A Saguenay man at the end of his life had the chance to watch the popular film first Dune II before dying during private listening directly on the laptop of producer Denis Villeneuve.
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This story, as improbable as it is touching, was told by Josée Gagnon, an actress and therapist who supports patients at the end of life.
On her Facebook page, the woman explained that she looked at all avenues to bring the man into palliative care in Montreal, but the patient’s condition did not allow him to travel.
It was at this moment that the impossible happened: “Denis Villeneuve’s assistant arrived on a Tuesday morning by plane with the laptop […] We handed over our cell phones, signed waivers, closed the curtains, and then the dying man was able to watch Dune II alone with a friend who is in charge of the house,” we can read.
AFP
Mme Gagnon adds that immediately after the viewing, the assistant took back her tears, her laptop and immediately left by plane “with a heart full of this story”.
The heartfelt story was shared and liked by thousands of people on social networks, including members of the team at the Saguenay palliative care home where the man died.
Nothing to lose
When she took steps to allow her film-loving patient to see the work of the Quebec producer before its release, Josée Gagnon didn’t really believe it, but she said to herself: “Why not? What do I have to lose?”
So the Good Samaritan got to work, with the help of social media, to get in touch with one of the most popular men in the film industry today. The road was arduous, but when the story reached Denis Villeneuve’s ears, the rest was magical.
“They were extremely touched by this man’s last wish. They told me: “It’s precisely for him that we make films.”
Initially, Mme Gagnon wanted Denis Villeneuve to send him a short video of greetings and encouragement, but ultimately the patient who died well before the film was released was entitled to the most beautiful gift, according to his last wishes.