Farrah Fawcett in "Farrah's Story"
Now we know why "Farrah's Story" left out what it should have said about cancer. It wasn't Farrah's fault. Executive producer Craig Nevius — who is suing over loss of creative control of the documentary — says the show that aired on NBC was not the story Farrah Fawcett wanted to tell.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, the producer says NBC told Farrah, "This is your story. We'll tell it your way, in your words." He emphasizes:
She was adamant about one thing: She wanted this edited like a movie using her diary for narration. She didn't want the talking-head format with its abrupt interruptions."
But talking heads is what she got. Lots of them.
Her diary was used only as punctuation in a narrative that was dominated by Ryan O'Neal and Alana Stewart speaking for her, plus some ratings-worthy spots with "Charlie's Angels" pals Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith. Nevius says most of that footage was added after Ryan grabbed creative control of the film six weeks ago by claiming Farrah was too ill to continue and wanted him to make the decisions.
The worst part is that Farrah's message didn't get out. She didn't want a tribute to herself. She wanted to make a difference by emphasizing the apalling lack of effective, affordable cancer treatment in this country. Nevius says:
"Farrah wants to know why chemotherapy sensitivity tests are done in Germany and elsewhere, but not here in America. ... Why do some medicines cost 10 times more in the United States than they do in Germany? Aren't we limiting cancer treatment to the rich? 'Why aren't we encouraging mad-scientist thinking?' she likes to ask. Farrah wanted this TV special to have an impact. She wanted this to affect change in the medical world."
Shame on these squabbling producers for taking away the last chance Farrah may ever have at making a real difference. Shame on them for taking away what may have had a powerful impact for all cancer patients. And shame on them for turning what might have been an important film into a sentimental, prime time tribute video. Shame. Shame. Shame.
In case you missed it, here's the documentary, in full:
[ Video capture: YouTube ]
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Comments
I just wish her much luck in her battle with cancer. And, good luck to her family and son and all of the people who love her. Farrah, you are in my prayers and in my thoughts. Thank you for being so brave through out all of what you are going through and dealing with. You are such a wonderful and beautiful young woman.
Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do.
Love you so much,
Valerie
I watched the documentary and my heart goes out to Farrah, to Ryan, we felt the love, to their son, Farrah's father, what a kind man and thank you to Alana Stewart for being there for Farrah. What a wonderful friend you are to be there every step of the way. I know this has been a very tough road and we all wonder why there isn't a cure to reverse what takes place. What a terrible illness. Farrah's will to survive is tremendous. Her story to survive touches so many. The last 15 minutes of the show when Farrah's son gets in bed with her and Ryan right there is heartbreaking. When Farrah asked the three questions , it makes us ponder. It saddens me and others that love her tremendously.
our prayers are with you farrah. don,t let the fact that as always some ridiculous network execs screwed with the idea you had mess up your effort to recover. just keep your faith in god and he will see you though this. GOOD LUCK!
Farrah's messages came through loud and clear on the show. No need to put blame on anyone during this time in her life. I have been praying for Farrah and her family since the night of the show. I had no idea she was this ill. Farrah, you are about to enter a world unlike any other. You have had many pleasures and wonderful experiences here on earth but none will compare to what lies ahead for you. You're the lucky one. God bless you.
I think she got her message across. She put a face on cancer as best as she could. God bless my prayers are with her.
I have not been able to stop thinking about Farrah and her family since watching this show Friday. It was haunting and very well done. She would be proud. What could have been weird and voyeuristic wasn't. It just enabled the audience to empathize with all their pain and see them as ordinary human beings, which of course they are. Anyone who has been through cancer with a loved one could relate. I also prayed for them after watching it. I don't think I've ever really prayed for a celebrity before. But Ryan and Redmond are going to have a rough time when she's gone. God bless her.
I wondered about the scene where Redmond says goodbye. It didn't seem quite appropriate. It actually seemed exploitative - as if Ryan was directing it. That's maybe where the filmmakers lost control of the project.
How is she brave? She is no different than any other person who faces the same struggles anonymously.
There is no blame about her being rich, but the struggles of the rich are made to be greater than the average person. If this was about bringing a face to cancer, with all their combined money why didn't they have a documentary about the plight of the poor who go through the same battle and love their family all the same, but don't have access to the same care and treatment. I
n this aristocracy it seems the rich and famous are the only ones who are brave, noble, etc. You know what courage is ... getting up each day and going to work ... living your life in quiet desperation is tough when you are not rich and famous nor entitled to the best of everything. What about people who don't have access to medical care in this country and either get the diagnosis too late or can't afford the treatments. Are they not as good as a washed up drug addicted movie star?
While I am sad that she has cancer, I think that the money used to make this documentary would have been better spent helping less fortunate people battle their own cancers.
My heart aches for the pain she is in and the hurt she must be going through with the people who are victimizing her. She has always shown us a vunerable sweet beautiful girl who worked hard in a heartless environment and held her head high. The documentary is something I will never forget and hope to see her make another one with her recovery. God Bless her. I am so happy she shared her story with us, and will pray she remains strong. She is not only beautiful on the outside, she is more beautiful on the inside. Please get well, we all love you.
Valerie/Victoria British Columbia Canada
I want to thank Farrah for such an honest portrayal of her battle with cancer. Exposing her real pain and emotions with such honesty was such a giving thing to do but Farrah being the beautiful person that she is inside and out I would did not expect anything less. I think cancer has become such a common word and diagnosis anymore that people that have not been touched by this horrible disease don't realize the roller coaster ride you go on. Losing my sister and sister-in-law to cancer in the la
st two years I watched in tears. I hope Farrah's story will bring awareness of the necessity of new and better treatments. Farrah, you are in our prayers constantly for continued strength and healing. We love you.
God is going to bring her through this. I just beleive that he will.
For all of those who have an opinion about her life style and money..god bless you..it doesnt matter who she is and where she came from..this cancer has no opinion..it just kills..sad that some people are so bitter that they cant realize humanity when it counts.
GOD BLESS YOU FARRAH!!!!
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