Be Here Now (Lilibet Foster, 2015): USA, Australia

Reviewed by Patrik Hans Joensson, Santa Barbara, 2016. Antioch University.

Be here now is a documentary about Andy Whitfield’s struggle against cancer. Andy Whitfield was the main lead of the world popular series “Spartacus”. The journey began one day on set when Andy noticed some pain in his body, he did not think about it that much but when it kept on hurting. Andy finally took his time to go to the doctors where he found out that he had cancer.

What I noticed in this documentary is that the often want to give us close-ups on Andy’s family so that we will feel more close to them. We also see his wife, Vashti cry and show vulnerability  meanwhile we rarely see Andy showing that much emotions. I think this is because we understand how loved and how strong he is. They started the documentary with showing what a happy life they lived, with kids playing and how they all laughed.

The mise-en-scene was noticed more in camera angels and music more than in color. The close-ups and sad songs.

We had the opportunity to meet and talk to Lilibet Foster about her documentary. She talked about how the whole film was supported by Kickstarter, a donation website to make projects like this happened. Lilibet also talked to us about the bound all her crew members got with Andy and his family and how it was such a tough journey for them all. Lilibet answered my question on how long the crew where with the family to film everything. She said that it was 18-19 month of filming to get these 100 minutes of documentary. Foster told us how hard it was for Andy and his family, how they got tips on different doctors from everywhere and how they did not know what path to take. She explained how they one day just decided to not listen to what others had to say because it just confused them and go on their own path.

I would recommend for all people to see this touching story and not just the fans of Spartacus. This documentary is for people who is willing to show emotions, because you surely will do while watching it.

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Published:
02.22.16 / 10pm
Category:
Documentary, Films, Santa Barbara Film Festival 2016