Topic: "LYMELIFE" MOVIE being released 4-09 making lyme a comedy???
Abxnomore
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posted
After all the hope of possibly having Oprah air a show about our suffering, I come across this review of a new film called "Lymelife".
From what I can tell it seems like a moronic movie using Lyme disease as a back drop and it's a comedy to boot! I'm fuming. I need your input because may be I'm misinterpreting this.
posted
Thank you for sharing this and this was what i posted in the comments for the movie:
This movie is trash and how dare they even use lyme in the title or joke about it in the movie. People are suffering and dying from Lyme disease. We are fighting a battle to spread the word and have this disease be taken seriously and here it is being turned into a joke. Shame on them. If you want to see a real film on lyme disease see "under our skin" and lets see how funny you think lyme disease is then.
-------------------- If you keep doing nothing...nothing changes!
Abxnomore
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posted
It's clearly billed as a comedy ("Filed under: Comedy, Drama, Indie,") and the review
clearly states in the last paragraph that the
film really isn't
about lyme. Read the review again and the other
links or google it for more input.
It may well be a good film, but proves what we
already know that few know about how serious this
illness is. It's making me really mad
Here's another excerpt from a different review"
Startling performances, searing dialogue and an archaeologist's sense of late '70s period detail power the violently funny "Lymelife." Named, a tad regrettably, for the paranoid condition of wood-tick-fearing middle-class Long Islanders, the second feature written by the Martini brothers, Steven and first-time director Derick, gradually reveals itself as a film about the pressures and consequences of upward mobility and ordinary adolescence. Intense perfs by Rory Culkin and Alec Baldwin are standouts in a movie that brims with vivid supporting turns. Cross-generational marketing ops make "Lymelife" a solid bet for specialty distribs seeking a leaner and meaner "American Beauty."
posted
This is the message I sent him on his myspace:
Why even use lyme in the title? Or joke about it in the movie? People are suffering and dying from Lyme disease. We are fighting a battle to spread the word and have this disease be taken seriously and here it is being turned into a joke. Shame on you. If you want to see a real film on lyme disease see "under our skin" and lets see how funny you think lyme disease is then.
"Much like the time period and the setting, Lyme disease plays a fairly significant role in certain aspects of the story, but Lymelife isn't a film about a disease any more than it's a film about the 70's or Long Island. The real story is about Scott, his family and the Bragg family and what they're going through. In that respect, the film has a certain timeless quality that I think will make it relatable to most audiences."
The difference is Steve that the film isn't called seventieslife, longIslandlife, it is called "lymelife." You may not realize it, but it is a slap in the face to those of us suffering from Lyme disease.
Sincerely, Ann Ehlers
-------------------- If you keep doing nothing...nothing changes!
The Dream Gala, one of the largest Lyme Disease fundraisers in the world will be held at the Hyatt Regency, in Greenwich, Connecticut. Proceeds from the Gala will go towards combating the devastating effects of Lyme and other tick borne illnesses.
Saturday, April 18, 2009 Hyatt Regency Greenwich, Greenwich, Connecticut 7:00pm
The star-studded cast and Director of the soon to be released award-winning movie "Lymelife" will be in attendance. Director Derick Martini and cast members Alec Baldwin, Emma Roberts, Rory Culkin, Kieran Culkin, Jill Hennessy, Cynthia Nixon and Timothy Hutton will be joining Nobel Laureate and Professor Luc Montagnier and actor Lou Diamond Phillips."
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Abxnomore
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Now I'm more confused than ever. If any one can get the scoop on this please do so. I think without
seeing the movie, although it looks like a slap in the face to me, it might be hard to know if we are
really misinterpreting it.
Anyone know anyone from Time for Lyme to get the real scoop? I don't think they would be honoring them if the movie is what we are thinking, yet it looks that way.
I think the Philly thing would be good too. I'm game if we think it's appropriate to organize but let's
try to get the facts straight first.
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Abxnomore
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JKMMCO9 thanks for posting that info.
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
abx, may i suggest you edit this to LYMELIFE MOVIE being released 4-09 making lyme a comedy!
now, you've got all our attention and we KNOW WHAT this is about. please use pencil, 3rd box to right of your name in 1st post, to open up subject line.
BIG THANKS; all our time is precious an we have to pick and chose.
my suggestion is contact andy a. wilson, producer of underourskin.org; you can contact them from their site!
i too was excited at 1st until i read the EARLY 70S when it had NOT been named yet, etc. i wrote my feelings on 1 of the reviews back then.
if you use search feature at top, type in name of film medical subject any date leave membership no. blank or show my no. 6147 as i'm sure i posted on EVERY post about this new film being released!
IRONIC, IT'S BEING SHOWN IN CONN. where lyme was named!!
would be nice to demonstrate outside of the theater to educate folks and pass out flyers/brochures, tick cards, etc! what do you all think?
it's going to take what we have currently accomplish and HOPE TO GET CONGRESS TO HEAR OUR LYME BILLS FOR ONCE!! and act on them.
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Abxnomore
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Betty, I changed the subject line, thanks.
I'm all for
organizing, protesting, handing out literature,
etc. in towns
where the film is being shown but I don't
understand
why "Time for Lyme" is honoring them. How can we
find out. Is there something here I don't
understand stand as the film clearly looks like
a slap in the face for those of us suffering from
Lyme.
Yet why would "time for Lyme" be honoring them?
Anyone who has any scoop on this, please post.
This seems like a perfect opportunity to have a
nation wide action alert in every town it is
shown to have the Lyme Community present handing
out literature bringing awareness to our cause.
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Tracy9
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Are we overreacting? This is the review I clicked on from the first post; I'm sorry but I fail to see from what they are saying here in any way how this is making fun of Lyme Disease:
The Film
A story about the dark side of suburban paradise and the loss of innocence centers on two deeply troubled, dysfunctional families during the late 1970s.
The film revolves around an awkward, sensitive 15-year old boy, Scott Bartlett (Rory Culkin), whose family life is turned upside-down after an outbreak of Lyme disease hits the community spreading illness and paranoia.
Scott's parents -- a workaholic father, Mickey (Alec Baldwin) and an overprotective mother, Brenda (Jill Hennessy) -- are on the verge of a divorce as his older brother Jim (Kieran Culkin) is about to ship off for war.
Complicating matters, Scott has fallen in love with his next door neighbor, Adrianna Bragg (Emma Roberts). Adrianna seems to be the only person in the world who understands Scott demonstrated by her equally troubled, less affluent family including an uptight mother, Melissa (Cynthia Nixon), carrying on a not-so-clandestine love affair, and a father, Charlie (Timothy Hutton), slowly slipping away from the effects of Lyme disease.
Both profoundly funny and deeply moving, Lymelife looks at first love and family dynamics during a time of drastic economic and cultural change.
***********************************************
There are TONS of movies about cancer, AIDS and other diseases that are both "profoundly funny and deeply moving." I think we are totally jumping the gun here and creating some mass hysteria we don't need.
No one has even seen the movie yet, and for Time For Lyme is embracing it, doesn't that say something right there????
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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Tracy9
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I don't know what your original title post was, but I think the one now is inappropriate and misleading.....and should just say "LymeLife Movie; Being Released 4/09." The statement "making Lyme a comedy" is so subjective and something we really have NO way of knowing at this point.
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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Tracy9
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From the second site you posted:
"We learn in the opening of the film that during this time on Long Island (and the surrounding tri-state area), the ticks have taken over and people are contracting Lyme disease left and right.
Scott's mother regularly duct tapes her son's clothes down to his wrists and neck in an effort to keep him from becoming some nasty deer tick's next meal.
We get to see what Lyme disease really does to a person through Charlie Bragg (Timothy Hutton), the father of Scott's friend and crush, Adrianna (Emma Roberts) and husband to Melissa (Cynthia Nixon).
Charlie has the disease and it's caused him to spend most of his days hiding out in the basement obsessing over deer while Melissa and Adrianna believe he's in the city trying to get a job. "
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Tracy9
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And from the third link:
"...when a director can make you laugh and feel something for the characters at the same time, that takes a certain level of talent...I've heard good things about this debut film Lymelife, which premiered last year at TIFF and also played at Sundance this year.
Set in Long Island during the 1970s, the story focuses on two families struggling to deal with economic hardships and an outbreak of Lyme disease.
With a cast that includes Alec Baldwin, Jill Hennessy, Emma Roberts, Cynthia Nixon, Timothy Hutton and both Keiran and Rory Culkin, plus an executive producer credit from Martin Scorsese, it certainly looks like it has potential.
The trailer indicates that it is a coming-of-age story balancing both humour and family tension. Lymelife hits select theatres on April 8th."
I am sorry to be coming off like I am on a soapbox here, but we have so much to worry about already, creating a false panic and seeing people's energies going into protesting a film they know nothing about seems extremely counterproductive.
I don't see anywhere where they are making Light of Lyme disease except in the character's obsession of deer....and let me tell you, that is no joke. How many of us do the SAME THING????
It appears to me that this film might actually bring some real awareness about the disease to a great many people....and how is that not a good thing?
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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Abxnomore
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I am trying to find out exactly what this film is
really about. Most of the reviews list it as a comedy/drama and it appears that Lyme is a back drop
that the film really is not about Lyme. However, since I have now learned that Time for Lyme is having a gala for them we need to find out what's the
real scoop. From looking at the trailer and reading many reviews it does not look to me at all
as thou it is a serious film about the plight of Lyme suffers but I just don't know. I appreciate
your input. Clearly we need more info and probably will have to see the film to really made a judgment.
However, having an open discussion may shed some more light on our understanding of this film,until it is actually released and it can be seen.
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Tracy9
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Sorry to be so adamant about this, but here is another review:
"Lymelife is a coming-of-age story that takes another look at the darker side of suburban paradise: Long Island in the 1970's, where Lyme Disease spread by local insects and carried by its picturesque deer is the new plague, and families who thought they'd finally "made it" are afraid of their own backyards.
Scott's mother, Brenda (Hennessy), fears that her son might catch the dreaded Lyme Disease, and sees that her marriage to philandering Mickey is on the rocks."
I have read all the reviews and watched all the trailers, and I do NOT see in any way how this movie is "making fun of Lyme disease."
It appears to me that it might be a helpful form of some education and awareness. Why are we jumping all over this, planning protests, and leaving nasty messages on comment threads and myspace pages?
I worry that these are the types of things that make Lyme Patients look disorganized and impulsive, to say the least.
No one should be forming any opinion without having seen the movie, at the very least!!!
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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Tracy9
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No one has EVER said it is a serious film about the plight of Lyme Sufferers. This is NOT "Under our Skin."
It is a drama with some comedy, like most movies are, but has Lyme disease as a part of the movie. I think this is great for getting the word out. This movie could be a big hit, and could get a lot more awareness out there about the dangers of ticks and how devastating the disease is.
The film does not have to be all about Lyme Disease to accomplish that, nor has it ever claimed to be all about Lyme Disease. It is a drama and Lyme Disease is one of the components in the film.
Is there anything wrong with that, other than that the title is a little overkill? But if that is the case, isn't it overkill in our favor, as far as getting the word out goes?
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Abxnomore
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I think the only one who is overreacting is YOU.
No one is doing anything yet. We are having a
discussion trying to determine if this is a situation that may require our attention. We
are not sure yet and may well be wrong. I will
contact Time for Lyme to see what I can learn and
will see the film, as well. Until them, you probably should calm down.
At the very least, it still may be an opportunity for the Lyme community to be present at showings
to hand out literature to bring about Lyme awareness, even if it is a film that supports our
position. The more exposure we get the better. It's never a bad thing to educate the public.
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I saw the trailor and it looked like a really well done film. I don't think they are making fun of lyme in any way shape or form. I think it will be dramatic, uplifting, heart wrenching, and funny... There are movies about AiDS, Cancer, Mental retardation.Etc., .. Lyme should be NO different. Yes, those diseases are known and more understood but still they make movies everyday about them and NO one goes out with sign to protest as far as I know.
I got upset at first too, but then I saw the trailor and thought about it.... This is awareness and it is being done tastefully I think. Tracy is right , this isn't "under our skin" ... it's another take and I think they are ALL important.
You have to have an ounce of laughter for every tear. I for one will go and see it in the movie theatre... Maybe Tracy can come with me!!
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Vermont_Lymie
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I think the info that Tracy posted shows that the movie has some sensitivity to the topic. A lyme group would not be featuring them at a fundraising event if that was not the case.
Remember, a movie is an entertainment product designed to make money. We live in a market economy. It is not a documentary like Under Our Skin, but that does not mean that it is necessarily bad.
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Abxnomore
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Points well taken. As I said, when it was posted that "Time For Lyme" was honoring the film I suggested this needed further investigation.
I am planning on seeing the film, as well. That's the only way to really know if this film is sensitive toward Lyme. From viewing the trailer, I did not get that sense and of course I understand this film is not a documentary and it is not "Under Your Skin".
I am a huge Indie film fan and have a good appreciation of the different genres of good cinema.
Still, there is never any thing wrong with a healthy discussion.
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Tracy9
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quote:Originally posted by Abxnomore: I think the only one who is overreacting is YOU.
No one is doing anything yet. We are having a
discussion trying to determine if this is a situation that may require our attention. We
are not sure yet and may well be wrong. I will
contact Time for Lyme to see what I can learn and
will see the film, as well. Until them, you probably should calm down.
At the very least, it still may be an opportunity for the Lyme community to be present at showings
to hand out literature to bring about Lyme awareness, even if it is a film that supports our
position. The more exposure we get the better. It's never a bad thing to educate the public.
I apologize if I seemed to be overreacting. It just seemed like people (not just you, more the other posts) were jumping all over this, commenting on blogs, etc without having any real information. I wouldn't say "no one is doing anything yet" when posters said they were leaving comments about the film on websites....and actively trying to plan demonstrations at specific sites.
I worry about these things making us look like a bunch of loonies. We've had enough of that.
I'm not trying to judge the film, just asking people to step back and be reasonable. I don't think I'm overreacting, and I'm certainly calm. I have much bigger things to worry about then this.
I was simply trying to step up and make an effort to stop the possibly unfounded hysteria that was brewing here.
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disturbedme
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I also think it's a waste of a movie. The trailer for it is the worst trailer I've ever seen. It's as if just a bunch of people (and not an actual producer, etc.) tried putting a movie together. The trailer is confusing and fast paced and there's no real 'theme'... that, and there's only like ONE time it ever mentions lyme. It's just stupid. Even more stupid is they actually named it LYMElife when it's barely about lyme at all...
I'm not mad about it or anything like some here, I just think it is a VERY stupid movie... and it makes no sense to me why they chose THIS title. I'm sure it will go straight to DVD and so most people will never see the movie anyway...
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Abxnomore
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We were discussing protests if it was deemed necessary. If some posted on blogs, so be it. Perhaps, they will get feedback that they are wrong but it's really not a big deal in the scheme of things.
We cannot control everyone's behavior. This has been a constant problem in the Lyme community.
Every one will have different ideas and different approaches. So far, except for a few posts on some movie sites, no harm has been done.
If you want to be constructive, contact Time for Lyme and get their take on the movie. Obviously, they think it supports the Lyme community as they
would not be honoring the film. At least I hope that is the case.
Then you can report something concrete and definitive.
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Abxnomore
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Anyone can organize to hand out literature when it comes to their town. Yes, no matter if it is a
good or bad movie we can still educate the public
about this illness. It's a perfect place to do it.
Personally, after viewing the trailer I agree with
Disturbedme. It looks like a very misguided, unfocused film that won't get great reviews.
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posted
I guess I like those "misguided, unfocused films" and have a different take on what a "good" movie is. But thats not what this is about so I will leave it at that.
To each their own.
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kelmo
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I saw a trailer when Alec Baldwin was on Conan O'Brien. Timothy Hutton says, "Something so small...and my life will never be the same".
Not a comedy. Sometimes they will bill it as a comedy to get people in to see it. If the rest of the movie is anything like the clip they showed, I thought it gave the first real perception of Lyme Disease.
I hope so.
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Tracy9
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Oh, I thought you said you were going to contact Time for Lyme. I think that would be a great idea and will wait for your input. No reason for two of us to do it....I'm sure they are busy.
I appreciate your ideas and efforts around that, I think it is the perfect way to go about finding out more about all of this.
With a very sick child, hubby with a new PICC line from yesterday, and need to go to hospital myself today to get Heplock placed, I sure appreciate your time in handling this.
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posted
Kelmo, I also liked that line.. It actually bought tears to my eyes because it is something I say to myself all the time. I think it will be a good movie but that is just my opinion.
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posted
I saw it last week at a screening. The movie is barely about Lyme at all - one of the side characters is suffering from Lyme. They do make him out to be more "eccentric" however than a victim of a debilitating disease. They show him a lot hiding in his basement and the sound effect is a ringing in ears. For some reason, he has the TV on a snowy channel that makes more white noise (I don't know why someone would do this if they tinnitus).
His wife at one point says, (paraphrasing) "If he had been in a car accident, or some sort work related injury, I would understand, but LYME DISEASE?" and then she laughs like Lyme disease is sort of a made up disease.
Weirdly, the film takes place in 1979 when Lyme disease (tell me if I'm wrong here was barely even know or recognized by the public). Its VERY VERY poorly titled, I'd say about ten minutes of the whole film is about Lyme.
Overall, Lyme is used as a metaphor for the "diseased" suburbs, where people's relationships wither and die. I am a member of the press and I got a thirty page breakdown from the director/writer/actors, etc. and the writer and director never once mentioned why they used Lyme as a motif in the breakdown. So I would guess no one he knows has Lyme.
All in all, I was sort of disappointed by how they made the character with Lyme disease into more of an eccentric guy than a victim (as I said above),but let's be clear - they DO NOT use Lyme disease as a means of comedy. They don't lampoon this guy or make fun of him in any way. The audience feels sympathethic towards him.
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Abxnomore
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Thanks for your input. This was exactly my impression based on my research and watching
various trailers. This is why I was shocked when I was informed that Time for Lyme is honoring the film.
This line "I would understand, but LYME DISEASE?" and then she laughs like Lyme disease is sort of a made up disease" really stuck in my head and really spoke to me.
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posted
Abxnomore-- HOW many of our family members or friends or doctors have said to us "Oh LYME disease, c'mon it's no like you have cancer".
My doctor DID say that to me and I will never forget the hurt and anger I felt.
I think that line is very powerful. It shows how ignorant some people can be to the suffering of people who have lyme disease.
If you look at it that way it really changes things.
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posted
I meant to mention that the wife character, who says that line, is depicted throughout the movie as very shallow. So its definitely a way that the filmmakers are sympathizing with the community, not mocking it at all.
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Abxnomore
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True, but if you read the what the prior poster wrote who actually saw the film she said the film was hardly about Lyme at all and that is what I initially suggested. I think that is the
main issue. Did you read what she wrote?
I have written two emails to two separate emails at Time for Lyme and hope they respond. I will also call them when it gets a bit later. I will see this film myself and make my own assessment, but if this film merely uses
Lyme as a back drop and as she points out makes the Lyme sufferer look eccentric rather than a victim of an untold epidemic than I will decide based on having seen the film if I find it offensive.
If I do, I will be at every theater in my town handing out literature and correcting any misinformation that may be portrayed in the film.
I have suffered much too long, as you all have, to have some film maker use this illness in a frivolous way to entertain the public and make $$$ in the process.
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posted
I think you have every right to do what you think is best...
My only issue with this (not you) is that people with many illnesses get portrayed in movies in a way that they may feel is not suited to them/illness... Maybe we should stop making movies about Cancer, AIDS, Mental illness, Etc... No one ever has a say in how they are being potrayed... What makes lyme different?
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Abxnomore
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WHAT MAKES LYME DIFFERENT??? I'm surprised I have to answer that. All the other illnesses you mentioned are recognized by the medical system and society and they get help, treatment and insurance pays for their treatment. They are not regarded as loonies and chronic complainers.
It's pretty simple. Here we are having our lives destroyed, struggling because the IDSA is playing politics with our lives for over twenty years and you ask what makes Lyme different.
If my illness is going to be misrepresented or possibly made light of in a film, as well, I'm going to make my voice heard.
Having said that,I won't be able to verify the above statement until I see the film.
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posted
Good thread great information, I am going to see the movie its looks like its good and it will be nice to see actors everyone know touch one a disease I am so familiar with.
Even if it is in a funny way as long as they are not making fun I believe I will appreciate it. :-)
-------------------- When the going gets tough. . . I'll keep fighting! Ms. Geet3721
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Well I am not stupid and KNOW how horrible this illness is... I have suffered and so has my son. I know first hand what this illness does, I know the controversy. I suffered bedridden for 2 years unable to take care of myself or my children. So yes I KNOW all about it.
We already have a movie out there for us "Under our skin" and the new movie that Disturbed talked about
Obviously we have different ideas and opinions and that is fine, it's what makes us individuals.
I really cannot make any more comments until I see the movie for myself.
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METALLlC BLUE
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Member # 6628
posted
Great debate here. I can see both sides. My position is it looks like a good film with Lyme Disease being a poorly understood brand new illness as part of the carnage of suburban life during that time period living on Long Island. The disease is merely a consummation of the movies real theme -- which isn't Lyme Disease.
It takes place in 1979 folks, it's not going to talk about "understanding" Lyme when they hadn't even discovered the infection yet. I'm sure the staff did their homework on the disease. They would be insane not to with this type of casting and directing. It's simply that they're making a film, they aren't entering the debate.
I am sure Time For Lyme and other advocacy groups are preparing to educate people as they enter the movie. Contact your local group in your area to find out how they're approaching the film and which direction they're going to make it a positive issue. Lymenet has a list of local support groups for the United States and some other countries -- I think -- on their main page. Get involved in using this as an opportunity for positive change rather than condemning the movie. It's already been made. That's my point of view.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
posted
Great points MB!! Thats what I was trying to get across but couldn't word it right because I am having very bad cognitive issues... Everything comes out wrong lately or I just cannot find the right words to say ( and I forget words all the time)
-------------------- "You'll be surprised to know how far you can go from the point you thought it was the end" Posts: 946 | From Massachusetts | Registered: Apr 2008
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Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936
posted
OK, I had a telephone conversation with from someone from
"Time for Lyme". It was a very "PR" ish type of
discussion. She said the film is an artful film
that is really a coming of age film with lyme as
the back drop involving two dysfunctional families. It is not a film about Lyme disease.
She described it as having a "Lyme angle". She
said did not come away learning any thing new about
lyme but that was already clear that that was not the intent of the film.
When I asked why "Time For Lyme" was having the cast from this film at the Gala she mentioned how
they would not be the only people at the event and rattled off a whole bunch of other people who
would also be part of the gala. I think they understand that this film barely touches on the subject of lyme, that Lyme is just used as a back
drop but if having the cast there can help bring awareness and raise money, that is their main objective.
So, I think we all have to see the film for ourselves and make our own determination if we feel if there is any thing in the film that is offensive to the Lyme
Community. Hopefully not but it seems to me given all I have read and combined with my telephone discussion that the producers did not
go out of there way to get any factual information about Lyme disease and
incorporate it into their film to make it a better, more informative film.
Posts: 5191 | From Lyme Zone | Registered: Jan 2009
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posted
I don't think they were trying to make an Informative film. I think they were just making a film about people's dysfunctional lives who happened to be afflicted with lyme.
I am glad you called though and maybe the big names will help to raise money or awareness!
-------------------- "You'll be surprised to know how far you can go from the point you thought it was the end" Posts: 946 | From Massachusetts | Registered: Apr 2008
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