In one of my online searches into ‘traces’ I came across the documentary ‘Dreams of a Life.’ It is based on the story of Joyce Vincent who died in 2003. Directed by Carol Morley it takes the form of talking heads of those who knew her and dramatisations of some life events. Her family declined to be involved.
She was found in her flat on the sofa surrounded by part wrapped Xmas presents with the TV on some three years after her death. It is not an easy watch not least because I found I was constantly plagued by questions. I was also intrigued by the different perspectives those that knew her seemed to have, some thought she was a good singer others did not agreed. There is some speculation as to whether she had been in an abusive relationship but no one really seemed to know her.
Some of the premise of the film seems to be that Joyce erected barriers that kept people at a distance not least by constantly changing address. Perhaps also highlighted by the fact that when she went into hospital she put her Bank Manager as next of kin. It is hard to watch it without wondering how it was possible for her to go unnoticed, not least why it took three years to issue an eviction notice, the event that led to her discovery.
There is a deeper underlying question and fear of course, the thought of not being noticed on our death. Even now, with the extent of our digital traces, some twelve years on from Joyce’s death, who would notice our absence?