I don’t remember the books I have read but they have made me. I paraphrase. The exact quote which I had to look up, “I cannot remember the books I've read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me.” Ralph Waldo Emerson. I love books too but I feel the same way about films.
Why I like to write down my thoughts after watching because while most films you may not remember weeks and months after watching them some are such joyous experiences you never forget them, they become classics in your mind to be shared with others and revisited over and over again. Swan Song written and directed by Todd Stephens about real life person Pat Pitsenbarger is one of those movies. Someone told me he wanted to cast Gene Wilder in this incredible character driven lead but found less well known German actor Udo Keir and immediately knew he was right. Every actor hopes one day to produce their “David” coincidently the unchanged name of Pat’s partner who died of aids, the love and loss he was ultimately unable to get over. I think for Udo Keir this was it. Whilst the story is not entirely true, the character did die alone in a nursing home of a broken heart Stephens said after meeting the legendary Pat he wanted to create a legacy to this totally unforgettable and formidable spirit in real life. A tribute to ensure he would never be forgotten and what a tribute it it.
Colourful, poignant and hilariously funny with the best movie score soundtrack I’ve heard in years. Few films have a story told so brilliantly with so few words, a movie carried the whole way by one lead actor and a super talented ensemble where the only name you actually recognise is Linda Evans with the smallest supporting bit part. She must have loved this film as much as I did. What a movie. I watch a lot but few catapult themselves immediately into the top ten movies you’ve ever seen. I cannot wait to watch it again. The snaps I took cannot come close to the impact of the gorgeous cinematography on screen, usually I wasn’t quick enough to snap the image that drove me to open my phone to capture the shot. Over and over again it’s a visual delight. Like paintings crafted to tell the most beautiful and heart warming story, I swear you’ve got to see it for yourself.
Based on a real life hairdresser in his twilight years, once the best in a small town with the richest and powerful clients the film explores a life dedicated to passion and talent and what happens to that spirit in the end.
If you’ve lost your zest for life and allowed things to drag you down, watch this, it will definitely ignite the fire inside once again and touch the heart in the most brilliant of ways.
We said at the end it was pure fluke to find this movie, we’d never have heard about it and made us question how many other genius films there are out there without a super well known Hollywood headliner just waiting to be experienced.
Udo Kier plays real life hairstylist Patrick Pitsenbarger, Pat for short, Mr. Pat when he performed in the local gay bar and drag club oh so long ago, to absolute perfection. The 2021 film should have been recognised for more lead actor awards on my opinion.
Key Award Nominations for Swan Song
Independent Spirit Awards: Nominated for Best Male Lead in 2022.
Dublin Film Critics Circle (DFCC): Won the award for Best Actor.
The Queerties: Nominated for Best Film Performance in 2022
A truly delightful film in every way, oh so funny, oh so touching and oh so very inspiring to be who you are without fear or delay.
I find it no coincidence that I watched this film following the death of artistic icon David Hockney 12th June, 2026 who lived his life in much the same way, committed to his art and craft. Life is so very colourful and beautiful and this movie reminded me of exactly this.