How to Live Forever
May. 13,2011 NRDirector Mark Wexler embarks on a worldwide trek to investigate just what it means to grow old and what it could mean to really live forever. But whose advice should he take? Does 94-year-old exercise guru Jack LaLanne have all the answers, or does Buster, a 101-year-old chain-smoking, beer-drinking marathoner? What about futurist Ray Kurzweil, a laughter yoga expert, or an elder porn star? Wexler explores the viewpoints of delightfully unusual characters alongside those of health, fitness and life-extension experts in this engaging new documentary, which challenges our notions of youth and aging with comic poignancy. Begun as a study in life-extension, How To Live Forever evolves into a thought-provoking examination of what truly gives life meaning.
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Reviews
Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!
When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.
The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.
An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.
Director Mark Wexler freaks out about growing older, and decides to fight back. Luckily for us, he takes his camera along for the journey. With characteristic wit and depth, Wexler tackles the complex and prickly subject of aging with a surprising variety of opinions. This gem of a film gives us the cutting-edge science of futurist Ray Kurzweil, the wisdom of author Marianne Williamson, and the genius of science fiction legend Ray Bradbury, alongside more controversial voices like a 101 year old chain-smoking marathoner and an elder porn star. Wexler works out with fitness legend Jack LaLanne, contemplates a future on ice at a cryonics lab, laughs with comedienne Phyllis Diller, drinks gallons of green tea, and extracts promises of immortality from life-extension expert Aubrey de Grey, but draws a blank when asked by his friend, writer Pico Iyer, the actual merits of simply wanting more. It is the ultimate question, and one the director sagely leaves to the viewer. After all, as the subtitle warns us, results may vary.
When I first heard that it was a documentary about aging I was a little hesitant. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the film A LOT. "How to Live Forever" completely opened up my eyes to something that I never really put much thought into. Mark Wexler did an awesome job with the flow of the film and the interviews that he selected. In the beginning of the film, I thought it would conquer the question on how you can live forever. Wexler took us through a variety of interesting diets, exercises and life styles and traveled all around the world, but there was not a clear answer in the end. Not only was it entertaining to watch with the many fascinating interviewees but it was also educational as well. I found it inspiring to see adults in their 80's and 90's so happy. I'm not as afraid about aging as I was before especially if I can tap dance like Dolores Bates can at 81 years old.
I have to say I love how this movie doesn't beat you over the head with an opinion one way or the other. We get to look into a world of cryogenics, active seniors, even hormone replacement therapies, but we aren't told what the best way is. Only that these options are out there. At first I was really expecting a even more longevity secrets, but the movie slowly transitions into a focus more on characters and quality of life.While these ideas and technologies are interesting, the interviewees really make the movie. Seeing them live out fulfilling lives into their 90's and beyond was really inspiring. Honestly I think Mark Wexler's decision (leaving it up to us to decide what we think about longevity and really the meaning of life) was correct, I wouldn't have enjoyed an ending that promoted a certain ideal way of life.
"If there was a pill to live for 500 years, would you take it?" The million dollar question asked throughout this film by director Mark Wexler. From Eleanor Wasson, a 100 year old vegetarian that drinks vodka every night, to Buster, a 101 year old beer drinking, marathon runner, what is the true secret to living a longer life and is it fulfilling to do so? In this terrific documentary, the audience is taken on a journey through multiple characters around the world that are quite unique and delightful to watch. Their stories have inspired me to live my life to the fullest and I find it will do the same for you.