The Self-Made Man

Is it ever rational to choose death? On Independence Day at Stern Ranch, 77-year-old solar energy pioneer Bob Stern finds out he’s seriously ill – possibly dying. Meanwhile, an elderly in-law is dying on artificial life support. Bob decides to cheat that fate and take his own life. His family tries to stop him. Bob sets up a video camera. Daughter Susan Stern explores “rational suicide,” the “right-to-die” and the difficult end-of-life choices faced by an aging population.

• Release date
• March 14, 2005
• Runtime
• 58 min
• Genres
• Documentary
• Director
• Susan Stern

Cast

B

Bob Stern Self

S

Susan Stern Self

M

Mike Stern Self