I Am Breathing

Friday, September 6 - Thursday, September 12, 2013

Within a year, Neil Platt goes from being a healthy 30 something British bloke, with a great sense of humour, to becoming completely paralyzed from the neck down, thanks to the devastating illness he has inherited, ALS/MND. As his body gets weaker, his perspective on life changes. His humour remains, but a new wisdom emerges: “It’s amazing how adaptable we are when we have to be. It’s what separates us and defines us as human beings.”

Knowing he only has a few months left to live, and while he still has the ability to speak, Neil puts together a letter and memory box for his baby son Oscar and communicates his experience and thoughts about life in a blog – and in this film which he was determined to make. The directness of his communication mingles with images of the sensory details of a life well lived, and makes us revalue the ordinary.

His blog posts form the film’s narration as he tells his own story through memories and impressions of his life – the sheer joy of falling in love, of partying with his mates, of fast motorbike rides. Through his determination to share his final journey, he makes us ask questions about our own lives.

Note: all 12:50pm shows play with POUTERS (Paul Fegan, 18 min.): A modern day story of undying commitment, rivalry, family and friendship interwoven by an underground and idiosyncratic Scottish sport. Rab and Danny, rivals for over 25 years with huge pride at stake, battle it out on the wing to become the reigning Doo Fleein champion.

  • Country Denmark/UK
  • Rating NR
  • Running Time 73 minutes
  • Director Emma Davie & Morag McKinnon

IFC Center does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. In addition to the synopses, trailers and other links on our website, further information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches.