If You're Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast

If You're Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast is a 2017 documentary that delightfully traverses the extraordinary territory of aging with vitality, humor, and verve. Written by George Shapiro and directed by Danny Gold and involving an amazing lineup of entertainment veterans, this film will bring a smile to your face while stirring your reflections on the essence of life, the importance of vivacity, and the undying human spirit. The film stars comedy legend Carl Reiner and includes appearances by other luminous personalities such as fashion icon Iris Apfel and prolific musician Tony Bennett, among many others.

Centered around the simple but punchy concept outlined in its title, this enjoyable 86-minute journey is a warm testimonial to the idea that life can remain vibrant and enjoyable well into old age. Carl Reiner, in his 90s himself at the time of filming, leads the audience through a series of delightful conversations and interviews with notable celebrities who are all living proof that age is but a number. Their personal anecdotes and shared experiences form the core fabric of the film, spinning a narrative that’s inspiring and uplifting.

Iris Apfel, a 95-year-old fashionista at the time of filming, renders her own unique perspective on age and life, letting us in on her radiant approach to style and living. It’s remarkable witnessing her energy, her affability, and her infectious excitement when it comes to retaining zest for life.

Beloved singer and performer Tony Bennett, also in his 90s during the making of the movie, showcases his exceptional vitality and genuine love for music, another testament to the film’s central theme. His enduring musical passion and mastery help to underpin the documentary's message – that fulfilling lives can extend long beyond society's conventional expectations.

The documentary weaves together these engaging personalities and more, through intimate interviews, each proficiently shedding light on how they have stayed active, happy, and productive despite their advancing years. Their insights give the audience access to the realities, challenges, and rewards that come with aging. It presents a vision of aging that is positive, inspiring, and most importantly, fun.

The film not only serves as a love letter to the vivacity of life but also subtly ignites discussions surrounding the societal perceptions of aging. More than shedding light on the realities faced by the elderly, it successfully dashes away the stereotype of aging being synonymous with frailty. It breaks down the all-too-typical narrative that life becomes dramatically less worth living as we grow older. Instead, it depicts age with a delightful sense of overspilling vitality, joy, and humor, carrying an important message for both the young and the old - It's only old age, not the end of life.

Each segment of the movie resonates deeply, summarizing the quintessence of their lives and encapsulating wisdom from decades of experience. It encapsulates the core idea that age is a state of mind and life can continue to be joyful, exuberant, and fulfilling irrespective of how old we are. Age, after all, is just a number to these "young-at-heart" personalities!

As audiences gain a sneak peek into the lives of these famous personalities, they witness that these individuals continue to lead enriching, fulfilling lives, refusing to let society dictate their worth based on their age. Themes of camaraderie, passion, endless curiosity, and maintaining a sense of humor are explored, adding richness to the film’s narrative and enhancing its uplifting appeal.

Shot beautifully and directed masterfully, If You're Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast offers an equally humbling and empowering look at aging that is sure to resonate with viewers of all ages. This is not just a movie for the aged or the aging but anyone who wants a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to be alive. The film insists that a meaningful life isn't about how many years we live but how we live those years. It is a thought-provoking celebration of life in our later years and the endless possibilities that exist therein.

Through its captivating narrative and warm attributes, If You're Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast nimbly challenges the narrative of old age, offering viewers a different perspective - one of living life to the fullest, no matter how many years you have under your belt. It leaves you with a smile on your face, a sparkle in your eyes, and wisdom to ponder upon.