“Of course, a lot of such deaths are due to ‘movie disease’ — that desirable ailment that leaves its victim fresh-faced (except for perhaps a bit of dark Max Factor under the eyes and cheekbones, plus a dab of pale matte lipstick), coherent, and with plenty of time to say their perfect goodbyes to the people they love. But even when I know I’m being played, the tears I’m shedding are the tears of my old friend, catharsis, otherwise known as joy.”