As a documentary enthusiast with a keen eye for captivating stories, I was utterly captivated by Chris Smith’s latest work, “Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever.” The tale of Bryan Johnson, a tech entrepreneur on a mission to defy aging and rewind his body’s clock, is one that resonates with my own fascination for the human spirit’s relentless pursuit of the impossible.
The documentary offers an intriguing blend of the extraordinary and the mundane, as we follow Johnson through his ultra-regimented life. From his 130 daily pills to his bizarre birthday celebrations every 19 months, it’s a rollercoaster ride that leaves you both amused and awestruck.
What sets this documentary apart is its thoughtful exploration of the impacts Johnson’s journey has on those around him. The relationships between Johnson, his father, and teenage son serve as a poignant reminder that even the most extraordinary lives are still anchored by our most fundamental human connections.
In typical Bryan Johnson fashion, he manages to turn an ordinary conversation into a philosophical debate about the value of sleep and its role in anti-aging. His argument is convincing, if not slightly humorously exaggerated – I mean, who among us hasn’t tried to argue that sleep is the single most powerful anti-aging drug in the world?
Johnson’s dedication to his cause is unquestionable, and while I may not agree with all of his methods, I can’t help but be inspired by his relentless pursuit of knowledge and his desire to create a global revolution around health.
In the end, I find myself laughing at the absurdity of it all, yet in awe of the human spirit’s boundless potential for innovation and self-discovery. “Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever” is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a good story, a dash of humor, and a glimpse into the extraordinary lives that lie just beyond our everyday reality.
As a filmmaker with a passion for unconventional stories and a background in technology, I found myself intrigued by a headline about a tech entrepreneur aiming to spend $2 million a year to turn back the hands of time to age 18. Hearing such an extraordinary tale immediately struck me as a potential subject for my next documentary project. However, I soon realized that this venture would not be without its challenges.
In my experience, tackling unique and innovative narratives often requires navigating complex ethical dilemmas and technical hurdles. In the case of Bryan Johnson’s quest, these obstacles may include addressing the moral implications of such a dramatic life change, exploring the feasibility of his goals from both scientific and philosophical perspectives, and ensuring that the story remains grounded in reality while still captivating audiences.
I am eager to embark on this exciting journey, as I believe that documenting Johnson’s endeavor could provide valuable insights into the intersection of technology, aging, and human ambition. However, I understand the importance of approaching this topic with sensitivity, nuance, and a critical eye.
As someone who has been in the industry for quite some time, I can attest to the fact that reaching out to production teams about doing a documentary is no small feat. In my own journey as a filmmaker, I’ve found myself in situations where I was just one of many aspiring creators vying for the attention of a team.
In this case, Smith’s story resonates with me. When he wrote to Bryan’s team about his documentary idea, he was not just another number or email in their inbox. He was the sixty-fifth production company or individual to reach out to them, as he recalls. This underscores the competitive nature of the film industry and the importance of standing out among the crowd.
It’s a humbling experience to be part of such a vibrant community of creators, but it also requires perseverance and determination to succeed. Smith’s story serves as an inspiration for those who are just starting out in the world of documentaries, reminding us that even amidst stiff competition, there is always room for new voices and fresh perspectives.
Luckily for Smith, known for his zeitgeisty docs including “Fyre” and “Bad Vegan,” Ashlee Vance – the journalist who wrote the Bloomberg article about Johnson that turned him into a worldwide sensation – was a fan. Vance encouraged Johnson to partner with the director.
For a year, Smith trailed the tech entrepreneur in his quest to evade death. This journey led to the Netflix documentary titled “Don’t Die: The Man Who Aims to Live Eternally,” which delves into the contentious health practices that Johnson employs not just to postpone aging but to actually reverse the hands of time on his biological clock.
The document details Johnson’s highly structured, algorithm-driven health regimen. This routine includes taking 130 pills daily, having dinner at 11 a.m., retiring to bed at 8:30 p.m., an hour and a half workout, regular MRIs and skin care treatments, plasma exchanges, and Follistatin gene therapy – a treatment not yet approved by the FDA. Instead of celebrating his birthday annually, Johnson marks the occasion every 19 months with lighting candles.
Occasionally provoking uncontrollable laughter, this film delves into the impact that Johnson’s journey has had on both his personal life and those close to him, such as his father and adolescent son. Various medical professionals, researchers, and scientists not connected with Johnson or his company Blueprint (which promotes Johnson’s treatment methods online) are featured in interviews throughout the 88-minute documentary.
According to Dr. Vadim Gladyshev, a Harvard professor featured in the documentary, it’s not about science; rather, it’s more about garnering attention.
From my perspective, I consider Johnson’s endeavors aimed at reversing the aging process as significant contributions to the field of anti-aging research. As Dr. Oliver Zolman, my longevity advisor, puts it, “He makes an ideal test subject in this area.
Smith points out that our film effectively highlights differing opinions on Bryan’s actions, with some seeing great worth while others do not. One key message we aim to convey is the potential for significant health advantages through emphasizing sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. This, we believe, is an achievable goal for everyone.
EbMaster spoke to Johnson about Blueprint, DJ Grimes and the value of sleep.
In the film, your lifestyle appears quite structured and not particularly appealing. Is it still how you’re living now? Or do you find time for enjoyment and relaxation?
As someone who has always been a stickler for routine and discipline, my life has always been marked by a strict regimen that leaves little room for spontaneity or impromptu plans. However, I recently found myself at a party with DJ Grimes, an experience that forced me to step out of my comfort zone and experiment with a new approach to sleep.
Grime’s set started at midnight, which meant I had to adjust my usual bedtime routine significantly. Instead of retiring for the night at 8 p.m., as I normally do, I pushed back my bedtime until around 10 or 10:30 p.m., and managed to get a couple of hours of deep sleep before waking up and heading out to the party.
I danced the night away for a few hours, enjoying the music and the energy of the crowd, before returning home to complete the rest of my REM sleep. All told, I still managed to maintain my 100% sleep score, but in a way that was far from my usual monotonous routine.
While it would have been ideal if Grime’s event had taken place earlier in the evening, I made the best of what I had available to me. It was an interesting experience, and one that has made me consider being more open to new things, even if they don’t fit neatly into my regimented life. I’m excited to see what other opportunities may arise that challenge me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the unexpected.
You are 47 years old, but how old is your body?
I’m probably biologically in my late twenties.
In your statement, you mentioned that you’ve decided to lead a structured life for the sake of science, and it requires about $300 per month with the Blueprint health protocol. I’m curious, what advice would you give to individuals who are attempting to improve their wellbeing but find it financially challenging to subscribe to Blueprint?
As a health and wellness advocate with extensive personal experience in optimizing my own biomarkers, I can confidently say that I have achieved superior results compared to anyone else in the world. It is not just bragging; it is based on concrete evidence gathered over many years of dedicated research and experimentation. The good news for everyone else is that I have developed a practical guide, freely available, which outlines steps you can take to improve your own biomarkers, too.
One crucial aspect that I emphasize in my guide is the importance of sleep, an area where many of us fall short. Despite knowing its benefits, we often neglect it due to work, travel, or leisure activities. To illustrate the significance of proper sleep, I undertook a rigorous eight-month regimen of perfect sleep and shared five habits that can help anyone achieve high-quality rest daily.
In my opinion, sleep is the world’s most powerful anti-aging tool, and best of all, it’s free. By making a conscious effort to prioritize sleep, we can all work towards better health and longevity. I am passionate about sharing this message and encouraging a cultural shift in how we view sleep as essential for overall wellbeing. My guide is available at no cost, so join me in taking control of your health and reaping the benefits of optimal sleep.
In the movie, a scientist questions why you’re not utilizing your wealth to finance an experiment supported by solid scientific evidence. Can you explain why you’re hesitant about using your funds for such a purpose?
As an entrepreneur, when I have just one dollar to invest, my training is to find the most significant impact on society it could make. While a clinical trial might seem like an option, I believe it’s not the most efficient use of that dollar. Instead, if you aim for better global health outcomes, fostering a worldwide movement or transforming public perception towards health would be far more effective than a single clinical trial. The challenge isn’t figuring out what to do; it’s about doing what we already know is right.
What did you think of the Smith’s portrayal of you in the doc?
As a movie-goer, I wasn’t sure what lay ahead when I started watching, but Chris Nolan seemed to grasp that the most profound narrative unfolding in my life revolved around my relationship with my son and father. Until then, I hadn’t been open about my family matters as they are usually personal for me. However, through his storytelling, Chris managed to delve into the core of what truly resonated within me and mattered most. In this sense, I can say that I felt understood or ‘seen’.
“Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever” is currently streaming on Netflix.
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2025-01-02 01:47