Away From Her
3/4
Starring: Gordon Pinsent. Julie Christie, Olympia Dukakis, Kristen Thomson, Wendy Crewson
Rated PG-13 for Brief Strong Language
Although it would seem like "Away from Her," an independent film aimed solely at adults, and "The Notebook," a tearjerker aimed at teenage girls, would have nothing in common aside from the subject matter, the truth is that they're actually quite similar. Both deal with the sadness that comes along with the fading of memories associated with Alzheimer's. The two films explore it in different ways, but the feel is the same.
Grant (Pinsent) has been married to the lively and spirited Fiona (Christie) for more than 40 years. But she's losing her memory, and it quickly becomes clear that these aren't just "senior moments," as they're called. Eventually, Fiona decides to move into an assisted living facility, but they have a policy that for the first 30 days new residents can't have visitors...even close family members. Grant doesn't like the idea because he's in denial about his wife's illness, but she insists. Once the 30 days are up, however, Grant finds out that Fiona no longer recognizes him. Now he has to watch her from afar as she begins to dote on another patient, Aubrey (Michael Murphy).
Before I go pointing out the film's flaws, let me tell you what the film does right. First and foremost, the mood of the film works. Actress-turned-director Sarah Polley tells her story slowly, careful not to break its thoughtful and emotional spell (credit must also go to the cinematography by Luc Montpellier and the score by Jonathan Goldsmith). The acting by the two leads is also superb. Gordon Pinsent, a Canadian actor, is wonderful as the depressed and lonely Grant. He had been unfaithful to Fiona during their marriage, and he views her illness as either an act or a twisted sense of karma. Likewise, Julie Christie is also excellent. Even as her Alzheimer's progresses, we can see her spirit and kindness. It's no wonder that Grant is so in love with her. Wendy Crewson is a little rough around the edges in her first few scenes, but she's mostly good as the administrator. We all know someone like her: super professional to the extent that she doesn't have time to form the connections she thinks she has with the people who wander in and out of the building. Also good is Kristen Thomson, who plays the helpful nurse Kristy. She's everything that administrator Madeline isn't, and is exactly the helpful ear and adviser that Grant needs.
Now for the flaws. First, while the script is well-written, there are times when it either gets too literate or too oblique (or both). It's not enough to sink the picture, but it does take you out of the moment. Second, the pacing is a little erratic. For example, it takes all of two seconds for the one month no-visit policy to be over with. Wouldn't it have been wise to show how Grant is struggling to keep going during that? Also, Olympia Dukakis, who plays Aubrey's husband, is miscast. Dukakis is known for playing brash older women, like in the "Look Who's Talking" franchise. Here, playing a woman in a similar position to Grant, she's not given a role that suits her talents.
Do I recommend it? Well, do you want to see a movie about Alzheimer's? I'd imagine that a lot of people wouldn't. While this film is good, it's not strong enough that a person should see it if they have a personal connection to the disease. Some movies are good enough that they demand to be seen by everyone regardless of past history. This isn't one of them.
Starring: Gordon Pinsent. Julie Christie, Olympia Dukakis, Kristen Thomson, Wendy Crewson
Rated PG-13 for Brief Strong Language
Although it would seem like "Away from Her," an independent film aimed solely at adults, and "The Notebook," a tearjerker aimed at teenage girls, would have nothing in common aside from the subject matter, the truth is that they're actually quite similar. Both deal with the sadness that comes along with the fading of memories associated with Alzheimer's. The two films explore it in different ways, but the feel is the same.
Grant (Pinsent) has been married to the lively and spirited Fiona (Christie) for more than 40 years. But she's losing her memory, and it quickly becomes clear that these aren't just "senior moments," as they're called. Eventually, Fiona decides to move into an assisted living facility, but they have a policy that for the first 30 days new residents can't have visitors...even close family members. Grant doesn't like the idea because he's in denial about his wife's illness, but she insists. Once the 30 days are up, however, Grant finds out that Fiona no longer recognizes him. Now he has to watch her from afar as she begins to dote on another patient, Aubrey (Michael Murphy).
Before I go pointing out the film's flaws, let me tell you what the film does right. First and foremost, the mood of the film works. Actress-turned-director Sarah Polley tells her story slowly, careful not to break its thoughtful and emotional spell (credit must also go to the cinematography by Luc Montpellier and the score by Jonathan Goldsmith). The acting by the two leads is also superb. Gordon Pinsent, a Canadian actor, is wonderful as the depressed and lonely Grant. He had been unfaithful to Fiona during their marriage, and he views her illness as either an act or a twisted sense of karma. Likewise, Julie Christie is also excellent. Even as her Alzheimer's progresses, we can see her spirit and kindness. It's no wonder that Grant is so in love with her. Wendy Crewson is a little rough around the edges in her first few scenes, but she's mostly good as the administrator. We all know someone like her: super professional to the extent that she doesn't have time to form the connections she thinks she has with the people who wander in and out of the building. Also good is Kristen Thomson, who plays the helpful nurse Kristy. She's everything that administrator Madeline isn't, and is exactly the helpful ear and adviser that Grant needs.
Now for the flaws. First, while the script is well-written, there are times when it either gets too literate or too oblique (or both). It's not enough to sink the picture, but it does take you out of the moment. Second, the pacing is a little erratic. For example, it takes all of two seconds for the one month no-visit policy to be over with. Wouldn't it have been wise to show how Grant is struggling to keep going during that? Also, Olympia Dukakis, who plays Aubrey's husband, is miscast. Dukakis is known for playing brash older women, like in the "Look Who's Talking" franchise. Here, playing a woman in a similar position to Grant, she's not given a role that suits her talents.
Do I recommend it? Well, do you want to see a movie about Alzheimer's? I'd imagine that a lot of people wouldn't. While this film is good, it's not strong enough that a person should see it if they have a personal connection to the disease. Some movies are good enough that they demand to be seen by everyone regardless of past history. This isn't one of them.
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