the 26 years in the same bed, a quadriplegic with aid from his family, has built a life for himself. He has a window view, his music, his computer and his writing. He has visitors, friends and a family who love him and want to care for him. He is aware of and grateful for all of these gifts but he argues that “a life in this condition has no dignity”. He campaigns for twenty years for his right to die to no avail, and then plans an ingenious way to commit suicide.
Based on a true story. In Spanish with English subtitles. Starring Javier Bardem
March 20: “Whose Life Is It, Anyway?”
When badly injured in a car accident, a determined quadriplegic sculptor on life support, battles his doctor, the hospital, his girlfriend and the Justice System seeking to leave the hospital so as to gain control over his own life. Starring Richard Dreyfuss, John Cassavetes and Christine Lahi
April 17: “Amour”
Manohla Dargis of The New York Times calls this film an “etude on aging, its graces, its indignities”. This film will make you “weep not only because life ends but also life blooms”. Starring Jean-Louis Trintignant and Emmanuelle Riva. In French with subtitles.
May 15: “Million Dollar Baby”
More than the classic story of the underdog makes good (abused, no opportunities but what her determination affords, a 30 year old waitress goes on to win her dream), it is a movie of deep and nuanced emotions about familial love, friendship, gender equality, religion and death. Directed by Clint Eastwood starring Clint Eastwood, Hillary Swank and Morgan Freeman. Four Academy Awards: Best Picture, Director, Actress and Supporting Actor
June 12: How To Die in Oregon”
In 1994 Oregon legalized physician-assisted death for the terminally ill. This intimate documentary follows the life of a woman dying from cancer and her family who avail themselves of the new law and speak of their fears and hopes and out of state residents speak of their disappointments.