Adrift
Editor's Pick for October 11, 2005
Brian Burns, Hampden-Sydney Coll. Lib., VA -- Library Journal, 10/11/2005
Adrift. color. 60 min. Tom Curran, Night Train Pictures, dist. by WGBH-Boston, 800-949-8670; shop.wgbh.org. 2003; 2005 release. DVD ISBN 1-59375-227-X. $19.99. PSYCH
In Adrift, a son deals with the dual pressures of the death of his father and living up to the expectations his father planted in him at an early age. Curran interviews his sister and two brothers about the legacy of their father, who died when all the children were 12 and under. In his role as narrator (he directs the film as well), Curran raises many issues about a dying parent as well as openly questioning his father about some of his words and actions. Specifically, Curran laments the concealment of his father’s fatal illness as it worsened. Visually, the film is a wonderfully warm mix of new footage, some of which is gorgeously photographed in the Alaskan wilderness, and touching home movies, with candid "talking heads" tastefully and appropriately blended throughout. This documentary is highly recommended for anyone struggling to cope with the loss of a parent, as well as students of psychology who need perspective into both personal loss and attempted reconciliation.
