A MEta Q-AND-A WITH THE FILMMAKERS
How is Moon Manor "inspired by a true-ish story?"
We always say James “Jimmy” Carrozo IS the most interesting man alive. Many movies could be made from the stories of his life. A professional actor, musician and comedian for over 60 years, he and life partner Ricky Granat shared the stage with luminaries such as Robin Williams and Jay Leno.
As a duo, Jimmy and Ricky traveled the world as cruise ship entertainment, and were known for helping out other comics in times of need, thus earning their mention in the acclaimed book "I’m Dying Up Here."
As an activist for LGBTQ and immigration rights, Jimmy has marched on Capitol Hill and been interviewed by several major news outlets. Jimmy was in the original L.A. cast of "HAIR," and can most recently be seen in music videos for Vince Staples and Kanye West, commercials for Ford, Dollar Shave Club and Fuji Film, and many short films and music videos by a range of today brightest up-and-coming filmmakers.
In short, the well was deep when it came to pulling stories from Jimmy’s life to write Moon Manor.
Thus, Jimmy's real anecdotes and memories are included in the movie, but the character of “Jimmy” is fictional and the story of his last day alive is fiction.
The character and the actor do have one very important thing in common: a belief that death is something to be embraced, not feared, and a desire (if one is privileged enough to be able to make the choice) to have an intentionally designed death, surrounded by ceremony and loved ones.
How do you all know each other?
Erin and Machete met in 9th grade Honors English, but truly bonded when Erin cast Machete as the "Friar" in a gender reversed production of Romeo + Juliet. Growing up together in the Lake Tahoe area, swift connection was found over a love of movies, Fiona Apple, and a desire to head to the bright lights of a big city. They moved to Los Angeles in 2009 and have been making films and memories ever since.
Although they aren't blood relatives, Erin has known Jimmy since birth as "Uncle Jimmy." Jimmy was the romantic and creative partner of Erin's real uncle, Ricky Granat, who passed away in 1986 from an AIDS related illness. Jimmy has remained part of the family ever since.
After Erin introduced Machete to Jimmy, Machete instantly started casting him in her projects because duh, he’s brilliant! Does anyone have crackers to go with all this cheese?
Why death as the topic for your first feature?
We’ve both had very personal experiences with death, and thus we’ve found solace in Jimmy’s philosophies on what it means to embrace death, rather than fear it, in discussing the human right to choose how and when one departs from this world.
Moon Manor touches on several topical issues: the positive death movement, LGBTQ rights, living with AIDS, dying with Alzheimer’s, and yet is told with a comedic, irreverent tone. Death is the ultimate universal experience, yet is experienced in a very individual way. Fun. Sad. Terrible. Curious. Terrifying. Filled with love.
We have connected deeply with the death positive community. In October 2019 we were awarded a grant to screen an early cut of the movie at Reimagine End of Life in San Francisco, a citywide exploration of death through creativity. We hope to help advance terms like “death doula” and “the positive death movement” to no longer be fringe ideas, but mainstream concepts. Just showing the teaser to people has been enough to spark conversation and debate. If in ten years we look back and the film is relatable to those living and dying, then we made the film we set out to create.
Who is the intended audience of your movie?
If you know anyone who’s heard of death, or think you might die someday yourself, you might enjoy Moon Manor!
How can I stay in touch and keep track of Moon Manor?
Drop us a line on the contact page, or find us on Instagram at @moon_manor_movie!