Gleason

Gleason

An uncompromising and often unglamorous documentary, that is both a tough watch and a truly uplifting one; against all the odds, Gleason is one of the years must see-films and without doubt, one of the year's most moving movie experiences. Documenting the life of ex-NFL line-backer Steve Gleason, as the husband and soon to be father is diagnosed with the life threatening ALS disease, director Clay Tweel with help from producer and King of Kong helmer Seth Gordon have found themselves with unprecedented access to showcase the terrible nature of ALS and access also to the power of the human spirit and the love between family, in particular the bond between a father and his child and a husband and his wife. Surrounded by a plethora of likable and sincere human beings that is headlined by Steve's wife Michel, whose relationship with Steve is the heart and soul of this film, Steve himself is a figure we instantly can connect with. His down to earth nature and balanced views on life making him a fascinating subject matter as well as a haunting example of a human beings existence cruelled by the harsh realities of the cards they have been dealt. Fuelled by his desire to help others, live his life to the fullest, whilst he still is able to and most importantly driven to give his child a part of himself he will soon no longer be able to give by using a series of extensive video diaries that vary from something seemingly simplistic like how to make a camp fire right down to the meaning behind one's life, Gleason shows himself to be a subject worthy of much praise and a subject not afraid to shine a light on a condition that sometimes would be much easier emotionally to pass over entirely. Never once feeling manipulative, Tweel and various others that helped bring this year's in the making project to fruition capture ALS in its warts and all nature. It makes Gleason a raw and real feature, but one that's all the better for it. From Steve's slowly deteriorating physical condition from one time pro-athlete to barely being able to walk, his gradual trouble to talk, right through to loss of bodily functions, Gleason never once shy's away from the horrors Steve and his family and friends faced but it's how the best of human nature comes through within these times of darkness that makes Gleason so special, a reaffirmation for many that the best of the human spirit trumps everything else. Final Say – Gleason will deliver to the viewer various emotional punches that will stay with them long after the credits have rolled. This powerful, uplifting and insightful documentary on a family of real life heroes is one of the most touching films of recent times and one that will have you in not only tears of sadness, but tears also of pure unbridled joy. 5 real-life heroes out of 5

My wife and I found this on Amazon Prime streaming films. She bailed on it about 30 minutes from the end in a particularly difficult scene. It pulls no punches, we get to see exactly what a person goes through in the first few years after early symptoms appear and the diagnosis is made. The subject is Steve Gleason who, after highly successful school and college athletics found himself playing standout pro football for the New Orleans Saints. He was rough and tough, also very intelligent, and seemed to never quit. At age 34 he started having some unusual symptoms and shortly was diagnosed with ALS. (As an aside I just watched 'Concussion' which deals with CTE caused by head trauma that long-time football players experience so I immediately wondered if it could also trigger ALS. The research is ongoing but so far experts in the fields have no evidence of a link.) Most of the film takes place in New Orleans, Steve married Michel Varisco, she of course has a key role in his life and in this documentary. I used to live in the New Orleans area and I recognize Varisco as a genuine family name for that area. Michel was always an energetic and happy person, and for the most part remains that way, but as the film progresses you can see the stress she experiences. When Steve received his diagnosis and his prognosis, not good, he and Michel were determined to have a child, and the result is a boy, Rivers, who it seems inherited most of his physical features from his mom. Much of the film is Steve leaving video for his son so that he will be able to see dad as he was before being debilitated by the disease. Plus the film covers Steve's work to form the foundation that among other things raises money for ALS research, and to lobby Congress for proper medical coverage for ALS victims. It is not a pretty picture, to see a formerly elite athlete deal with his quick degeneration into helplessness, but it does show how one can deal with it, and perhaps a reminder to all that life is precious, always live it as if today were your last. Don't take life, health, and relationships for granted. Steve's dad, Mike Gleason, also had a key role as related to father-son relationships.

Every so often you see something that puts life in perspecpctive. This is the one. You watch this and come away reflecting on how you live, what you're doing with your life, and how your friends and family fit in with everything. I didn't have a clue who Steve is or what he'd done in the lead up to his ALS diagnosis, but I just watched this on a crowded plane and tried hard to hide the tears (not sure I succeeded!). Steve has achieved so much! Whilst ALS has changed his life drastically, he's fought and pushed hard to make a difference. Having said that, I don't think enough can be said for his wife, Michele, and what she's worked through- a new born and then growing son while her husband becomes more and more dependant in her- an amazing lady! Great movie. Watch it!

'GLEASON': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five) A documentary about former football star Steve Gleason, and his battle with ALS. The film covers five years of Gleason's life, as he battles the horrendous disease with the help of his wife and family. It was directed by Clay Tweel, and it heavily features footage of Steve, his wife Michel Rae Varisco, and their son Rivers (as well as multiple other family members and friends). It was filmed by Sean Pamphilon, Ty Minton-Small and David Lee (who were able to capture some stunningly intimate video). The movie was released by Amazon Studios and it got mostly positive reviews from critics. I agree that it's an exceptionally well made documentary. Steve Gleason was a popular defensive back, for the New Orleans Saints, who is most famous for blocking an Atlanta Falcons' punt (in September of 2006). In 2011 he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also referred to as ALS, and Lou Gehrig's Disease). Shortly later he found out his wife (Varisco) was pregnant with their son Rivers. Knowing he was only expected to live about 2.5 more years, Steve agreed to let filmmakers follow the three of them around, as they battled the disease together. The results are heartbreaking, and very inspirational. The movie is obviously very sad, and it sounds cheesy to say, but it's also inspiring in many ways. The footage the filmmakers got is shockingly intimate. Sometimes so much so, that it's pretty uncomfortable to watch; but I really respect a film that can push me out of my comfort zone (like this did). It's a very well made, and extremely touching film! Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/mFAp0zxR-lY

I just finished watching this movie on Amazon Prime and I can't stop telling all my friends and family about it. I went through about six tissues. Just so moving, adorable, gut wrenching sad, happy, inspirational, just so real! One of the best documentaries I have ever seen. I highly recommend EVERYONE to watch. It will change your life.

This film shows the immense ups and downs of Steve Gleason's life. The story of struggle and not giving up. Great commentating.

Gleason is more than a movie, it's a life experience as well as statement on life and fatherhood. Art imitates life. You can't get better acting than real life. The main characters in the movie held nothing back. IT WAS REAL! And I mean that literally. I would be surprised if there was a dry eye in theater. My eyes started getting a little watery during the trailer. I was able to keep it together during the movie. I'm an old school guy, don't cry at movies much. Took a look at the IMDb top 250 movies, in my opinion, "Gleason" can stand its own with any of them.

I have spent my career seeing the end stages of ALS patients. Setting them up so they would be comfortable at home. Taking care of them in the hospital. I think ALS and Myasthenia Gravis are 2 of the scariest syndrome/diseases to have. There are a lot more scary ones that don't make it to adulthood. This documentary was raw and gritty. And was not wrapped up in a bow. The fears, insecurities, relationship issues of the spouse as the caregiver etc... I cried. Steve Gleason has given the world a hard look at debilitating neurological diseases. May God bless him and his family. I sincerely believe there is no real lesson in suffering and dying a lingering death. Or in dying young. I believe this family made a difference. With grace and dignity.