A Necessary Death (2008)

"Documentary Filmmaker looking for suicidal individual to follow from first preparation to final act." Cut from 142 video tapes, this project sheds light on the tragedy following the infamous Internet ad.

Director:

Daniel Stamm

Writer:

Daniel Stamm

Stars:

G.J. Echternkamp, Matthew Tilley, Valerie Hurt

2 wins.

Cast

Credited cast:
G.J. Echternkamp	...	Gilbert
Matthew Tilley	...	Matt
Valerie Hurt	...	Valerie
Michael Traynor	...	Michael
Konima Parkinson-Jones	...	Konima
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Shelley Isaacs	...	Grieving Mother
Thomas Moses	...	Cliff Bookends
Talmadge Ragan	...	Ellen Radel
Pamela Salem	...	Matt's Mother
Doris Jung Usui	...	Suicidal Wife

Storyline

"Documentary Filmmaker looking for suicidal individual to follow from first preparation to final act." Cut from 142 video tapes, this project sheds light on the tragedy following the infamous Internet ad.

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Plot Keywords:

suicidal | documentary filmmaker | interview | written by director | documentary crew | 

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Genres:

Drama | Thriller

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 March 2008 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Brickwall Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min 101 min (European Film Market)

Color:

Color

User Reviews

If it doesn't disturb, is it art? This disturbs

I attended the World Premiere of "A Necessary Death" at the 2008 SXSW Film Festival. This is a shocking and controversial feature from director Daniel Stamm.

To say that "A Necessary Death" defies description is an understatement. In fact, it's so unique that to say much more would spoil it. In "A Necessary Death," we follow a young filmmaker as he shoots a documentary about suicide. The kicker is that he actively solicits a subject who has already made plans to off himself and is willing to do it on camera.

For me, it's intensely personal. I lost a close friend to suicide about nine months ago and haven't really struggled with it as much as I'd expected to. I think I understand why he did what he did and the notion that someone taking their own life might be "justified" is something that is taboo in this society. This film breaks that taboo, and, in so doing, sheds some light on an issue which is so foreign to most people that they look at me with a mixture of disgust and wonder when I bring it up.

Needless to say, the film addresses issues of ethics, legality, and responsibility for the actions of others. The viewer's comfort level is tested as the film pushes the envelope of what's acceptable in cinema. The question is posed, "If it isn't disturbing, is it art?" "A Necessary Death" surely disturbs.