Synopsis for
Away from Her (2006)

This first appeared on www.realmoviereview.com Man, getting old sucks. That much is clear after watching Away From Her, which, ironically, was directed by Sarah Polley, who was all of twenty-six at the time. She shows a real touch for this genre, despite her youth, however. I am going to predict a large number of Oscar nominations for this poignant character drama, but I am less convinced that it will snag any wins. This is the kind of film that Hollywood likes to nominate before handing out most of the hardware to bigger budget releases. The acting is great, as you would expect from the group of seasoned pros at work, here. The direction is good and though it flirts with becoming too artsy at times, it never steps over the line. The choice was made to tell the story in a non-linear fashion, which I didnt feel was needed, but is undeniably powerful nonetheless. I was unconvinced by the main character, however, and the film is both oppressive and compelling, but filled with such heavy, grinding sadness that I am unsure whether or not it was worth it.

Gordon Pinsent is Grant, a retired professor who must watch his beautiful wife, Fiona (Julie Christie) of forty-four years deteriorate in the clutches of Alzheimers, before finally agreeing to put her into a care home. His pain is just beginning, however, as once there, she rarely remembers him and he must watch as she forms a relationship with another man, whom she meets there. Grant continues to visit her steadily despite finding her less responsive to him. Still, his unselfish love for her seems to know no bounds and this limiless selflessness is where the story loses some credibility. Is this character a man or an saint? I really found his actions difficult to reconcile.

This is a quality drama that will be lauded by drama fans as they dab their eyes and i am unsure whether many will share my view of the over-the-top character. This is not my usual taste, and despite its shortcoming, I cant deny its obvious quality and expect that many will give it a place in the pantheon of fine cinematic art pieces.