André is a Fool - 2025 Sundance Film Festival Assessment

      André Is an Idiot, 2025.

      Directed by Tony Benna.

      Featuring André Ricciardi, Janice Ricciardi, Tallula Ricciardi, Delilah Ricciardi, Lee Einhorn, Nick Ricciardi, Tommy Chong, Peter Carnochan, PhD., Ryan Lee, Jason Harris, Tommy Means, Stelio Kitrilakis, and Waffles (the cat).

      SYNOPSIS:

      André, a man with a carefree attitude, embarks on an unforeseen journey after being given a terminal diagnosis, determined to keep his sense of humor while learning to embrace death joyfully.

      Cancer is no laughing matter, except when it can be. This documentary, helmed by Tony Benna, chronicles the life of the irreverent André Ricciardi as he confronts colon cancer. The film may seem straightforward – yes, he ultimately dies – but André's engaging personality shines through his desire to entertain everyone around him, including the audience.

      He urges you to get your [bleeping] colonoscopy since failing to do so could have spared him. As an ad man with diverse interests, ranging from experimenting with various substances to pondering whether Kim Kardashian’s faux leather pants contain enough DNA for cloning, André is a constant source of schemes and spontaneous endeavors. While cancer slows him down somewhat, it ultimately claims his life. Nevertheless, he manages to launch one final ad campaign with literal reminders in the form of assholes, highlighting the importance of a crucial medical procedure featured by Katie Couric on morning television.

      Drawing a parallel to the 2014 Dutch film Frailer, where an actress breaks character to reveal her own cancer diagnosis, we witness the physical and mental toll of cancer on André. He admits that while he might not suggest others create a reflective documentary on dying from cancer due to its potentially somber and morose nature, it's acceptable for him since he doesn’t care about others’ opinions anyway.

      However, he is concerned about how his family and friends feel, despite maintaining a façade of stoicism. His wife, Janice, whom he first met through a green card marriage to avoid deportation to Canada(!), strives to stay composed while being his primary caregiver during medical appointments. André also has two daughters, Tallulah and Delilah, whose names are tattooed on his arm, despite not being the affectionate type. Humor allows him to maintain an illusion – if he can keep cracking jokes, then everything must be fine. As Janice questions, what can you do when everything is not fine?

      You light up a bong at 7 am, record your parting words in advance, express your love to your family, and figure out how to cover your “older brother’s” drinks indefinitely after you’re gone.

      It’s worth noting that in disability discussions, the term ‘idiot’ is recognized as a slur, similar to the r-word gaining traction recently. While I grasp the intent behind its usage in the film, reflecting a moment of regret, it feels ill-timed. Nonetheless, the title should not diminish the film's charm.

      “We create the images we wish for others to see, but the most enchanting portraits are those revealing the imperfections within us.” – André Ricciardi

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Michael McNeely – Connect with me on Letterboxd