Dick Johnson is Dead

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⭐ 9.5/10

(Originally written by Jess Dyck)

I really loved this movie. It’s a documentary about the filmmaker processing her Father getting older and nearing the end of his life. To help them tackle death on their own terms, she stages and films his death in a variety of strange (some might say comical) ways. The reality is, that as they began filming these deaths, her Father began to present with dementia and memory loss, and we get to watch as the filmmaker loses what her Father once was.


It’s quite the emotional ride, especially as someone who has spent time working closely with seniors with dementia in a variety of settings. I started crying 5 minutes in and am not sure I stopped.


It’s beautiful. I felt so attached to the sweet and adorable Dick Johnson, and it was a great reminder of the way parents just want time with their kids. Love is evident and beautifully displayed here.


I’ve also always been weirdly into the idea of a funeral where the person is still alive to hear the words and ways they’ve impacted the lives around them. This movie plays that out beautifully in a very emotional way.


I highly recommend this movie.

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