Indestructible
Rating: 3 stars
By Bill Stamets

Chicago Sun-Times

In September 2002, Chicago native Ben Byer learned he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. As his nerves began to degenerate, he lost control of his muscles. He decided to make the best of his plight by making a documentary. "Indestructible" is an engaging chronicle of strategies used by Byer and his family to cope. After a valiant struggle, he died July 3 at age 36.

"The really, really positive thing about this disease is that I can watch TV all day long and not feel bad about it," cracks Byer, who once worked in Hollywood before turning to the Chicago theater scene. In the press notes for his first-person feature, he offered a more sober tone: "I suddenly found myself on the slow road to hell."

The documentary chronicles how his family pulled together in search of the best treatment plan. Byer's father seeks a cure on the Internet and advocates the use of untested herbal and surgical treatments. Byer's sister Rebeccah, a glass artist and first-time film producer, offers more grounded help. Family tensions eventually reach a flashpoint. During a fight over Ben's best interests, she yells at her parents to get out of her house.

Most of "Indestructible" was shot by Roko Belic, Byer's classmate at Evanston Township High School, who made the 1999 documentary "Genghis Blues." They interviewed other people living with the disease and ALS specialists, including noted neurologist and author Oliver Sacks. Byer traveled to China, Jamaica and Israel for solace -- for body and soul. If no longer the master of his physical self, Byer mastered the art of personal reportage to chronicle his quest.

No MPAA rating. Running time: 113 minutes. In English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Tibetan and Greek with English subtitles. Screening at Gene Siskel Film Center at 8 tonight, 7:45 p.m. Monday and 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. Producer Rebeccah Rush and editor Tim Baron will attend.