Downie’s ‘best case scenario,’ secret Bee Gees love: Moments from new Hip doc
TORONTO — A frank discussion about the “best case scenario” for Gord Downie after his brain cancer diagnosis and the singer’s struggle to live up to expectations as the Tragically Hip mounted last summer’s farewell tour are among the most powerful moments in the new documentary “Long Time Running.”
The contemplative film by directors Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas de Pencier premiered Wednesday night at the Toronto International Film Festival ahead of a nationwide limited theatrical release, with screenings scheduled for Thursday and Monday. It will also air on CTV on Nov. 12 and begin streaming on CraveTV the following day.
“Long Time Running” confirms the Kingston, Ont., band always considered the string of 2016 concerts to be their last, even though the group was reticent to acknowledge that reality.
“It’s kind of over for everybody, and that’s kind of a lot to bear, I think,” says Patrick Downie in the film, as he recalls learning of his brother’s diagnosis.