Butler's Cinema Scene

“HOW TO LIVE FOREVER” My rating: C+ (Opening Sept. 9 at the Tivoli)

92 minutes | No MPAA rating

No movie can teach us how to live forever, not even one entitled “How to Live Forever.”

At best Mark Wexler’s documentary offers an generally diverting look at people who have lived to a ripe old age while sprinkling the whole thing with comments from experts in the field of aging.

The results are hardly comprehensive, but with its grab-bag approach and ever-changing focus the film is mildly amusing.

It begins with Wexler visiting the world’s oldest person (she’s 115), followed by a trip to a national convention of funeral directors in Las Vegas (Elvis and Marilyn impersonators, Klingons).

He drops in on the Miss Senior America beauty pageant, picks the mind of exercise guru Jack LaLane, and spends some time with London’s Buster Martin, who at age 101 holds a full-time job (he’s the oldest worker in England), drinks, smokes and is training for a marathon.

Scientists talk about stem cell therapy that could arrest aging; futurist Ray Kurtzweil predicts nanocomputers that will float in our bloodstream policing our bodies. We meet a guru who specializes in laughter (it’s supposed to help you live longer) and advocates of severe calorie restriction (a full meal consists of a slice of bell pepper, one shrimp and some lettuce).

Famous old folk like Phyllis Diller and Ray Bradbury put in their two cents; so does actress/diet advocate Suzanne Somers, who appears to be doing a pretty good job of cheating time.

Wexler flies to Okinawa and Iceland, two longevity hotspots (fish oil appears to be the common denominator)

The film at least has the wit to ask if living to 150 is even a good idea. Many interviewees are of the opinion that we owe it to future generations to die and free up space and resources.

| Robert W. Butler