| |
 |
After Life
Michel van der Aa 1970
Those who have died are required to choose a favourite memory to take with them into eternity as they arrive at an intermediary point; they may only proceed on their path to heaven once they have named their most defining moment. They are allowed one week in which to make their choice, during which time they are helped by others who have predeceased them but who themselves have not been able to make their choice and so therefore must remain at the intermediary point. Aiden, a young man, has to help the 70 year old Mr. Walter, who has been watching video recordings of his life and can only see his failures. Aiden seems to be obsessed by the figure of Mr. Walter’s young wife Kira. Aiden’s assistant Sarah, with whom Aiden has a relationship, is jealous of Aiden’s interest in Kira. Film recordings are made of the defining moments of the newly-arrived dead. Aiden realises that his own defining moment was when he first saw Kira; he now chooses to leave Sarah at the intermediary point and continue his journey. Aiden then sees the film crew at work and changes his mind: this is his ‘defining moment’, and not the sight of Kira. Sarah is therefore a part of his defining moment and he will never forget her. She is left alone, crushed. The following day a new group of the deceased arrive and Sarah takes over Aiden’s work.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
