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How to Live Forever & Buck

Posted on 23 June 2011 by LeslieM

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

With the Buck’s 30-year Class Reunion on the horizon on Aug. 19*, this columnist has been contemplating the crossroads of middle age. This is why a movie titled How to Live Forever takes on additional meaning.

Opening tomorrow, How to Live Forever is an upbeat documentary about sucking the marrow out of life, even when the opening segment features the Funeral Director’s Convention in Las Vegas.

The son of Oscar-winning cinematographer Haskell Wexler, writer/director/host Mark Wexler, has created a quirky documentary about the meaning of life. From nursing homes in rural America to the peaceful gardens of Okinawa, Wexler discovers that the meaning of life is to enjoy life.

Wexler learns many life lessons, samples exotic low calorie food and is given a lesson in “Laughing Yoga,” which is worth the price of admission.

The Today Show’s Willard Scott is involved, Phyllis Diller delivers some zingers about senior citizen birth control and writer Ray Bradbury discusses the importance of passion. While this documentary wraps up on a somber note (dealing with Mark Wexler’s grief over the loss of his artist/mother), the closing credits conclude on an upbeat, optimistic note.

If How to Live Forever is a pep rally for life, then Buck is about quiet confidence needed to live an authentic life. Buck Brannaman served as a technical advisor to Robert Redford’s last western The Horse Whisperer. Brannaman is a traveling cowboy who “helps horses with people problems.”

Brannaman should know about “people problems.” A roping rodeo prodigy by age 8, Brannaman was also a victim of child abuse from his backstage drunken father.  Through self-discipline and hard work, Brannaman broke the circle of domestic violence and raised a well-adjusted daughter who is following in his footsteps.

The reviews for Buck have been mixed, divided between urban and rural critics. The rural reviews grasp the concept of cowboy stoicism, while urban critics find Buck superficial. Being conscious of one’s perspective is the key to understanding the true drama of this great documentary that focuses on the importance of the quiet moments of one’s authentic life.

 

*DBHS Reunion – Class of ‘81: Special rate of $79 available at Hilton Deerfield Beach (free shuttle service to and from Deer Creek Country Club). Call 1-800-624-3606, ask for group rate, make reservations before July 20, 2011)

 

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