Babenco: Tell Me When I Die (2020)
- 74 min
- Documentary
- 7.3/10 (530 votes)
Plot
"Babenco: Tell Me When I Die" is a poignant exploration into the life and death of acclaimed South American filmmaker, Hector Babenco. Upon realizing his time was drawing to a close, Babenco made a profound declaration to his partner, Bárbara Paz, "I've already lived my death, now all that remains is to make a film about it." Embracing this challenge, Paz navigates the complexities of love and loss to fulfill Babenco's final desire: to be the lead actor in his own demise.
This deeply personal narrative unveils Babenco's soul in its rawest form, revealing intimate, agonizing moments, and a man grappling with fear and anticipation. It is a cinematic duel between his intellectual vitality and his crumbling body, a conflict that defined his illustrious career. Diagnosed with cancer at a young age, Babenco found solace in the magical world of cinematography, a therapeutic sanctuary that sustained him from the tender age of 38 until his passing at 70.
"Babenco - Tell Me When I Die" marks Barbara Paz's directorial debut, yet it also symbolizes Hector's final masterpiece. It is a film about the art of filmmaking, a testament to Babenco's belief in the immortality of cinema. It is a story of a man who, even in the face of death, saw the camera as a lifeline, ensuring his spirit would continue to thrive long after his final curtain call.
Where to watch Babenco: Tell Me When I Die?
Babenco: Tell Me When I Die is a documentary movie featuring William Hurt.
Babenco: Tell Me When I Die is currently streaming on Mubi.