🪶 Story & Synopsis
In the heartwarming and thought-provoking documentary “Dick Johnson Is Dead,” directed by Kirsten Johnson and released in 2020 on Netflix, viewers are taken on an emotional journey as filmmaker Kirsten Johnson grapples with the impending loss of her father, Dick Johnson, who is battling dementia. The film beautifully captures their relationship as Kirsten stages her father’s death in various inventive and comical ways to help them both confront the reality of mortality with humor and grace.
The audience is introduced to the lovable Dick Johnson, a charismatic and endearing figure with a childlike smile and twinkling eyes that immediately capture the viewers’ hearts. As the film progresses, Kirsten explores the complex emotions surrounding her father’s decline and the inevitable loss that lies ahead. Through a series of staged “deaths” involving accidents and mishaps, Kirsten and Dick confront the concept of mortality in a unique and touching manner.
With a blend of bittersweet humor and profound insight, “Dick Johnson Is Dead” delves deep into the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The film not only celebrates the life of Dick Johnson but also serves as a poignant exploration of the universal experience of losing a loved one. Kirsten Johnson’s masterful direction and intimate storytelling create a moving and unforgettable cinematic experience that resonates with audiences long after the credits roll.
Through the lens of a daughter’s love and a father’s enduring spirit, “Dick Johnson Is Dead” offers a powerful and deeply resonant perspective on the fragility of life and the beauty of shared moments. It is a tribute to the bond between parent and child, a reflection on the inevitability of death, and a testament to the enduring power of love and memory.
🧑 Cast & Crew
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Kirsten Johnson | Herself |
| Charles Richard “Dick” Johnson | Dick Johnson |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Are you ready to face the inevitable? Buckle up for a rollercoaster of emotions with “Dick Johnson Is Dead.” This documentary dives deep into the complexities of life, death, and everything in between. It’s like a dark comedy sketch brought to life, but with a heartfelt twist that will leave you pondering long after the credits roll.
Imagine a retired psychiatrist named Richard Johnson who decides to play dead for the camera, but without a single punny joke in sight. Freud would be baffled! Directed by Kirsten Johnson, this film is not your typical tear-jerker or laugh-out-loud comedy. It’s a unique blend of pain and humor that navigates the delicate balance between acceptance and denial.
- Plot and Themes: The storyline follows Dick Johnson as he partakes in staged deaths, confronting mortality head-on. The film delves into themes of family, grief, and the surreal nature of existence. It’s a poignant exploration of how we cope with loss and the inevitability of death.
- Acting and Characters: Dick Johnson’s portrayal of himself is raw and authentic. His interactions with Kirsten add layers of emotion to the narrative. Their on-screen chemistry captures the essence of their relationship, making it both heartwarming and gut-wrenching.
- Direction and Cinematography: Kirsten Johnson’s direction is masterful, blending reality with fiction seamlessly. The cinematography captures intimate moments with stunning visuals that enhance the emotional impact of each scene.
This film is not just about death; it’s about celebrating life in all its messy glory. Through Dick’s willingness to play along with his daughter’s unconventional idea, we glimpse moments of joy amidst the darkness.
Binge-watching Tips: Have tissues handy for the emotional moments, but also be prepared for unexpected bursts of laughter. This film will take you on a rollercoaster ride of feelings, so buckle up!
If you’re a fan of thought-provoking documentaries like “Dear Zachary” or “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” then “Dick Johnson Is Dead” should definitely be on your watchlist. It challenges conventional storytelling methods while offering a unique perspective on life’s ultimate mystery.
In conclusion, “Dick Johnson Is Dead” is a cinematic gem that dares to explore the uncharted territories of grief and laughter. It reminds us that even in death, there can be moments of lightness and joy. So grab some popcorn, brace yourself for an emotional journey, and don’t forget to give this poignant masterpiece a solid 9/10 rating!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Profound exploration of death | May be daunting for viewers |
| Painful yet funny portrayal of father-daughter relationship | Graphic depiction of deaths |
| Unique and creative concept | Not suitable for those sensitive to death-related topics |
| Heartfelt tribute to a father | May not appeal to all audiences |
| Emotionally moving storytelling | Could be considered morbid by some |
Feedback
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Dick Johnson Is Dead - Wikipedia
Dick Johnson Is Deadis a 2020 American documentary film directed by Kirsten Johnson and co-written by Johnson and Nels Bangerter. The story focuses on Johnson’s father Richard, who suffers from dementia, portraying different ways—some of them violent “accidents”—in which he could ultimately die. In each scenario, the elderly Johnson plays along with his daughter’s black humor and imaginative fantasies. The film premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Special Jury Award for Innovation in Non-fiction Storytelling. It was released on Netflix on October 2, 2020.
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Dick Johnson Is Dead movie review (2020) | Roger Ebert
Now streaming on:Dick Johnson dies in “Dick Johnson is Dead.” He dies over and over and over again, courtesy of his filmmaker daughter, Kirsten Johnson, who made this documentary to come to terms with his eventual death, her own, and everyone’s.
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Dick Johnson Is Dead (2020) - IMDb
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- Jeremy_Urquhart
- Oct 4, 2020
- How long is Dick Johnson Is Dead?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- Dick Johnson Đã Chết
- Filming locations
- Seattle, Washington, USA(workplace)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 29 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.78 : 1
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Watch Dick Johnson Is Dead | Netflix Official Site
UNLIMITED TV SHOWS & MOVIESSign InPlans start at just $6.99As her father nears the end of his life, filmmaker Kirsten Johnson stages his death in inventive and comical ways to help them both face the inevitable.Plans start at just $6.99Winner of the 2021 Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program.Watch offlineDownload and watch everywhere you go.This movie is…Witty, IntimateAudioGerman, English – Audio Description, English [Original], Spanish (Latin America), French, ItalianSubtitlesEnglish, Spanish (Latin America), French, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese
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Dick Johnson Is Dead | Rotten Tomatoes
Dick Johnson Is Deadcelebrates a life with bittersweet humor and grace, offering a deeply resonant perspective on mortality in the bargain.
Dick Johnson Is DeadWhere to WatchDick Johnson Is Dead
Watch Dick Johnson Is Dead with a subscription on Netflix.
What to KnowCritics ReviewsAudience ReviewsMy RatingCast & Crew
Kirsten JohnsonDirectorDick JohnsonSelfNels BangerterScreenwriterKaty ChevignyProducerMarilyn NessProducerMegan EllisonExecutive Producer
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the Netflix documentary “Dick Johnson Is Dead,” director Kirsten Johnson takes viewers on a poignant and emotional journey through the life and impending mortality of her father, Dick Johnson. The film cleverly plays with the concept of death and reality, showcasing Dick facing various fatal accidents only to reveal that they are staged. This unique approach gives the audience a glimpse into the filmmaking process while exploring deeper themes of love, loss, and acceptance.
The climax of the film is a powerful and touching moment where Kirsten stages a funeral for her father, symbolizing a closure and acceptance of his eventual passing. However, in a surprising twist, the real Dick Johnson attends his own staged funeral, challenging our perceptions of life and death. The filmmaker’s poignant narration, “All I can say is, Dick Johnson is dead. And all I want to say is, long live Dick Johnson,” encapsulates the film’s message of celebrating life amidst the inevitability of death.
The decision to forgo filming Dick’s actual death, as initially planned, speaks volumes about Kirsten’s evolving relationship with her father and the impact of his advancing dementia. The film becomes a tribute to Dick’s resilience and spirit, capturing his essence even as his memory fades. The authenticity of their collaboration shines through, making the documentary a heartfelt and intimate portrayal of their bond.
Despite the challenges of Dick’s dementia and the changing world, the film’s completion marks a significant milestone in their shared journey. Dick’s reaction to the film, with his multiple viewings and varied responses due to his condition, adds a poignant layer to the narrative. It showcases the film’s ability to evoke emotions and memories, breathing life into moments that might otherwise be lost to time.
In the end, “Dick Johnson Is Dead” is not just a documentary about mortality; it’s a celebration of life, love, and the enduring bond between a father and daughter. Through Kirsten’s lens, we witness the beauty and complexity of human relationships, reminding us to cherish every moment we have with our loved ones. Long live Dick Johnson indeed.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
PG-13
Age Rating: 13+
Parental Guide:
Sex & Nudity:
The movie “Dick Johnson Is Dead” does not contain any explicit sexual content or nudity. It focuses on the relationship between a daughter and her father as they navigate the challenges of his advancing age and eventual passing.
Violence & Gore:
While the film does not feature graphic violence or gore, it does include staged scenarios where the father’s death is portrayed in various ways. These scenes are meant to be thought-provoking and emotional rather than gory or disturbing.
Profanity:
The movie has minimal profanity, with only occasional mild language used in emotional moments. The overall tone of the film is heartfelt and reflective.
Other Content:
“Dick Johnson Is Dead” addresses themes of aging, dementia, loss, and the complexities of family relationships. It may evoke strong emotions in viewers due to its poignant subject matter.
Parents should consider watching the film first to determine if it is suitable for their children based on their maturity level and ability to process themes of mortality and family dynamics.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Watch Dick Johnson Is Dead on Netflix Official Site. The movie is available for streaming on Netflix with a 13+ maturity rating and a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
Dick Johnson dies in "Dick Johnson is Dead." He dies over and over and over again, courtesy of his filmmaker daughter, Kirsten Johnson, who made this documentary to come to terms with his eventual death, her own, and everyone's.
The deaths of Dick Johnson—or "deaths"—are staged for maximum mayhem, sadness, or surreality.
Dick Johnson dies many times in his daughter Kirsten's poignant and personal documentary, starting with the opening credits. And yet he's very much alive the whole time, playacting in an elaborate form of cinematic therapy with his filmmaker offspring as she wrestles with the anxiety of losing him.
Dick Johnson dies over and over again until you really die? And he laughed
Dick Johnson dies in "Dick Johnson is Dead." He dies over and over and over again, courtesy of his filmmaker daughter, Kirsten Johnson, who made this documentary to come to terms with his eventual death, her own, and everyone's.
🤖Dick Johnson Is Dead Reddit Talks
Dick Johnson Is Dead is a documentary film directed by Kirsten Johnson where she follows her father, Dick Johnson, as he battles dementia. The film explores the themes of death, grief, and memory.
The film has been praised for its honesty and rawness, and it has sparked a lot of discussion on social media. Here are some of the topics that have been discussed:
- The importance of end-of-life planning: Dick Johnson Is Dead shows how important it is to have a plan in place for the end of your life. This includes making decisions about your medical care, your finances, and your funeral.
- The challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia: Dementia is a devastating disease that can take a toll on both the person who has it and their loved ones. Dick Johnson Is Dead shows the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia, including the emotional and physical toll it can take.
- The power of storytelling: Kirsten Johnson uses storytelling to help her father cope with his dementia. She tells stories about his life, and she helps him to create new memories. Dick Johnson Is Dead shows how storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing and connection.
- The importance of living in the moment: Dick Johnson Is Dead reminds us that life is precious and that we should cherish every moment we have. The film shows how Dick Johnson, even in his declining years, is able to find joy and meaning in life.
Overall, Dick Johnson Is Dead is a powerful and moving film that has sparked a lot of important conversations about death, grief, and memory. The film is a must-watch for anyone who has ever lost a loved one or who is facing the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueFilm/comments/j6a3qo/everyone_should_check_out_dick_johnson_is_dead/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Sardonicast/comments/kg1hkt/has_anyone_else_here_watched_dick_johnson_is_dead/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/j69pzt/everyone_should_check_out_dick_johnson_is_dead/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/comments/j446uq/dick_johnson_is_dead_is_now_on_netflix/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/moviescirclejerk/comments/jduwaz/dick_johnson_is_dead/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kirsten Johnson have kids?
Kirsten Johnson co-parents her twins with a married couple, painter Boris Torres and filmmaker Ira Sachs.
What is the movie “Dick Johnson Is Dead” about?
“Dick Johnson Is Dead” is a documentary that follows filmmaker Kirsten Johnson as she stages inventive and comical deaths for her father, Dick Johnson, who is nearing the end of his life, as a way for them both to confront the inevitable.
Who is the Sant Director of Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History?
Kirsten Johnson’s brother, Kirk Johnson, is the Sant Director of Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
What are some reviews of “Dick Johnson Is Dead”?
Reviews describe the movie as a blackly comic memorial and a masterpiece, showcasing a father-daughter relationship in the face of mortality with a mix of pain and humor.
Who directed the movie “Dick Johnson Is Dead”?
“Dick Johnson Is Dead” was directed by Kirsten Johnson, the daughter of Dick Johnson who is featured in the documentary.
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