Chronicles: Van's Last Performance
1971, edited 2002, 55 minutes
Auder considers this chapter of the Chronicles a
collaboration between himself and Broadway producer Van Wolff who was
diagnosed with terminal cancer.
With only a couple of weeks to live, Wolff asked
Auder if he would document his farewell to friends and family. The footage
was taken over a two day period, December 24th and 25th of 1971 during
Wolff's final radiation treatment and his subsequent release from the
hospital. It is both a portrait and a meditation on death which is captured
in the details.
The journey to chemo is a particularly astounding
passage consisting of long takes through the hospital's endless corridors
broken only by jumpcuts that somehow seem to protract the experience.
Despite Wolff's casual demeanor in the face of death,
the piece captures his strength, dignity, arrogance and ongoing concern
with success. The work is bracketed by two cameos – Charles Mingus
and Jack Nicholson – who stop by to pay last respects and bid Van
adieu.