It sounds paradoxical but, if done right, films about a life ending can be the most life-affirming films you’ll see. “Truman” is definitely done right.
Essentially a two-hander about a terminally ill man and his lifelong best friend, “Truman” stars Argentinian actor Ricardo Darín and Spanish star Javier Cámara. Both are ideal for this honest and human story about what is wanted from life as death approaches, a satisfying film that is moving in both expected and unexpected ways.
“Truman” begins in Canada, where Tomas (Cámara) is taking off for Madrid, where he is visiting Julian (Darín). The visit is a surprise, but the reason for it is not. Julian has found out that the lung cancer he thought had been contained has in fact dangerously metastasized.
Tipped off by Julian’s cousin, Tomas knows that Julian, sick of hospitals and medical regimens, has decided not to have the cancer treated anymore. Tomas spends four days accompanying Julian as his friend tries to tie up the loose ends in his life and arrange things so that his death is not a burden to the survivors.
Though the two men could not be closer, they are far from identical, which leads to considerable amount of amusing bickering between the two.
Truman is an elderly bullmastiff with a mind of its own that Julian, with his son at university, considers his second child. Julian is consumed with Truman’s well-being.
Julian believes “the only thing that matters in life is relationships,” but because this bromide is harder to put into practice than he anticipates, it’s a pleasure to watch these believable individuals as they try.
“TRUMAN” will be shown Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, June 15, 17 and 18; Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, June 22, 24 and 25; and Thursday, June 29, at Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Main St in Hartford. Showtime is 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $9, $8 seniors and students, $7 members, Free for Insider Access Members and above. thewadsworth.org.
