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Away From Her
Directed by: Sarah Polley
Starring: Gordon Pinsent
Genre:
Drama/Independent
Run Time: 110
min.
Release Date:
May 2007
On The Web:
Official
Site
Teaser:
Movie Trailer
Reviewed by
Byron Merritt |
It’s exceptionally nice to
see current world crisis’ make an impact on film. Alzheimer’s is a
worldwide problem that costs billions of dollars in healthcare, rips at
the fabric of families, and challenges us as a people to come up with
ways of handling this mind-killer. And the best way to focus on this
problem is to encapsulate it via one couple and show the havoc this
disease wreaks. Thus we get AWAY FROM HER, actress Sarah Polley’s
first time in the director’s chair. If it’s any indication as to Mrs.
Polley’s future behind the camera, I’d say we’re in for some great
cinema from her.
I enjoyed this film for a couple of reasons. First is what I mentioned
above about showing world issues. Second is the simplicity of the
filming. There are no camera tricks, no lingering shots on falling
leaves to indicate the end of one’s life, and no easing into how
difficult it is to let go of the mind (and eventually their body) of
someone you’ve loved all your life. It’s hard, cold and ultimately
forces one to deal with situations they never thought possible. And
finally I have to mention the acting.
Julie Christie is getting plenty of awards buzz because of her portrayal
as Fiona Anderson, an aging woman who seems too young to be getting
Alzheimer’s. Although I enjoyed her acting immensely, it paled in
comparison to Gordon Pinsent’s (SAINT
RALPH) awesome portrayal as Grant, her husband
and man she leaves behind.
Pinsent played the perfect role as the equally lost husband, forced to
put his wife in an institution designed for Alzheimer’s patients and
watch her slowly decay and drift from him. Pinsent goes through all of
the emotions, from denial, anger and finally acceptance.
Olympia Dukakis plays Marian, a woman who’s husband lives in the same
institution as Fiona. As Fiona and Marian’s husband become too close for
comfort for both Grant and Marian, the two are forced together in hopes
of connecting again with someone their own age who are experiencing the
same horrific life-ending events of their spouses. Dukakis plays her
role well and one scene in particular between her and Pinsent will
probably make viewers both laugh and cry in the same moment.
My only complaint with Away From Her is that all of the major
award groups (Oscars, Golden Globes, SAG, etc.) neglected to nominate
Pinsent, while Julie Christie has been showered with them. It doesn’t
seem fair. The one’s left behind — after Alzheimer’s — pack the most
emotional wallop when translating such devastation to film. And Pinsent
pulled it off perfectly.
(back to top) |
Image from Away From Her
DVD cost: $10.91
Purchase:
Tower.com
Film Review Stew
Favorite? No.
Stew Poo-Poo? No.
Newsworthy:
'Sarah Polley' adapted the
short story "The Bear Came Over the Mountain" specifically for Julie
Christie.
Movie Quote: "I
think all we can aspire to in this situation is a little bit of grace."
Other Actors/Actresses
from Away From Her
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