The documentary film André Is an Idiot mixes humor and heartbreak to life-affirming effect. More importantly, though, it continues to shine a light on the life and struggles of André Ricciardi. Shot and directed by Tony Benna, the film chronicles André as he fearlessly fights stage 4 cancer. It explores more potent themes such as vulnerability, creativity, and friendship. What makes this documentary even more special is the retelling of the defining moments, both heartbreaking and inspiring, that created André’s spirit of resilience and creativity.
Though The Movement continues to follow André, it hones in on an amazing shift in his life after he turned 50. So, inspired by his best friend Lee’s suggestion that they have a colonoscopy together. This decision would turn out to be life-changing for each of them. In May 2018, just after following this same procedure, André was given the life-altering diagnosis of stage 4 cancer. This diagnosis pushed him to explore challenging aspects of his past and his own mortality.
In the months leading up to his diagnosis, André was in lockstep with his therapist, Peter. Together, they worked out a brilliant strategy to confront his phobias. With those two objectives in mind, they developed a battery of multiple-choice questions that would help André face and explore these feelings in a very direct manner. “You are more than just your irreverent humour,” Peter reminded him, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability during this challenging time.
André’s life was not lived in the shadow of his disease alone. He had a successful early career as an advertising creative that first brought him to the Bay Area. He flirted with plans for a television program called Who Wants to Kill Me? Through humor, he processed his circumstances with wit, famously stating, “You only have time in life to get good at one or two things – and I chose advertising. What the fuck is wrong with me? What a waste of a life!”
Beyond that, the film examines André’s outlier experiences. He had gone to see a teacher of “death yells,” looking for different perspectives on the reality of his plight. This visit was a testament to André’s penchant to seek unusual outlets to deal with his approaching death. If he decided he wanted to visit some Radon mine or inhale radioactive air, we went there. If he wanted to throw in some crystal healing session, we’d do it. If he wanted to go do nine grams of mushrooms, we were fine with that,” Benna remembered.
André’s coping mechanisms went further than odd occurrences and jokes to incorporated bonding between soldiers. During the 1990s, he reveled in his “bathrobe era.” For a full year he wore a bathrobe every day, physically and emotionally at home in that garment. His journey became defined by the depth of his relationship with Peter. Benna acknowledged, “Without Peter, I’m not sure the film would have had much direction.”
The documentary doesn’t pull punches in the personal sphere, either. It touches upon André’s past romantic relationship, which he described as tumultuous, highlighting how it affected him during his illness. Unfortunately, his girlfriend was put to the test early in their relationship under the circumstances at that time. Yet this struggle demonstrated that love isn’t easy—it turns chaotic when times get tough.
As André weathered through chemotherapy, he forged a unique style of humor and avoidance that helped him stay rooted in a shifting reality. His approach included humor and support from friends and family, allowing him to maintain a sense of normalcy during a difficult period.
It is the emotional depth of “André Is an Idiot” that really hooks audiences. Its bold, evocative narrative style won the film the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival. By the end, viewers are given an intimate glimpse into what it means to be human as we all grapple with life’s most unavoidable trials.
Benna reflected on the impact of the film, stating, “We’re all going to go through this at some point. You don’t have to be scared.” This sentiment touches on the heart of André’s story — this combination of courage and surrender that makes her such a powerful role model to so many.
Janice, who knew André well, remarked on his creativity and potential: “So many more stories, so much creativity. And he would have made a great cranky old man.” This reflection serves as a reminder of what might have been had the stars aligned differently.