The Amazing Johnathan Documentary

Much of this doc *is* very interesting on the surface. The story of a terminally ill magician who likes to smoke crack? Sign me up! And, perhaps, its meta commentary on the documentary artform and its significance among a deluge of reality-based content is the most interesting element. But the climactic confrontation interview between the principles (director and subject) comes off poorly, and derails all emotional force in the final act. Both men feel like they're acting and neither are actors; the only thing that's clear is that they desperately want the latter to be true. The audience doesn't know what to believe, and not in an interesting, mysterious way. It's rare that "too cute for its own good" is too cute for me, but this one hit that (unfortunate) sweet spot.