No Hair Day: Laughing (and Crying) Our Way Through Breast Cancer

Through the double lenses of Elsa Dorfman's enormous Polaroid camera and that of the filmmaker, we watch and listen as the women share their stories. All three are undergoing chemotherapy and struggle with the emotional and physical (hence the title) impact of the disease. They manage to find strength and comfort in their bond, and so do we.

For all women who are wives, mothers, daughters, and friends, who have had breast cancer or know someone who has, this is an important and life affirming film. When asked on camera "How has cancer changed your life?" Debbie first laughs, then cries. I did too.


Inspirational   February 8, 2002
E.J. in LA (Toluca Lake, CA USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Deb Dorsey and Bob Burns have made an extraordinary film about three women's struggle with breast cancer. Laced with humor and pathos, this film is a must see for anyone who wants to be fully engaged in the process of life. The glimpse into the lives of three women confronting breast cancer is inspirational, instructive, and humbling. Crisis often brings out the best in people. This film is a paean to the indomitability of the human spirit.


Reader's Digest Was Right: Laughter IS The Best Medicine   February 7, 2002
coconutH2O (Los Angeles CA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Bob Burns and Debbie Dorsey have teamed up to create an extraordinary documentary valentine for anyone who has suffered with their own or a family member's bout with cancer. When this husband-and-wife production team was faced with Debbie's breast cancer, Bob's camera and Debbie's editing skills became a powerfully cooperative tool of communication and healing. This loving tale of several women coming to grips with the loss of their hair post-chemotherapy is the compelling tale of survivors with a breathless sense of humour and of wonder. Thank you to everyone involved for so nimbly sharing such powerful life lessons.


Anything but depressing!   February 7, 2002
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

A friend of mine wouldn't watch this because she thought it would be too upsetting. No, no, no. Here are three women giving life all they've got -- and a fourth, Elsa Dorfman, taking her trademark giant Polaroids of them in dozens of poses and guises -- as the video cameraman, Dorsey's husband, captures it all. Of course it's not all happy talk (this is cancer, after all), but it's real and joyful and absolutely riveting. Even better the second time around.


A Must-See Film   February 5, 2002
Kate Bernhardt (Arlington, MA United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Three women fighting breast cancer spend a day at photographer Elsa Dorfman's studio, posing for her large-format Polaroid camera while they laugh, cry, tell bad jokes, make fun of themselves, and reveal their hearts. Whether or not you have cancer or know anyone who does, this story will inspire you to live your life fully. I know that sounds trite, but the energy, spirit, and grace these three women display truly makes this one worth seeing. It's upbeat without being dishonest, true without being preachy, and educational without being didactic. I'd like to grow up to be like these three.