Love Unbound: A Heartwarming True Account of Love Devoid of Boundaries
In the heart of 1950s Britain, a remarkable story unfolded. Robin Cavendish, a brave adventurer and athlete, was struck by polio at the age of 28, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down[1][2][3]. Faced with a grim prognosis of only months to live, Robin and his wife Diana defied the odds and lived a life far beyond what was expected of them.
Robin's journey is a testament to his indomitable spirit and Diana's unwavering support. Instead of being confined to hospital wards, they chose to live a life outside the hospital[1][5]. Robin's story challenges the medical norms of the era, as most patients with similar disabilities were left in institutional settings. Robin and Diana, however, pioneered new ways to live fully with severe disabilities, including the development and use of mobility aids that allowed Robin greater freedom and involvement in life outside the hospital[5].
Robin was a pioneer in his fight for mobility and a tireless advocate for the rights of the disabled, confounding medical experts with his survival and advocacy[6]. His dream of a film based on his life story was realized 15 years later with the release of Breathe, a film produced by his son, Jonathan Cavendish, and directed by Andy Serkis[7].
Andy Serkis, best known for his roles as 'Gollum' in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy and 'Caesar' in the Planet of the Apes films, co-founded The Imaginarium, a multi-platform production company dedicated to "next-generation story-telling" and linked to a performance capture studio[4]. Serkis was drawn to the story of Robin and Diana Cavendish after reading the script and meeting Diana[8]. He saw Breathe as a story about people doing things no one had ever done before and doing them in their own way.
William Nicholson, the writer of Breathe, was inspired to write the script after hearing the story of Robin and Diana[9]. Known for his "double ending" style of storytelling, which combines elements of triumph and sadness, Nicholson praised Serkis for his calm and humble demeanor and his ability to elicit strong performances from actors[10].
In Breathe, Andrew Garfield portrays Robin Cavendish, and Claire Foy plays his wife Diana. The film is a love story about two people who face a devastating setback but choose to live meaningful lives filled with love, laughter, and joy[11]. It is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the human spirit, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to live a life filled with purpose and joy.
References: [1] https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/sep/15/breath-review-andrew-garfield-claire-foy-polio-drama [2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-41274669 [3] https://www.thewrap.com/breath-review-andrew-garfield-claire-foy-polio-drama-netflix-andy-serkis-director/ [4] https://www.theimaginariumstudios.com/ [5] https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/sep/14/breath-andy-serkis-directorial-debut-review [6] https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/sep/15/breath-review-andrew-garfield-claire-foy-polio-drama [7] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5073316/ [8] https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/sep/14/breath-andy-serkis-directorial-debut-review [9] https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/sep/14/breath-andy-serkis-directorial-debut-review [10] https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/sep/15/breath-review-andrew-garfield-claire-foy-polio-drama [11] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5073316/plotsummary?ref_=tt_ov_pl
- The screenwriting process for the film 'Breathe' was initiated by William Nicholson, who was inspired by the remarkable story of Robin and Diana Cavendish.
- In the field of health and wellness, Robin Cavendish's journey defied medical norms of the era, proving that with perseverance and lifestyle adjustments, one can live beyond expectations even with chronic diseases like polio.
- Fashion and beauty may not seem related to love and dating, but in the story of Robin and Diana Cavendish, these aspects played a role as they chose to live a life outside the hospital, breaking stereotypes and embracing a vibrant lifestyle together.
- Andy Serkis, known for his acting roles in science-fiction films and co-founder of The Imaginarium, chose to adapt the script of 'Breathe' because it told a powerful story about people's resilience in the face of adversity, much like the stories told through his multi-platform production company.
