Dying to do Letterman
by Ealasaid Haas • February 28, 2011 • Cinequest 21, Comedy, Documentary
3/4 7:00 PM, Camera 12
3/6 7:00 PM, San Jose Repertory Theatre
3/8 5:00 PM, Camera 12
Steve Mazan always dreamed of performing on Letterman. His first few years working as a stand-up comic didn’t get him there, but he figured he had plenty of time to make his dream come true. When he was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer, he realized that he had a lot less time than he thought and rallied those closest to him as he set out to make it happen. This documentary chronicles his campaign to get an audition for Letterman’s show, his careful honing of his craft, and the ups and downs of living with a terminal illness. The film is both touching and hilarious, and walks the fine line between self-deprecating humor and tastelessness with precision. This film is a must-see for anyone who dreams big.