Fade to Black (2017) User Reviews

Important documentary on the current thoughts around dying with dignity in Australia

[rainbowinspace · 9/10 · 1 August 2017]

Peter Short, the subject of the film, and Jeremy Ervine, filmmaker have created a heartfelt and affecting documentary about the importance of choice in how we die in the 21st century in Australia.

Death and dying is hard to talk about for most people, even though we see fictional people die on screen in almost every movie we watch.

In Fade to Black, this sensitive subject matter is dealt with carefully, and the stories of ordinary (and extraordinary) Australians show just how complex the issues are around death and dying and how necessary it is that we have choice in how we die.

This award winning film premiered on 1 August 2017, and will likely go on to be an important part of the euthanasia conversation in Australia in the next decade.

This film deserves a broad audience, from senior high school students to our politicians in Canberra. Whether it's On Demand, at a cinema, or on free to air TV, Australians need to see this film.

A compelling documentary covering the issue of legalized euthanasia

[vdj-707-698033 · 9/10 · 1 August 2017]

This story highlights the pain and suffering that confirmed terminally ill people have to endure before they reach their ultimate fate .... death. All Peter Short asks for is the right to choose to end his life at a time of his choosing and in a dignified manner. Not by committing suicide in the garage or cutting an artery whilst sitting in the bath tub. No, he wants the right to say goodbye to his family, friends and pets in a loving and dignified way. This documentary follows the last months of Peter Short's life as he suffers a relapse of esophageal cancer. It is a remarkable story of his courage and that of his family as they face Peter's ultimate death. He takes on the cause of euthanasia and strongly supports Dying with Dignity and sides with Dr Rodney Syme and Senator Richard Di Natale to push for voluntary euthanasia in this country. A well balanced and presented documentary, not a one-sided opinion piece. I applaud the family of Peter Short with their continued involvement in supporting and pushing the cause so dear to Peter's heart.

An Important Film

[solstra · 9/10 · 14 August 2017]

This film should be discussed widely. I had never realized before seeing this film the two very different elements of this argument - assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia. Quite different problems legally and practically. As for Peter Short - just an extraordinary man. We can only hope his work provides some impetus for the fight that is still being waged. In all, a wonderful film that should be seen and discussed.

A must see film

[carmenbarnsley · 10/10 · 1 August 2017]

Watched the Documentary movie Fade to Black Last night. As a nurse I am very passionate that individuals can Die with Dignity. Watching and listening to families share their heartbreaking stories of loved ones taking their own lives without the presence of loved ones for fear of prosecution. The many people I have nursed and stories of friends loved ones having a painful undignified death due to their disease, makes me so sad and angry. When an individual is palliative and dying I believe they should have control of their body as they have in life on how and when they die. Thank you Peter, Libby and Mitchell for sharing the rawness of your journey.

A powerful documentary that explores dying with dignity

[larastoll · 10/10 · 3 August 2017]

This documentary explores the topic of terminally ill patients and their choice of dying with dignity. This documentary brings out every emotion, its main point of interest, Peter Short, is a very witty and humorous man, making the topic bearable and upbeat. He and the rest of the cast make you laugh, cry, question, and think. Euthanasia is a very reserved issue that is currently illegal in Australia. This year (2017) the Victorian Government will vote on assisted dying laws for those suffering from terminal disease. This is a MUST SEE documentary, that will leave you appreciating life as well as respecting those who want the choice to leave this world with dignity, grace, and harmony.

A must see documentary for all Members of Parliament.

[hospitalized · 10/10 · 7 August 2017]

What a wonderful tribute to Peter Short, his wife Elizabeth and son Mitchell. Their story is the very human side of the assisted dying debate. The courage and strength shown by this obviously loving family was nothing short of inspiring. To share your last months with the public, in order to spread the word about the need for assisted dying legislation is selflessness in the extreme.

Please spread the word far and wide. This is a documentary not to be missed. Opponents of assisted dying legislation were also given a chance to share their views, but by the groans and head shaking in the audience tonight, it was obvious that their arguments against were not well received.

Jeremy Irivne has produced a wonderful insight into the last months of a terminally ill man who has left behind a lasting legacy for which Elizabeth and Mitchell can be enormously proud.

Fascinating and informative

[hsieg · 10/10 · 8 August 2017]

So well put together telling a powerful story. A well made and sensitive documentary that is so relevant to our lives. At some time we will all have to deal with a close friend or family member facing a terminal illness or painful disease. Thank you to Peter and his amazing family for allowing us to share in his intimate journey. Such a privilege to hear the film maker speak as well as Peter's widow at a screening.

Thought provoking movie, sad but true.

[michelejmcculloch · 10/10 · 8 August 2017]

Congratulations Jeremy on writing and presenting such a thoughtful and insightful movie on what is potentially an extremely sensitive topic. You explored the real life challenges of the terminally and critically ill. The movie, Fade to Black was also a reminder of our mortality. This is one that should be viewed by all irrespective of your view either through TV or IMDb.

All politicians should watch and learn

[tony-01454 · 9/10 · 15 August 2017]

Some of our political "leaders" are so ignorant of the issues, they should watch this film as a starter.

Its about having freedom of choice over our OWN death, instead of being controlled and constrained by political ideology based on religious conservatism.

Biased and Romanticised

[ellingfordm · 6/10 · 7 August 2017]

It's all well and good to document the debate about the choice to euthanise yourself, but if the creators of this documentary were genuine and serious about passing a bill that would legalise the process of ending your own life, then why not actually make a suggestion about how it would work and answer some of the really obvious questions? Who would become responsible for deciding who is and isn't eligible to be euthanised? Who pays for that process? Would it be government funded? What about those who are suffering in pain and AREN'T terminally ill, are they not eligible? The entire documentary was essentially a sob cancer story (with a bit of shameless advertising) attempting to raise awareness for euthanasia - which is fine, but nobody stopped to think how this proposed law reform might function in reality?

During the Q&A session of the screening a few people were citing Taliban activity with reference to the Christian faith, most of the audience were laughing about it too - as if that kind of language isn't a radical or extremist suggestion, something the director was apparently against :/ drop the political agenda and soft propaganda and give your audience perspective about what system you're actually advocating for because even after watching your film, I still have no idea.

A film that every person needs to see

[chimpy_wildlife · 10/10 · 7 August 2017]

You need to see this film because the right to die with dignity and peacefully is a human right that the religious right wing are restricting based on outdated dogma. Watch this film and understand what the argument is it's not hard to want to die without pain it's the 21st century make it legal already!

Brilliant

[tonyervine-76402 · 10/10 · 7 August 2017]

Every politician should sit down and watch this compelling documentary on euthanasia. Gut wrenching to watch Peter Short sharing his last months until his final death. Also at the start we hear from families that have suffered due to their love ones taking their own lives due to the unbearable terminal pain in their bodies.

It's time we had sympathy for people suffering incurable and painful deaths. We as humans should have the right to decide when we can end our life, in a warm, loving and peaceful surrounding

This movie depicts all of this and should be televised on TV as a major documentary.

The courage of Peter Shorts wife and son has to be admired as they continue the work Peter started to campaign for euthanasia to become legal Full credits to the producer, who has captured all sides of the debate and we can make our own judgement

Fantastic film - needs to be broadcast through TV and streaming channels

[amy-65517 · 10/10 · 15 August 2017]

A fantastic film which highlights the absolute need for compassionate law reforms which allows people who are suffering intolerably with no hope for improvement the legal right to end their lives peacefully, safely, with dignity and surrounded by loved ones. It is a heart-warming and brutally honest account of how the current legal system fails us at a time when we should have choice and control over our end of life. The time for law reform is now. This film needs to be broadcast to a wider audience for awareness and lobbying for legislative change - ABC and SBS and Netflix you all need to pick this film up!

A well-crafted documentary, important to all Australians

[jotoole-01677 · 10/10 · 14 August 2017]

This beautifully crafted, highly watchable documentary about the right to die is told through the eyes and story of the high profile and articulate late Peter Short. It is deeply moving but never mawkish or sentimental, and also funny in places. It is a real-life and admirably courageous chronicle of something entirely everyday, that our society (unlike most throughout history) is often nervous about even thinking about, let alone discussing openly - death itself and how it comes. The film is unashamedly polemical, but only to make an almost unanswerable case for what most Australians have supported for decades – now over 80% - and no more than what is advocated in the ABC's fine radio series by Andrew Denton – he makes brief but telling appearances.

I have made a strong request to the ABC and SBS, at the director's request, to screen this film, and at a time when many adults of all ages will be able to watch it. As many of the audience at the screening I watched – and some of its online reviewers – indicated, it is a must–see film for all Australians. If 'political balance' is a concern for the screening, the politically influential, mainly religious opposition groups to assisted dying are given plenty of coverage in the film to make their case – and if this only strengthens the polemic that is not a matter of unbalanced editing (the director is just meticulously recording what is an unbalanced debate contesting the combination of an unbalanced argument with unbalanced power!) Thank you to all those who made this film, including Peter Short's family.

Thank you for caring

[rare-stone · 10/10 · 13 August 2017]

What a great documentary. It was great to see so many people interested in this topic and to see a few younger people there as well. When I first looked around I thought I was out numbered as I am only 48 years of age, but when I looked around there were more like me, which was pleasing to see. Many people ask me "why do you care? You are so young, you still have a long way ahead of you"! Yes I am young and hope to last for a very long time but I have parents who are suffering and I wish for their pain to stop. My dad DOES NOT have a terminal disease, and therefore there is no choice for him, but to lay in bed and wait in pain. He was in favor of euthanasia before he even got sick, and he helped to understand it and be opened minded about it. Unfortunately it will never come in time for him, but I hope it will come in time for me... I would so much rather remember a dad, who was a fun and loving parent than a frail man, who doesn't even recognise me anymore. I am 100% sure that if he had the choice, he would also have chosen to go earlier and stop, his suffering as well as ours as we are limited and unable to help him any more. I want to thank Peter and his family for sharing their story and for allowing us into his life/death as it has certainly made me stronger to continue fighting so that these laws can be changed. I WANT TO HAVE A CHOICE, whether I am terminally ill or not. It's my Life!

Why wouldn't you want to have a choice when it comes to the end of your own life

[cruise-52598 · 10/10 · 14 August 2017]

I have been a strong supporter of Voluntary Euthanasia for a long time. I have personally watched many family members suffer long and painful times up until they passed. How many times must our governments say no to what could be every persons final decision. This film Fade to Black is a no holds, in your face look into the very battle that unfortunately too many people with a terminal illness go through every minute of everyday. I found the film to be informative and gave a good history of the long standing issue in the community. I thought it did show both sides of the argument of for and against the right to VE. I commend all involved and Peter's family for the courage shown in what would have been the hardest time of their lives. To the film maker Jeremy, this must have been hard for you as well especially at the end after coming to know Peter and his family so intimately. We need more courageous film makers to take on the Big issues in our society to help people be more informed to make choices and have a voice.. Well done.

A new director arrives. Jeremy Irvine brings insight, compassion and talent to a topic most don't want to hear about.

[gailwyatt · 9/10 · 12 August 2017]

This in a completely engaging film, even for those who are a bit over the topic. It emerges from a sea of coverage which most of us a are a little inured to, covering people making decisions about dealing with their painful death. It grabs your attention from first to last scene, cleverly allowing us to experience why this the most important phase of our lives- our leaving it. There is no judgement, just a great insight into why this topic is so difficult, but worth exploring. Those who go and see it will not be bored, not even for a moment. You may even come away ready for the big event.

Deserves a full cinema season plus TV

[brianloffler · 10/10 · 11 August 2017]

Jeremy Ervine has created a fine documentary on the right to a dignified death. Both the film- making and the story-telling are first class.

End of life is never an easy subject and it could so easily have slipped into depressing tabloid TV mode. But instead Jeremy Ervine has created a finely crafted film that is full of hope and inspiration.

Coming away from the screening one is buoyed up with the feeling that common sense will eventually prevail and that Australian law will be changed. We urgently need legislation to protect the rights of the dying and to legally protect medical practitioners who assist in providing death that is as comfortable as possible for the dying person, and comforting for loved ones and carers.

But laws to allow us to die with dignity - at the time of our choice - will only be enacted if citizens make appointments with their MPs to demand they act.

Great movie/documentary

[belindaramsay · 10/10 · 16 August 2017]

This documentary really shows the determination of Peter Short to change the law regarding the right to have a good death. His journey was helped by Dr Rodney Symes who provided the drugs he had to take if he was in intolerable pain, but he was able to die in the palliative care hospital. The main benefit of the drug was to allay his anxiety regarding his death.

Fade to Black. Jeremy Ervine.

[margauxcrooks · 10/10 · 13 August 2017]

Why is it that a small, biased percentage of our communities is so determined to deny the rights of choice to all others, regardless of the topic under discussion? Have ANY of this former group actually viewed 'Fade to Black'? Not many, I bet. Religious principles which stood as daily guidelines in centuries past have less and less validity in this day and age and are less believable. Individually, the right to choose voluntary euthanasia is surely based on the highest of principles, that of being in charge of one's own life ... and death. If you don't want it, don't use it.

An important story well told

[pgriffin-55743 · 9/10 · 13 August 2017]

An important story well told. It is unbelievable that in our civilized society, a minority of religious fundamentalist can inflict significant physical suffering on their fellow humans on the basis of a belief that fewer and fewer of us hold. The protagonists positions are fairly portrayed and the strength of the family support is powerful. Everyone should see this but unfortunately it will most likely be viewed only by those who already agree with Euthanasia.

A very important film about the right to die

[hackett-45781 · 9/10 · 12 August 2017]

This was such a compelling film on an important topic. Peter Shorts energy and drive to change the law while in the last months of his life is just amazing and we owe it to his legacy to make sure laws are passed in Australia to permit assisted dying.

Peter's wife Elizabeth is an amazing person.

Informative and kind

[bridgitvanessa · 9/10 · 12 August 2017]

The documentary shows at the outset the heartache that lack of choice can inflict on both the sufferer and their family. Multiple view points are tabled although the focus is on a Peters story. The twist at the end is unexpected and is well supported by the debate post the film. If the in person debate cannot occur I think it would be useful to add this to the film - it certainly threw me and is an important part of Peters story in fact crucial I think. Well done.

Let's make this happen

[fourherrings · 10/10 · 20 August 2017]

This is a beautifully documented & important film that everyone should see. The access to his battle for parliamentary change & his final days is completely inspiring & engenders such enormous respect for Peter Short himself and also his incredible family. I strongly believe that this legislation has to happen & thanks to films & brave people like this it's surely just a matter of time.

Everyone, particularly politicians, should watch this documentary film!

[gkwilliams-43430 · 10/10 · 31 December 2017]

Peter Short, a dynamic businessman, had his life cut short by Oesophogeal Cancer. Rather than privately spend the rest of his time with his wife and son, the family chose to share their experience with Jeremy Ervine's documentary team so that the public can be educated about the issues surrounding Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD). Peter died naturally in a hospice, and did not need to use the substance that had been provided by the courageous, trailblazing Doctor Rodney Syme. However, Peter was assured throughout his ordeal because he knew that he would not suffer at the end. The mere provision of that choice is an extremely palliative measure in its own right, as experienced in Oregon, USA which legalised VAD 20 years ago. Congratulations to the Victorian Parliament for listening to Peter's plea, and voting to change the law so that it will no longer be a crime for a family member or medical practitioner to assist a person to die if that is the dying person's well-considered wish! It is hoped by the democratic vast majority of society (including the significant majority of Christians) that the Parliaments of all the other States will follow the compassionate and democratic lead of Victoria. Furthermore, the Federal Government should amend its legislation to allow the two Territories to debate VAD legislation. Currently, legislation introduced by Kevin Andrews prohibits the Territories from even debating this issue. He believes that his opinion is than important that the will of the majority of the voting public!