The Ecstasy of Wilko Johnson
classified 15Please note: This was screened in Aug 2015
A terminal cancer diagnosis proves more liberating than traumatic for the legendary rock-guitarist Wilko Johnson in Julien Temple’s (Oil City Confidential, Glastonbury) freeform documentary. Both joyful and thoughtful, this is Temple's second film about the ex-leader of Dr. Feelgood. Wilko’s unexpectedly buoyant response to very bad news makes for a film about saying goodbye that is without grief, fear or regret.
Johnson was in his mid-60s, when he discovered he had inoperable pancreatic cancer — and a life expectancy of about 10 months. Having recently buried his wife of some 40 years, and as yet feeling fine (he forgoes chemo), he checks off a couple of bucket-list items: a last trip to Japan, and finally recording a long-discussed album with old friend Roger Daltry. Then he has time to enjoy his beloved Canvey Island in Essex and heightened, near-euphoric sense of awareness he’s experienced since his diagnosis, saying, “The idea that death is really imminent makes you realise what a wonderful thing it is to be alive” which taps into something profound, even transcendental.
Whimsical without being silly, this film is delightfully alive, inventive and droll, very much like its unassuming subject, and its perspective on terminal illness is a rare tonic. Humbling, ethereal, strangely uplifting viewing.