Seen at...
Long Live My Happy Head
- Director: Austen McCowan, Will Hewitt
- Writer: Austen McCowan, Will Hewitt
- Producer: Austen McCowan
CGiii Comment
If there's one film that needs to be seen...it's this one.
Of course, it's emotional. How can it not be? Of course, it's sentimental. Again...how can it not be?
Gordon, an Edinburgh lad, has an inoperable brain tumour [aka Rick]...limiting his life expectancy. His coping mechanisms are not what you'd expect. He has morphed himself into being a voice-of-reason cartoon character in comic books...along with Rick, his nemesis. And, to a certain extent, this film...
And...no, this is not some kind of gloomy video diary of a man's decline. Far from it...it is the exact opposite. This a defiant affirmation of: What does not kill me makes me stronger - of course, he has some dark days, who wouldn't!?! And then, lockdown struck!
And...this goes out to all those who posted 'I'm so bored' videos on YouTube...only the boring get bored! Gordon created...and, he spent his 40th birthday on his own...in one of the most personal and emotionally charged scenes in the film.
Loneliness is a difficult kettle-of-fish altogether...imagine if your only companion through Lockdown was Rick?!? Doesn't that put everything into perspective? If it doesn't, it should!
Ultimately, Long Live My Happy Head is about care, creativity, support...and, love. Gordon loves and is loved...he calls himself lucky. Well, it's us, the audience, we're lucky to have made you acquaintance. Thank you for letting us in...for sharing and for showing us that glint in your eye. Cheeky :)
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
An uplifting documentary about coping with inoperable cancer may sound unlikely, but here it is. Gordon was diagnosed eight years ago and began using the medium of queer comic books to confront his feelings and fears. He employs humour to get to the heart of taboos surrounding death and disease, weaving many of the wonderful carers and nurses he meets into his expressively illustrated world. Sage, sweet, and stimulating, it is also a long-distance love story between Edinburgh and Virginia, USA. We could all learn a thing or two about love, life – and death – from Gordon.