I was struck watching this movie, how much the people who had been left behind were affected by their father's *amnesia*. They were no longer children, but were still so deeply impacted by the loss of their father. The message that people have the right to make these choices, to live as they choose is an abdication of personal responsibility. It was OK for him, but what was he doing to his wives and his families? The suffering he inflicted on them through it all is not all right. Not a lot different from people who choose to walk away from their families for the myriad of other reasons they can give. It is time to begin to live a bit differently, and put the needs of others before our own desires to have what we want, esp. when it concerns our own families. It was an impacting and interesting film, but also very sad. I would have liked to have seen a bit more resolution in the end though. I wouldn't call it enjoyable, more like haunting.
5 Reviews
As time goes by
The_Boxing_Cat23 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I find it hard to believe that it would be possible for someone to pull off faking amnesia for so many years. Even his sister who always had a close loving relationship with him has been forgotten.
IF he were faking it, that in of itself seems like a form mental illness.
Some people were just nasty, like his step son Steve. He said Richard couldn't hold down a job because he didn't roll over and agreed with his bosses, but when one considers that he company he was working for was brought up on charges for illegally activities- CAN YOU BLAME HIM? I wonder about people like Steve, if his boss asked him to cover up a crime or commit murder, would he? The mind is such a mystery and no one knows what it's like to be Richard.
I understand how devastating and frustrating it is for his family.
Some people were just nasty, like his step son Steve. He said Richard couldn't hold down a job because he didn't roll over and agreed with his bosses, but when one considers that he company he was working for was brought up on charges for illegally activities- CAN YOU BLAME HIM? I wonder about people like Steve, if his boss asked him to cover up a crime or commit murder, would he? The mind is such a mystery and no one knows what it's like to be Richard.
I understand how devastating and frustrating it is for his family.
Winner of the 2008 IDFA Special Jury Award
sue-5367 April 2009
Each year red jet films of Seattle attends IDFA – International Documentary Festival Amsterdam. In November 2008, two Americans now living in Berlin - Directors Rick Minnich and Matt Sweetwood, produced my personal favorite and winner of the IDFA Special Jury Award - "Forgetting Dad".
"One week after a seemingly harmless car accident, a 45-year-old man loses his memory. He christens himself "New Richard" and begins a new life with a new wife far away from his old family. Sixteen years later, his filmmaker son Rick Minnich returns to investigate why his father's memory never returned."
My husband Jeff and I got to spend several moments with Rick and Matt after the world premiere of "Forgetting Dad". Although Rick now lives in Berlin, his story begins in California – where he grew up – and ends in a tiny town in Oregon. All the more interesting for us since we've ridden our Harley to each and every spot that the story takes place and unfolds.
"Forgetting Dad" is a beautifully produced, well told story of one man's journey to find answers to questions that have haunted him and his family since amnesia took his Father from them. I walked away reminded once again of the fragility of life, of perceptions and misperceptions, family dynamics, secrets, dysfunction - and that life is not delivered to us wrapped up in a neat, tidy, uncomplicated little package.
It has been about four months since I had the pleasure of seeing this movie – and am surprised that I still think about it on a weekly basis. It is definitely worth the time to seek out and watch "Forgetting Dad".
"One week after a seemingly harmless car accident, a 45-year-old man loses his memory. He christens himself "New Richard" and begins a new life with a new wife far away from his old family. Sixteen years later, his filmmaker son Rick Minnich returns to investigate why his father's memory never returned."
My husband Jeff and I got to spend several moments with Rick and Matt after the world premiere of "Forgetting Dad". Although Rick now lives in Berlin, his story begins in California – where he grew up – and ends in a tiny town in Oregon. All the more interesting for us since we've ridden our Harley to each and every spot that the story takes place and unfolds.
"Forgetting Dad" is a beautifully produced, well told story of one man's journey to find answers to questions that have haunted him and his family since amnesia took his Father from them. I walked away reminded once again of the fragility of life, of perceptions and misperceptions, family dynamics, secrets, dysfunction - and that life is not delivered to us wrapped up in a neat, tidy, uncomplicated little package.
It has been about four months since I had the pleasure of seeing this movie – and am surprised that I still think about it on a weekly basis. It is definitely worth the time to seek out and watch "Forgetting Dad".
A brilliant film
Adesimba14 April 2011
I'm so glad I got to attend a screening of "Forgetting Dad" a couple nights ago. I'm not one to wax hyperbolic; I really think the film is brilliant.
All the layering, all the unfolding, the carefully orchestrated emotion, the dead-ends, the mystery, and the resolution, such as it was... At several points I thought, Okay, the film will wrap up shortly - only to be pleasurably surprised when yet another unexpected turn is made, and another layer is artfully unpeeled.
The story is told with just the right mix of pathos, humor, punches, vulnerability, and unanswered questions. I love the dead-ends - they are part of what keep the film still very much in my mind, where I continue to chew on it.
All the layering, all the unfolding, the carefully orchestrated emotion, the dead-ends, the mystery, and the resolution, such as it was... At several points I thought, Okay, the film will wrap up shortly - only to be pleasurably surprised when yet another unexpected turn is made, and another layer is artfully unpeeled.
The story is told with just the right mix of pathos, humor, punches, vulnerability, and unanswered questions. I love the dead-ends - they are part of what keep the film still very much in my mind, where I continue to chew on it.
What a story to be told!!
katslzoo3 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Im believing this all to be a TRUE STORY!! While listening and watching and adding my own diagnosis.(I'm just analytical)..I was so surprised even though their feelings saddened because of his appearance, it was anticlimactic for me! I felt as Justin did to confront his Dad with the knowledge that they were onto his WHOLE scheme
and how they felt to release and leave it there was a misfortune!! Maybe you had to be there? I pray for the family he left behind and the woman he is with. Maybe she too has an expiration!?!
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