When André Ricciardi turned 50, his best friend Lee suggested they get a colonoscopy together, but André surprised him by declining. Eighteen months later, after noticing blood in his stools, André did go for a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
Director Tony Benna had always wanted to make a documentary about André, who was known for his wild stories and antics. He eventually convinced André to let him make a film about him, which turned out to be both hilarious and heartbreaking. The documentary features a series of wacky adventures, including André's attempts to clone Kim Kardashian's DNA, pulling splinters from his penis after a masturbation experiment gone wrong, and pitching a TV show called "Who Wants to Kill Me?" in which contestants compete to finish him off in imaginative ways.
Despite the film's many comedic moments, it also tackles some serious themes, such as André's struggles with cancer and his relationships. He has two daughters who are unsure of how he wants them to react emotionally, but ultimately come together with Lee to support him.
The documentary features stop-motion animation to recreate some scenes and a voiceover from André himself, who is candid about his diagnosis and treatment. It also highlights the emotional support provided by Janice, André's girlfriend at the time, and Peter, André's therapist, who helps him confront difficult emotions.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is its impact on audiences. Benna has said that people came up to him after screenings and told him that they wished they'd seen it when they'd been diagnosed with cancer themselves, because it would have helped them feel less afraid and more connected. The documentary has even led to an increase in colonoscopies, saving countless lives.
In the end, André's film is a testament to his irreverent humor and creativity, as well as his capacity for love and connection. As Lee said when André passed away, "The best years of my life" – a phrase that captured the essence of their time together.
Director Tony Benna had always wanted to make a documentary about André, who was known for his wild stories and antics. He eventually convinced André to let him make a film about him, which turned out to be both hilarious and heartbreaking. The documentary features a series of wacky adventures, including André's attempts to clone Kim Kardashian's DNA, pulling splinters from his penis after a masturbation experiment gone wrong, and pitching a TV show called "Who Wants to Kill Me?" in which contestants compete to finish him off in imaginative ways.
Despite the film's many comedic moments, it also tackles some serious themes, such as André's struggles with cancer and his relationships. He has two daughters who are unsure of how he wants them to react emotionally, but ultimately come together with Lee to support him.
The documentary features stop-motion animation to recreate some scenes and a voiceover from André himself, who is candid about his diagnosis and treatment. It also highlights the emotional support provided by Janice, André's girlfriend at the time, and Peter, André's therapist, who helps him confront difficult emotions.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is its impact on audiences. Benna has said that people came up to him after screenings and told him that they wished they'd seen it when they'd been diagnosed with cancer themselves, because it would have helped them feel less afraid and more connected. The documentary has even led to an increase in colonoscopies, saving countless lives.
In the end, André's film is a testament to his irreverent humor and creativity, as well as his capacity for love and connection. As Lee said when André passed away, "The best years of my life" – a phrase that captured the essence of their time together.
I just watched this documentary about André Ricciardi and it's honestly so emotional 
I mean, who would've thought that someone as wild as him could also be so vulnerable? But what really got me is how his story can actually save lives 
Like, people are saying they wish they'd seen it when they were diagnosed too... it's like a breath of fresh air, you know? The way the film balances humor and heartbreak is just genius 
I'm also loving that it highlights the power of friendship and love 
Lee, Janice, and Peter - they're all so underrated in this documentary. Anyway, I think we can all learn from André's attitude towards life... even when faced with something as scary as cancer 
. I mean, André's story is wild and entertaining, but at the same time, it's super emotional and shows us that cancer isn't just a number on a test result, it's people's lives 
. It's like, we should all be more like Janice and Peter, who are there to support André through thick and thin 
. Anyway, it's definitely a movie that'll stick with you after it ends 
...
I'm literally blown away by this docu! It's so sad to see André go through all that cancer drama, but at the same time, I'm amazed by his spirit and humor. 
The animation scenes are insane, like who tries cloning Kim K's DNA lol? 
And the voiceover part is super honest, it gives me chills thinking about how open he was about his diagnosis. 
But what really gets me is how this film has helped so many people, like literally saving lives with more colonoscopies done because of it. That's some powerful stuff right there! 
The stop-motion animation and the therapy sessions add a whole other layer to the story too... I need to watch this doc ASAP! 
I'm not buying it... how did they get the footage of André's masturbation experiment gone wrong to make into a comedy clip? 
that stuff is private and messed up. And what's with the "Who Wants to Kill Me?" TV show idea? sounds like some messed up therapy experiment. 
I need to see more sources on this documentary and its impact before I give it my full approval... seems too good (or bad?) to be true 