Dad's in Heaven with Nixon (2010)

Tom Murray presents his brother Chris (1960- ), through Chris's relationship to their mother, their father, who died when Chris was about 20, to Tom, to the two jobs Chris has in New Haven ... See full summary »

Director:

Tom Murray

Writer:

Tom Murray

Stars:

Tom Isenberg, Thomas E. Murray II, Christopher Murray

Cast

Credited cast:
Tom Isenberg	...	Himself
Thomas E. Murray II	...	Father - Murray Family Film
Christopher Murray	...	Himself
Connie Murray	...	Herself
David Murray	...	Himself
Helen Murray	...	Herself
Janice Murray	...	Herself
John F. Murray	...	Grandfather - Murray Family Film
Tom Murray	...	Himself / Narrator
Kerry Schuss	...	Himself
Gloria Vanderbilt	...	Herself (voice)

Storyline

Tom Murray presents his brother Chris (1960- ), through Chris's relationship to their mother, their father, who died when Chris was about 20, to Tom, to the two jobs Chris has in New Haven as a janitor and a supermarket stock boy, and to his art, sold through KS Art, a New York City gallery. Chris is autistic, living on his own for more than 30 years, navigating public transportation, affectionate with his mom and brother, certain that his father is in Heaven, keeping his eye on his sons and friends with Richard Nixon, a foe on earth. Chris's creations are cheerful landscapes of New York buildings, meticulously done in multi-media. He likes his life, just as it is.

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Plot Keywords:

richard nixon | heaven | janitor | photograph | home movie | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 April 2010 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Two Sons Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Lower your expectations, and then it might be OK

Have you ever seen a family's home movies from the 1920's? You know, the kind they drag out of the dusty basement, and then you end up thinking it probably wasn't worth the bother? Well, if you go into this movie thinking expecting that kind of "moldy oldie" experience, then you won't be disappointed. Even though this documentary resembles those old home movies in many ways, it's not that bad. There are many ways in which it's quite a bit better.

For one thing, it's realistic enough and detailed enough to provoke interesting discussions from viewers afterward -- discussions about family, wealth, and making the most of life.

For another, it's about the life of an unusual artist. It's about a man who successfully overcomes the kinds of mental challenges which often lead to someone being institutionalized.

And the artist, who's more or less the focus of the movie, is a sweet, innocent, and positive person. And nobody else in the movie is bad, either. It's certainly not one of those movies where none of the characters are likable.

But it really is like sitting through some old family movies. We almost didn't finish watching it. If you make it to the halfway point, it does improve a little after that.