A Gesture and a Word
Singer/Songwriter Rob Morsberger had always searched art, literature and history as a source of inspiration for his songs; a cavalier 14th Century princess, the blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo and the Lewis and Clark Expedition have all found their way into his work. When he chose for one of his songs the dying words of author Henry James, “So here it is at last. The distinguished thing”, Morsberger had no idea that he would soon be diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.
Dave Davidson had already been collaborating with Morsberger on a number of projects. When the diagnosis of Grade 4 glioblastoma came, Davidson and Morsberger agreed that they would “just keep filming”. The finished film will feature appearances by friends and collaborators including Brad Roberts, lead singer of Crash Test Dummies, Suzzy Roche of the Roche Sisters, Stewart Lerman, Musical Director for Boardwalk Empire, Jon Herington, guitarist for Steely Dan, singer/songwriters Marshall Crenshaw and Willie Nile, studio and concert footage as well as Morsberger’s own observations as he prepares himself for what he calls “the great whatever”. Davidson’s film is not a meditation on dying as much as it is a celebration of the creative spirit and one individual’s dedication to make every moment as joyful and productive as possible even as physical powers diminish.
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