Dick Johnson Is Dead

About Dick Johnson Is Dead

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About Dick Johnson Is Dead

Dick Johnson Is Dead is a biographical documentary film that was released in 2020. Directed by Kirsten Johnson, the film tells the unique and poignant story of Johnson's father, Dick, who has been diagnosed with dementia. As a way to cope with the inevitable loss and to celebrate her father's life, Johnson stages playful and elaborate death scenes throughout the movie.

The film is a meditative exploration of aging, mortality, love, and the complex emotions that come with them. With a blend of humor and sadness, Johnson tackles these universal themes with intimacy and vulnerability. The documentary offers a personal and honest portrayal of familial love and the impact of dementia on a family.

Through the film, the audience is invited to share in the process of grieving and celebrating a beloved family member. It reflects on the beauty of life and the inevitability of death, creating a touching and memorable experience.

Making / Production

The idea for Dick Johnson Is Dead was born out of Kirsten Johnson's love for her father and her desire to capture his essence before he disappeared completely due to his dementia. The film was shot over several years and documents not only the staging of various death scenarios but also the everyday moments shared between Johnson and her father.

The film was shot on a mix of digital and film formats, creating a visually stunning and textured experience. The production team worked closely with Johnson to capture the intimate moments and create a sense of authenticity throughout the documentary.

Throughout the making of the film, Johnson and her team faced challenges in managing the emotions that came with documenting her father's decline. However, they persisted and created a loving and tender tribute to her father's life.

Actors

• Dick Johnson - Played by himself, Dick Johnson portrays his own life and experiences, bringing authenticity and vulnerability to the film.
• Kirsten Johnson - The director of the film, Kirsten Johnson is also a major character in the documentary. She shares her personal journey with her father and brings her own perspective and emotions to the narrative.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Kirsten Johnson, the director, is known for her work as a cinematographer on acclaimed documentaries such as "Cameraperson" and "Citizenfour".
• The film was premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and received critical acclaim for its unique approach to storytelling.
• Dick Johnson Is Dead won the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Innovation in Nonfiction Storytelling at the Sundance Film Festival.
• The documentary features a mix of real and fictional death scenarios, which add to the emotional impact and the exploration of mortality.

Awards

Dick Johnson Is Dead won the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Innovation in Nonfiction Storytelling at the Sundance Film Festival.

Quotes

• "I wanted to celebrate my father while he was still alive." - Kirsten Johnson
• "Life is precious, and it's worth celebrating even in the face of death." - Dick Johnson

Music

The film features an original score composed by Nils Frahm. The music beautifully complements the emotional journey of the documentary, enhancing the poignant moments and adding depth to the storytelling.

Soundtrack

• "All Melody" by Nils Frahm
• "Human Range" by Nils Frahm
• "The Whole Universe Wants to Be Touched" by Nils Frahm
• "Familiar" by Nils Frahm