The Topic of Cancer (2001)

Overview

In his last film, Ramiro Puerta gives us an entirely autobiographical — Ramiro would die of this disease — ruefully droll, demystifying look at the treatment the wisecracking Pedro (Verdecchia again) receives for colon cancer. The Topic of Cancer’s comedy often tips the balance in favour of irreverence, giving rather short shrift to regret and melancholy. There are some powerful moments, but humour, finally, is Pedro’s way of maintaining the highest possible quality of life rather than a means of running away from his ordeal. This was also Ramiro’s way and we all watched in awe as he never gave up.