TransFatty Lives

TransFatty Lives is an emotionally resonant 2015 documentary directed by Patrick O’Brien himself. Vibrant, creative, and full of life, the film is a reflection of its charmingly unique main subject, O'Brien, a DJ, Internet sensation, and filmmaker.

The movie introduces us to Patrick "TransFatty" O'Brien, a well-loved figure in the New York City underground art and music scene in the 90s. He had been an eccentric, free-spirited artist, known for his exceptional talent and wildly dyed dreadlocks, who was determined to leave his mark on the world. However, his bohemian lifestyle and art career took a life-altering turn when he was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, at the age of 30.

The narrative of TransFatty Lives shares a unique perspective on living with a terminal illness. In an unprecedented feat, O’Brien decided to document his experience with ALS. Over a span of a decade, from first symptoms to a near-total immobilisation, the movie is both a time capsule and a deeply candid exploration of the human spirit when confronted with the unthinkable.

TransFatty Lives is not only about death and disability. While the movie has a palpable undercurrent of dread and sadness, it also reveals the many ways that O’Brien find joy, creativity, and connection despite his increasingly limited physical abilities. Through his raw, unfiltered lens, we witness the highs and lows of living with a debilitating disease.

Co-starring are two of the most influential people in his life, Michele Dupree and Darin Hallinan. Michele Dupree plays as the mother of O'Brien's son, offering an intimate glance into the dynamics and struggles of their unconventional family life. Meanwhile, Darin Hallinan is O’Brien's long-time friend, whose unwavering friendship forms a thread of consistency throughout the film.

The film portrays O'Brien's progression with ALS, from the early days of his diagnosis to his adapted lifestyle. Despite the catastrophic shifts in his physical abilities, O'Brien's personality continues to shine through. His humour remains poignant, his passion undimmed. The documentary vividly captures O’Brien’s spirit and his determination to communicate, even when stripped of all physical capabilities.

Strikingly, TransFatty Lives defies the traditional treatment of people with disability in film. Instead of dwelling on loss and sorrow, O'Brien, as the film's director, guides the audience to focus on connection, creativity, and hope. He invites the viewers to experience joy, anger, frustration - an array of human emotions - rather than mere sympathy. The movie, with its unconventional style, aligns with O'Brien’s own daring spirit.

Moreover, it weaves together a wide range of visual and auditory elements, employing mixtures of video formats, even adding animation to punctuate particular moments, thereby painting a vivid portrait of a dynamic life constrained. The sounds used vary from ambient noise to carefully selected musical accompaniments, enhancing the emotive landscape of the narrative.

Despite the profound challenges he faces, O'Brien responds with resiliency, displaying his dedication to art, love, and life. He uses the camera to communicate and document his life, creating an active, vibrant space in the public consciousness for people with similar experiences. His struggles, shared unflinchingly, create an enduring narrative of courage and indefatigable spirit.

In essence, TransFatty Lives is a deeply personal and thought-provoking documentary that breaks down barriers of understanding around ALS, something few films manage to achieve. It has a strong emotional pull, deriving significant power from its raw authenticity and its director’s zest for life despite his affliction. It transcends typical stories of disability, providing a captivating and inspiring ode to life, love and the enduring spirit of one man who continues to live, laugh and love while facing near-impossible odds.

Although the film is about O'Brien's experience, the core message of TransFatty Lives is universal. By offering a glimpse into the daily life of someone living with ALS, the ultimate light it sheds is on our collective human journey - struggle, resilience, sensation and how to navigate life in the face of adverse circumstances.

TransFatty Lives not only serves as a testament of living life to the fullest on one's own terms, but also challenges the audience to reconsider their own understanding of life, mortality, and disability. It is a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience that will leave you inspired and moved. With TransFatty Lives, Patrick O’Brien has crafted a loving, shocking, and profoundly personal testament that challenges our perceptions of living with a terminal disease and the art that is possible therein. This film is an essential watch for both arthouse cinema aficionados and those interested in human stories of resilience, courage, and love.