Kirsten Johnson stages multiple imaginative scenarios of her father’s death, including violent accidents like falling down stairs and being struck in the neck.
Synopsis
Kirsten Johnson stages multiple imaginative scenarios of her father’s death, including violent accidents like falling down stairs and being struck in the neck.
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Synopsis
Kirsten Johnson invites her father, Dr. Richard "Dick" Johnson, into a series of imaginative scenarios that confront his mortality. The 86-year-old psychiatrist, who suffers from dementia, participates in staged "accidents" and funeral scenes, often infused with dark humor. Their collaboration reflects a unique bond as they navigate the realities of aging and death. Premiering at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, the film won the Special Jury Award for Innovation in Non-fiction Storytelling and was released on Netflix on October 2, 2020.
What Critics Say
The GuardianFilm-maker Kirsten Johnson imagines the violent demise of her psychiatrist father from a series of macabre mishaps.
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Why Watch
- See Dick Johnson act out his own funeral.
- Meet Kirsten Johnson's imaginative take on death.
- Find out how humor confronts mortality.
Did You Know
- The film won the Special Jury Award at Sundance on January 25, 2020.
- It holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 90 reviews.
- Kirsten Johnson pitched the film idea to her father, leading to his laughter.
- The film was released on Netflix on October 2, 2020.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed Dick Johnson Is Dead?
Kirsten Johnson directed Dick Johnson Is Dead.
What award did Dick Johnson Is Dead win at the Sundance Film Festival?
The film won the Special Jury Award for Innovation in Non-fiction Storytelling at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.
When was Dick Johnson Is Dead released on Netflix?
Dick Johnson Is Dead was released on Netflix on October 2, 2020.
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