Terry Pratchett: Choosing to Die

Terry Pratchett: Choosing to Die is a beautifully crafted and poignant documentary that delves into the controversial topic of assisted dying. The film follows the journey of the late Terry Pratchett, the renowned author of the Discworld series, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2007. Facing an uncertain future, Pratchett becomes a vocal advocate for assisted dying and travels to Switzerland to document the process. What sets this documentary apart is its balance of emotional depth and intellectual rigor. It doesn't shy away from the difficult questions and ethical considerations surrounding assisted dying, but it also humanizes the experience through Pratchett's personal story. The film is both thought-provoking and deeply moving, providing a nuanced perspective on a topic that is often oversimplified. One of the film's strengths is its use of Pratchett's signature wit and humor to approach such a heavy subject matter. It adds a layer of levity that keeps the film from feeling too heavy or didactic. The cinematography is also breathtaking, showcasing the Swiss landscape and adding to the film's meditative quality. On the downside, some viewers may find the documentary too emotionally charged or may disagree with Pratchett's stance on assisted dying. However, the film's ability to provoke thoughtful and nuanced conversations around the topic is a testament to its strength. Fun fact: The documentary was directed by Charlie Russell, who also directed the critically acclaimed BBC series, The Trial of Ratko Mladic. Overall, Terry Pratchett: Choosing to Die is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in end-of-life care and the human experience. It's a moving tribute to Pratchett's legacy and a powerful reminder of the importance of having open and honest conversations around death and dying.

How we as a society treat the subject of death is almost entirely unquestioned and unexplored. We are, essentially, in denial about it - our attitude is that since we don't want to die, we should put it off as long as possible no matter the consequences. In this documentary Terry Pratchett discusses his Alzheimer's and how it is slowly eroding away his life and his talent. He meets others with medical conditions which will inevitably lead to a prolonged, painful and above all undignified death and asks the question "is it better to end things early?" There are few answers here. Pratchett is on a genuine mission of inquiry, he's not preaching a position, nor does he end up with an opinion. Instead he takes a frank look at a subject most shy away from, and his only real conclusion is that we'd perhaps do well to think it through more than we do now. Be warned, towards the end of the documentary he accompanies a man to a Swiss clinic where he chooses to end his own life. This is not depicted in any kind of voyeuristic way, but both Pratchett and the camera do sit right there in the room with him and watches him die in cold, unflinching detail. Perhaps most shocking is the statistic that, of the 2200 or so lives this clinic has helped to end, 21% of them were people with no medical condition whatsoever beyond what they termed a "weariness for life". Make of that what you will.