Coping with death is probably the most difficult experience that people have to go through. I know as I get older I get more and curious about the subject, buy am less apt to talk about it for fear of becoming morose. I am not afraid of death per se, but am more so just so much in love with the thought of life and what I might miss after I’m gone. Thoughts ranging from whether or not I’ll live to see my new baby daughter graduate high school, to the less important issues of wondering what the cinema will be like in 3004 pervade my mind. I’m even finding myself trying to imagine and understand the possible finality of death. I believe somewhat in an afterlife, but what if I’m wrong? I looked forward to watching the documentary “Death: A Love Story” with both a sense of curiosity and dread. The film focuses on the passing of actor/director/producer Mel Howard (Hester Street) from terminal liver cancer as seen through the eyes of his wife, Michelle Le Brun.

They had been married a scant three years when they received the news of his illness, and as they were already in the habit of filming their lives, decided to capture this final journey together on camera. One item that I did catch me a bit off guard was that he passed away in 1996 on my birthday (July 12).

Le Brun edited the footage together to make this documentary as a sort of love letter to her husband. For the most part it is a pretty straightforward story, but occasionally she gets a little artsy, utilizing a lot of spiritual imagery, pastel colors and music. It gave the documentary a kind of New Age feel to it, but for the most part this does not take away from the impact or the poignancy of their experience.

The DVD release of the film by Docurama delves a little deeper into the subject by including a ten minute interview with Le Brun that was done in 2001 for a program called Indie Select. Then there are about 30 minutes worth of deleted scenes, which were mostly pulled from the couple’s wedding and Howard’s funeral. If you like, you can just listen to the film’s soundtrack, or browse through a small photo gallery. Docurama also saw fit to add a resource guide with contact information for the Compassion in Dying Federation, as well as several other foundations and groups, which I found to be a thoughtful addition.

There is a unique balance to “Death: A Love Story” as it rides the fine line between heartbreaking sorrow and uplifting optimism. It’s refreshing to see someone able to face the inevitable, and certainly even more so to see a couple facing it together. This is a film that will spark many thoughts within the viewer, and most certainly conversation between couples who see it together. I plan to watch it again with my wife, and perhaps discuss a little with her what we might do if we are ever faced with this type of event. There’s no need to dwell on it, but it never hurts to plan.

I love my family very much, and if I ever have to deal with a situation like this, whether it is from Howard’s side or Le Brun’s. I can only hope I face it with the same grace and dignity that they did.

Directed by: Michelle Le Brun
Starring: Mel Howard, Michelle Le Brun
Extras: Filmmaker Interview, Deleted Scenes, Soundtrack, Cast and Crew Bios, Photo Gallery
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: Docurama
Release Date: 2/24/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Death: A Love Story a B.