Directed by Simon Chambers, looking after his madcap gay actor uncle, filmmaker Simon is engulfed in a whirl of Shakespeare and clutter, as uncle David lends his credit card to neighbours, greets visitors in the nude and teaches Simon a profound lesson on dying happy.
One key aspect that comes into play with any film about dying is that this is not an easy watch, do not be fooled by David’s stage driven persona, there’s a harrowing journey to follow. Although credit to Simon Chambers for choosing such an unusual and unique entry into his documentary, it takes you off guard and sets the scene for a messy journey filled with big, boisterous personality.
Typically when filmmakers insert themselves so strongly into their own work, it isn’t a recipe for success but Chambers absolutely did the right thing. Giving Much Ado About Dying a dual story, it’s not just about the extensive and complicated toll that dying takes upon a person but the strain and exhaustion that it also puts upon those caring for them. Portraying that while you can have all the love and compassion in the world for a family member, it’s not going to make caring for them an easy task.
That’s where some may be divided because Chambers pulls no punches when it comes to showing the reality of caring for his uncle. It is brutally honest and involves far less clothing than you’ll likely be expecting, which can be extremely uncomfortable to watch at times. It makes things exceptionally intimate and yet there is a more raw, even logical perspective to the way Chambers presents the experience. Looking at the family connection and his uncle’s life, as well as the practical side of caring for him.
Much Ado About Dying is an intensely truthful portrayal of aging and death. It can be genuinely difficult to watch at many points all throughout but you have to respect Simon Chambers’ commitment to never shying away from the messy, trying and repetitive experience of caring for someone in their final days. As well as the heartrending struggle for those going through it to maintain their independence and control, even when it puts them in harm’s way.
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