"Away From Her"
2007
Rated PG-13
Director: Sarah Polley
Cast: Julie Christie, Michael Murphy, Gordon Pinsent, Olympia Dukakis
"I never wanted to be away from her. She had the spirit of life." ~Grant
Away From Her is a gut-wrenching and real love story about a woman and her husband coping with Alzheimer's disease. After 40+ years of wedded bliss, Fiona's memory begins to fail. As her dementia progresses, she needs 24 hour care and her husband, Grant, must check her into a nursing home. Once there, Fiona not only forgets who her husband is, but she begins to develop an affectionate relationship with another patient.
Brilliant casting choices - Julie Christie, Olympia Dukakis, Michael Murphy and especially Gordon Pinsent who narrates the film. His deep voice adds to the gravity and emotion of the story. I was so moved by the devotion of this husband. The acting was exceptional all around. The scene when Fiona asks her husband to make love to her before he leaves was filled with an urgency and sexiness not many actresses that age could pull off. Christie has the beauty and energy of a much younger woman. Plus this gripping drama has just the right amount of humor and charm mixed in.
Hats off to first time director, Sarah Polley. She brought real honesty and sympathy to the lives of these two characters. I hope we'll be seeing more from her. Award-winning director Atom Egoyan produced this film inspired by an Alice Munro story.
The Alzheimer's in this film is kind of a back story... its really more about love and how our selective memory shapes our relationships. It is also a lesson in patience and learning to let go. This movie won't appeal to all audiences. But if you're a Julie Christie fan, this tear-jerker is a must see, especially after her Golden Globe win and Oscar nomination. I give Away From Her 5 out of 5 stars.
Excellent work!!