Breathing Lessons

Overview

ACADEMY AWARD WINNER! According to Mark O'Brien, ""The two mythologies about disabled people break down to one: we can't do anything, or two: we can do everything. But the truth is, we're just human."" O'Brien was a frequently published journalist and poet, and a contributor to National Public Radio. He contracted polio in childhood and, due to post-polio syndrome, spent much of his life in an iron lung. Yet for more than forty years, he fought against illness, bureaucracy and society's conflicting perceptions of disability for his right to lead an independent life.Breathing Lessons breaks down barriers to understanding by presenting an honest and intimate portrait of a complex, intelligent, beautiful and interesting person, who happens to be disabled. Incorporating the vivid imagery of O'Brien's poetry, and his candid, wry and often profound reflections on work, sex, death and God, this provocative film asks: what makes a life worth living?

Guest Stars

Joyce Van Patten

Serena

Tim Guinee

Jesse

Jean Louisa Kelly

Daisy

Henry Jones

Sam

Debra Mooney

Mrs. Stuckey

James Garner

Ira Moran

Eileen Heckart

Mabel

Joanne Woodward

Maggie Moran