The LuLu Sessions

This intimate documentary follows Dr. Louise (LuLu) Nutter from the day that she learns she has breast cancer until her death 15 months later. Filmmaker S. Casper Wong, Nutter's friend and off-and-on lover, was filming when Nutter—a professor, poet, and pioneer in cancer research—received her diagnosis over the telephone. Wong situates her film around that call, chronicling Nutter's slow mental and physical deterioration, as well as moments of anger and tenderness between the two as they explore what they still mean to each other (both being in new relationships). A foul-mouthed and tough-minded alcoholic, Nutter cannot mend strained ties with her siblings, even after they know she's dying. As Nutter grows more isolated, Wong remains her touchstone, and the two overcome past hurts and make peace. Nutter's sardonic humor lightens the film: discovering that her disease has metastasized to her lungs and is now Stage 4 (as one of her post-doctoral students says, “Holy crap!”), Nutter puts it in technical terminology and then goofily grins, and more than once she drops to one knee and makes up silly songs to thank Wong for her support. A colorful figure, Nutter swears, enjoys a cigarette while using an oxygen tank, smokes pot, and reveals her mastectomy scar, all the while serving as a remarkable example of and testament to the human spirit. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)