Love, Antosha

Elchin was at something of a career crossroads at the time of his death. Always conscious of his own mortality - the average life expectancy for someone with cystic fibrosis is roughly half that of a healthy person - and increasingly uncomfortable with the "rising star" tag that had stuck to him for a bit too long, he seemed to be edging away from blockbusters and more toward the esoteric, taking roles in low-budget short films and indies, as well as writing a script called "Travis" that he hoped to direct. Where his third act would have taken him is anyone's guess, but that's the most bittersweet takeaway of the film: It could have been just about anywhere.

A documentary that achieved its goal easily; to share with the audience the memories left behind by a great young man tragically taken from us to become a member of the infamous 27 Club; but more importantly, to get us to appreciate him, care about him both personally and professionally (as much as those of us who were never able to meet him in person can), and to pay homage to the positive difference he made in the film industry and to those he loved the most. From his touching hand written letters to his "Mamoola" to his Hollywood colleagues tearing up as they share memories of him; from the inevitably heart wrenching discussion of his struggle with cystic fibrosis to his forays into becoming a talented musician and part time photographer of the more lewd populations of Los Angeles; and of course a further exploration of his philosophies as an actor and as a person, to inhabit his roles fully, to push the limits of his performances, his more academically oriented obsession with film studies, all culminating in the tragically unfinished development of what was to be his directorial debut, "Travis" (homage to Taxi), these 90 minutes felt intimate and it was a privilege to be privy to the "behind the scenes" of a charismatic actor.

The only issue is that as a tribute, this documentary very quickly became what is called a hagiography, where nothing but the very best aspects of a person are shared. Maybe this is the compassionate way to do it; no need to further hurt his loved ones by bringing up the negatives. And it is not lying, it is only choosing to see the good parts. Right?

For a cynic like me, unfortunately, what it left me with was, yes, a greater appreciation for who this man was, but I question whether it was really a better understanding of the great Anton Yelchin. A better understanding of his positive aspects, which should not be minimized in any way, definitely. But what about his less than saintly feelings and moments and parts and thoughts? The realistic mind must wonder what his flaws were, so that there can be a more complete picture. This is not to say that his praise would be any less. On the contrary. Flaws are what makes someone human. And mortal.

Rest In Peace.

Anton Yelchin didn't let his congenital disorder define his short life! Being an intelligent and curious person from his childhood Anton grew up seeking knowledge and experience. I'm sure his life was more fulfilling at 27 than most lives are at 77.

I found this film a bit heavy on the sentimental side and not enough on his life experience. But altogether we are given a peek into a person who wanted to live and brighten the lives of others without bringing his own problems to the surface.

Give it a look!

When an actor becomes associated with a major franchise, it's easy to lose sight of who they are outside that specific framework, and of other work that they've done. At the time that Anton Yelchin starred as Pavel Chekhov in J. J. Abrams' 'Star Trek' in 2009, I wasn't otherwise familiar with him, and it seemed like he came out of nowhere to become a household name. The truth, I would later come to discover, is that by that point he was already pretty solidly established as a child actor. Watching 'Love, Antosha' is very much an extension of that feeling of discovery, as we get a very intimate portrait of who Yelchin was on-screen and beyond. The viewing experience is rather just as I had expected: it's a little sad, somewhat serving as a time capsule in light of his death at only 27 years of age, but also unmistakably warm and touching as friends, family, and coworkers fondly reflect on the person they knew. As a matter of personal preference this documentary may not be for everyone, but it's strongly enchanting of its own merits and very much worth checking out.

I deeply admire the work poured into this from all involved. The picture owes much to its director, producers, cinematographer, and editor - and to Nicolas Cage, whose narration and reading of Yelchin's writings is surprisingly affecting. More to the point, thoguh, 'Love, Antosha' is indisputably a passion project, a labor of love, for all those who contributed to it. The interviews, the home videos, the amateur movies, the photos, the film clips and behind-the-scenes footage, the archival footage - the number of people who helped to give form to this feature speaks volumes about Yelchin's magnetic personality, and the effect he had on those around him. By all means, the portrait that emerges of the man evokes a series of specific descriptors: artistic, creative, imaginative, ambitious; a devoted son, a caring friend, a hard-working yet refreshing coworker; emotive, empathetic, self-aware. He was someone who loved movies, and loved making movies, but who outside cinema also had a terrifically vibrant energy about him. And through it all, unknown to almost anyone except those closest to him, he also battled with chronic illness.

One can only lament that Yelchin died so young and tragically - the immense heart and intelligence with which he approached his career specifically, but all of life generally, is wonderfully endearing. Maybe he'd have been one of those actors to decide he'd had enough of the industry, and walked away from it; maybe he'd have been someone that kept working as long as he possibly could. The "what if's" are ponderous. What is certain, however, is that 'Love, Antosha' leaves us with feelings that we wish it could have been longer still, and that we should educate ourselves on whatever films of Yelchin's we haven't yet had the opportunity to watch. Though attended to first and foremost with wholehearted affection, this picture was made no less so with a tremendous amount of care, shaping the material into an ordered form that traces the actor's life and career and in so doing makes the sum of it all even more impactful. Whether one is an especial fan of Yelchin or just an ardent cinephile, this is a splendid, beautiful tribute that's well worth watching.

Wow. This is a bio of a truly incredible young man. I've seen a little of his work, only bits and pieces, so I didn't think I would be as interested as I was but the story of his career and his relationship with this parents is one of a kind. It is a sentimental film, but it would be hard not to be with all the amazing things he did.

EDIT: It's been about six weeks since I saw this. I keep thinking of it every so often, of how well he was loved by those around him, and how much he poured out in everything he did. I aspire to love my child as fully as his parents loved him.