1. Terry Pratchett: Choosing To Die (Charlie Russell, 2011)
Many of you will be familiar with Mr. Pratchett's work as a novelist, but you may not be aware that he has been diagnosed with early on-set of Alzheimer's disease. On diagnosis, he suffered bouts of depression that led to his bleak outlook for the future, knowing all-too well that his mental state would deteriorate, along with his talent for writing. This led to his sudden interest in euthanasia, which is currently illegal in the UK, where he lives. Spending time and talking with individuals living with conditions that will severely limit their quality of life, much of the film concentrates on a man suffering Motor Neurone Disease. We soon learn that he is petrified of becoming a pain to his wife, and has made the decision to travel to Swiss clinic, Dignitas, to pursue assisted suicide. Finding the situation harrowing, yet important, Mr. Pratchett follows the man to the end of his life, as do we. Provoking, yet delicate; voyeuristic, yet necessary, the film challenges the audience with a moral dilemma: should we allow assisted suicide and if so, who qualifies and who doesn't? And who on earth makes the decision case-by-case? A doctor? A politician? Could you? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8wkeNDAGyM Have you seen any of the documentaries on this list? Share your thoughts, and suggest other important films in the comments thread below.
KJ Lewis is 35 years old, was able to rear three small children into three slightly bigger children and has a relatively untested and unfounded passion for writing.
You can find him at Twitter: @onefistintheair or Facebook: KJ Lewis
