About First Cousin Once Removed

"First Cousin Once Removed" is an acclaimed 2013 documentary about Edwin Honig, the prominent poet, translator, and critic. The film intimately explores Honig's journey with Alzheimer's disease. The impactful documentary is directed by his first cousin once removed, Alan Berliner.

The film outlines Edwin's function and decline due to Alzheimer's, as well as his attempt to understand the essence of the human mind. The documentary serves as an observational portrayal of memory and identity, loss and decay, and the beauty that can still be found in the daunting face of fear and confusion.

Making/Production

Directed and produced by Alan Berliner, this documentary film took five years to complete. Berliner's approach to this film was deeply personal and reflective of his relationship with Honig. His commitment to maintaining realism and respect for his cousin's condition is evident in the film's heart-touching sequences.

Actors

• Alan Berliner: As the director, cameraman, and cousin of Edwin Honig, Berliner plays a vital, multifaceted role in the documentary.
• Edwin Honig: Being the subject of the film, Honig played his own role. He portrayed an authentic and rare view into his battle with Alzheimer's across the years.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• The use of home video footage and audio recordings provide an intimate look into Edwin's life and career.
• Director Alan Berliner was once described as "America's foremost cinematic essayist" by the Boston Globe.
• This documentary was showcased in medical, educational, and cinematic events and institutions across the globe.

Awards

The movie won the award for Best Documentary Film at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam in 2012. It was also nominated for two News & Documentary Emmy Awards in 2014.

Quotes

• "Memories fade, memories disappear, and in the end, there's only darkness." – Edwin Honig
• "Even if I can't remember, I am still me." – Edwin Honig

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's music was composed by Miranda Hentoff. The soundtrack largely consists of minimalist compositions, setting the appropriate ambiance for the film's theme.