Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien

Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien is a heartwarming documentary that was released in the year 1996. The film provides an intimate exploration into the life and work of Mark O'Brien, a renowned journalist and poet. The film features an intense, every day battle that O'Brien faces due to the debilitating effects of polio that left him dependent on an iron lung for the majority of his life after the disease struck him at the tender age of six. Nonetheless, the physical confinement did not impede him from fulfilling his ambitions and desires. This documentary film unravels the strength and perseverance of an individual who, despite innumerable obstacles, managed to maintain a life full of creativity and passion.

The film is directed by Jessica Yu who did an exemplary job in depicting Mark's resilience and spirit. Mark O'Brien, played by himself, is the focal point of this film that delves into both his personal and professional life. Mark’s detailed interviews, who would spend all but two hours a day battling for breath inside an iron lung, documents his exceptional courage and unwavering spirit in the face of life-threatening adversity.

In addition to O'Brien’s captivating interviews, the film presents O'Brien's work, primarily his tireless contribution in poetry and journalism, as a testament of his determination. His thought-provoking and heartfelt prose helps to paint a vivid portrait of his experiences, revealing his most profound thoughts on life, love, and disability.

Lending some additional depth and context to this narrative is Elizabeth Duvall, a caretaker and O'Brien's lover, sharing some key insights into their unique relationship and the qualities that drew her towards him. A significant theme throughout the movie is the exploration of physical disability in conjunction with sexuality. O'Brien and Duvall's relationship serves as a powerful testament to the full and rich emotional life that can be led by differently-abled people. Complementing O'Brien's honesty, Duvall's reflections add a layer of warmth and affection that enhances the film significantly.

Another notable character is Ian Berzon, a radio operator who assists O'Brien in conveying his love for music and culture to the world. Berzon also stands as an example of how people around O’Brien supported his zeal for life, enabling him to live every moment to the fullest. Scenes of O’Brien’s interaction with friends, including Berzon, reiterate his robust social life, untouched by the confines of his physical limitations.

The movie brilliantly weaves together a series of flashbacks, interviews, poetry readings, and insightful conversations, creating a strong narrative that delves into the key themes of disability, empowerment, and desire for love. The film seeks to redefine the societal concepts of disease, normality, and living by presenting a real-life example of an extraordinary person thriving in the face of adversity.

Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien creates a visually compelling and emotionally stirring portrait of a man who triumphs against all odds to live a fulfilling and creative life. Its visual allegory and deeply personal narrative set a new benchmark in the genre of biographical documentaries.

The documentary scooped several awards, including an Academy Award for the Best Short Documentary, validating the importance it contributes towards the dialogue on polio and how it affects those afflicted by it.

Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien is an inspiring tale of human spirit, resilience, and an undying desire to live life to the fullest. Mark O’Brien’s story stands as a beacon of courage and perseverance, thereby pushing the viewer to rethink life’s limitations and to celebrate the power of tenacity and human spirit. His relentless struggle embodies the adage that life is not defined by one's circumstances, but by the spirit with which one face those circumstances. Gripping and thought-provoking, this film is a must-watch for anyone seeking an empowering cinematic experience.