BE HERE NOW Trailer
A strange and unfortunate thing happened during the run of the American television series Spartacus. The blood and sex-filled show had to delay production and recast its titular lead due to actor Andy Whitfield’s cancer diagnosis. This injection of reality into a pulp show is incongruous, as these situations often are for television series. Still, it’s an especially striking example of life pushing its way into fantasy, as Whitfield was just gaining an international name for himself after one season as the strapping, battle-hardened gladiator. It’s a cliché, but he really was not the kind of person you expect to get derailed by cancer.
Of course, cancer can hit anyone, and our assumptions about who cancer patients are is indicative of how we ignore and marginalize the realities of deadly illness and disease. Andy and his wife, Vashti, had to learn these realities on the fly, and when Whitfield’s cancer returned in 2010, they had a documentary crew follow them throughout the ensuing treatment. This kind of access couldn’t have been easy to provide, but it allows for an honest and inspiring look at a battle we often don’t want to think about.
In honor of World Health Day, screenings of Be Here Now are scheduled across the U.S. on April 7th, 2016. Reserve your tickets now by clicking here.
Be Here Now is directed by Lilibet Foster and stars Andy Whitfield and Vashti Whitfield. In addition to the special screenings, it will open in New York on April 8th and Los Angeles on April 15th. No further release dates are scheduled at this time.
Do you find films like this this inspiring? If so, let us know some of your favorites in the comments!
Does content like this matter to you?
Become a Member and support film journalism. Unlock access to all of Film Inquiry`s great articles. Join a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about cinema - get access to our private members Network, give back to independent filmmakers, and more.
