Fade to Black

Fade to Black is an emotionally charged and thought-provoking documentary directed by Jeremy Ervine. Released in 2017, the film features Peter Short, Dr. Rodney Syme, and Senator Richard Di Natale. Through its delicate approach and insightful interviews, Fade to Black provokes reflection on complex and sensitive issues of life, death, and personal choice.

Peter Short, the protagonist of the documentary, was a thriving businessman when he was handed a terminal esophageal cancer diagnosis, with little chance of survival beyond a few months. With the sands of time quickly slipping through his fingers, Peter bravely chose to use his remaining days to wage a public campaign for assisted dying laws to be liberalized across Australia. His aim was not to fight the inevitability of death but instead to advocate for the rights of the terminally ill to die with dignity.

In pursuit of his objective, Peter teamed up with Dr. Rodney Syme, a distinguished urologist and vice-president of Dying with Dignity Victoria. Throughout his career, Dr. Syme had not just been a vocal advocate for euthanasia but had also given terminally ill patients the means to end their lives. Peter's decision to include Dr. Syme in his journey rendered an impending personal tragedy into a provocative public debate.

Fade to Black does not shy away from honest representations of Peter's physical decline. Still, it simultaneously showcases his tenacity, his will to live each day fully, and his journey to control his destiny. Peter's story is full of equal parts warmth, humor, sadness, and resilience, making him an inspiring and relatable central figure.

Adding to the narrative's depth is the participation of Richard Di Natale, a Senator and leader of the Australian Greens party. A former general practitioner, Di Natale had first-hand experience in dealing with terminally ill patients and extensive knowledge in healthcare policies. His role in the film further strengthens the political backdrop of the debate about assisted dying.

Above all, Fade to Black serves as a poignant plea for the terminally ill who wish to die with dignity, encapsulating multiple perspectives on the matter, including testimonials from family members, healthcare professionals, and others dealing with terminal illness. It seeks to not just showcase one man's campaign but to illuminate a subject that is often tucked away in the shadows of society.

Director Jeremy Ervine skillfully balances the human element of the story – making sure Peter's journey is at the forefront – with the wider political campaign, making this film both captivating and enlightening. The narration, coupled with compelling cinematography, offers a rich exploration into a complex subject matter to gently guide viewers into a conversation usually shrouded in controversy and taboo. The movie does not attempt to impose its views but instead comes across as a very personal plea for viewers to engage with the issue.

In essence, Fade to Black, while undeniably heart-wrenching, is also an uplifting testament to courage and human spirit. It tackles the profound issues of mortality and personal choice, weaving an intimate and powerful narrative that leaves audiences more enlightened and moved. The film is a window into the last part of Peter's life, and through it, we appreciate the necessity of the conversation about death, choice, and dignity. It is gripping and leaves an indelible mark on those who watch it, urging them to confront their views on life, death, and the right to choose when and how we depart.

Therefore, Fade to Black is more than a mere documentary; it's a cinematic call to action, sparking open debate about the right to a dignified death, euthanasia, and how we, as a society, handle end-of-life discussions. It's for anyone interested in exploring narratives about life, death, and personal choice – as uncomfortable as they may be – in a clear-eyed, empathetic, and impactful way.