The Self-Made Man poster
FilmDocumentary

The Self-Made Man (2005)

2005-03-14 · 58m · EN
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Is it ever rational to choose death? On Independence Day at Stern Ranch, 77-year-old solar energy pioneer Bob Stern finds out he’s seriously ill – possibly dying. Meanwhile, an elderly in-law is dying on artificial life support. Bob decides to cheat that fate and take his own life. His family tries to stop him. Bob sets up a video camera. Daughter Susan Stern explores “rational suicide,” the “right-to-die” and the difficult end-of-life choices faced by an aging population.

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Susan SternDirector, Writer

Media

Top billed cast

Full cast & crew →
Bob SternBob SternSelfSusan SternSusan SternSelfMike SternMike SternSelf

Keywords

DeathFatherAssisted suicidePersonal narrative

Movie DNA

Genre affinityDocumentaryTheme affinityDeath · Father · Assisted SuicidePacingShortDirector preference1810830Actor preference1810829 · 1810830 · 1810831Country preferenceUs

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Frequently asked questions about The Self-Made Man

What is The Self-Made Man about?

Is it ever rational to choose death? On Independence Day at Stern Ranch, 77-year-old solar energy pioneer Bob Stern finds out he’s seriously ill – possibly dying. Meanwhile, an elderly in-law is dying on artificial life support. Bob decides to cheat that fate and take his own life. His family tries to stop him. Bob sets up a video camera. Daughter Susan Stern explores “rational suicide,” the “right-to-die” and the difficult end-of-life choices faced by an aging population.

How long is The Self-Made Man?

The Self-Made Man has a runtime of 58 minutes.