Tig

Tonight I screened the documentary Tig.

I remember opening my email in October of 2012 and seeing one from Louis C.K. that started like this:

Greetings to the people and parts of people that are reading this. 
Hi. This is Louis. I'm a comedian and you bought a thing from me. 
Well, I'm writing to tell You that there is a new thing you can buy on 
my website louisck.com. It's an audio standup set by not me but 
another comedian named Tig Notaro. Why am I selling someone else's 
comedy on my website? 

This film answers that question and so many more. 

It begins with a chronicle of the horrible life events that Tig endured leading up to her cancer diagnosis (which is the news that led to the standup set that Louis C.K. mentioned in that email) and progresses almost to present day as she navigates reclaiming her career and building a family.

Sounds depressing, eh?

Don't think that for a minute. This was the most hilarious, life-affirming, just-what-anyone-going-through-anything-should-see documentary that I've ever witnessed. Throughout death and disappointment—and facing more death—Ms. Notaro sees the funny in everything and can't help but deliver it. That's the entire film. Whether she's in front of an audience or chatting with loved ones, she's making herself (and anyone exposed to her) laugh. 

I enjoyed learning how she endured all of the tragedy, and was inspired by her strength throughout. 

Though I did purchase her routine at the time, and knew of her previous struggles, I had no idea what she has faced since then and I was so (relieved and) thrilled to see her walk into our Q & A after the film, healthy and strong in good spirits.

The film is dangerously raw and heartbreaking .... so basically perfect.

~~~

Tig screened at the 41st annual Seattle International Film Festival. It will be released on Netflix July 17.

Om natten (At Night)

Today I saw Om natten, which is an Oscar® nominee in the Live Action Short Film category.

Set in a cancer hospital in Denmark, three young women bond over their "death sentences," their family problems and their hope for recovery (or lack thereof).

I always think one way to measure a good film is if it feels like the characters are still in existence after you leave the theater. With this one, I truly did.

The actresses that portray Stephanie, Sara and Mette deserve nominations of their own for their convincing moments as sick and conflicted women. The fact the film is set over the holidays only compounds the tears you'll shed as you dive into their world head-first, but you'll still be glad you spent time with them when all is said and done. After 39 minutes, I'm bargaining you'll feel grateful for your own blessings more than you did prior to seeing this.

If I could vote, this would easily be my pick to win.