Cinephile Battles Cancer in ‘Farewell to Hollywood’

Sandra Miska

“Farewell to Hollywood” may sounds like the name of a light-hearted comedy about days gone by, but it’s actually a documentary that chronicles the last few years of the life of an ill young woman whose passion in life was films.  Because of the questionable nature of the relationship between the middle-aged filmmaker and his subject, “Farewell to Hollywood” has ignited some controversy. Viewers will have a chance to see for themselves when the film opens this Friday.

Southern California woman Regina “Reggie” Nicholson had one wish before she succumbed to cancer at age 19 in 2012 – to make a feature film. Assisting her in this endeavor was documentary filmmaker Henry Corra, whom Reggie had met at a film festival.  The focus of “Farewell to Hollywood” is not so much Reggie’s cancer treatment but more about how she used film in making her film and watching countless others as a means of lessening her pain.

Reggie and Corra, who was 36 years her senior, grew rather close during the making the film, which is where the controversy comes in.  Although they insisted that there was nothing inappropriate about their bond, some who have viewed the film have speculated otherwise.

Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that Reggie’s relationship with her parents deteriorated during filming, possibly because of this relationship (the constant presence of camera also reportedly didn’t help).  Corra eventually became involved in Reggie’s medical care.

“Farewell to Hollywood” is moving yet queasily unsettling, even if Ms. Nicholson’s enthusiasm mitigates the veneer of exploitation,” says The New York Times.  “Watching it feels like judging a last will and testament.”

“Farewell to Hollywood” will be screened March 13-19 at the Laemmle 7 in North Hollywood, and March 14-15 at the Laemmle Playhouse in Pasadena.  Corra will make appearances this Friday-Sunday at 7:10 pm in North Hollywood, and Saturday and Sunday at 11 am in Pasadena.

“Farewell to Hollywood”  opens March 13 in North Hollywood and March 14 in Pasadena.