Ed Koch Death and Documentary: New York's Former Mayor's Legacy Lives On

Documentaries and biographers are the perfect vessels to preserve someone's legacy. That's why the release of Neil Barsky's documentary "Koch" will help soften the blow of the tragic death of Ed Koch. The former New York Mayor died Friday morning, Feb. 1, from congestive heart failure. Koch is the subject of Barsky's documentary that will be screened at the upcoming Hartford Jewish Film Festival in April and opens in theaters today.

Koch told The Courant on Jan. 3 that he had just been released from the hospital and was concerned with his bout with the flu. He had been weak for years, but on that particular day he felt slightly troubled, especially with all the news surrounding the 'flu epidemic' in New York.

"Because of my age, 88, you worry about elderly people," he said while discussing the new documentary. "One thousand people die every year from the flu."

Although the documentary covering his three terms as mayor was released today, coinciding all too symbolically with his death, the film premiered at the Museum of Modern Art earlier this week. Koch was unable to attend due to his health. His captivating presence was undoubtedly missed.

"I cannot think of a New Yorker as popular or as polarizing," Barsky said in a statement. "Koch proved to be a perfectly complex character. He is funny and he can be a bully. He is charming and also narcissistic.

Koch agreed to make the documentary about his mayorship from 1978 to 1989 because he believed Barsky to be "an intellectually honest person." The film follows Koch through his years in office, his greatest achievements and his biggest regrets. His great wisdom and courage shine through, which was Barsky's intention.

In one particular segment of the documentary, Koch visits his own grave. He had already paid for it and had his own epitaph carved into the headstone. The scene serves as an eerie foreshadow to the events of this morning. "I want to be buried in Manhattan, so it's easy for people to visit. I hope that I'll get visitors," Koch said. With the premiere of his own documentary casting a light haze of joyful remembrance on such a mournful day, Koch's wishes will surely come true.

Watch the trailer to "Koch" here.