The Theory of Everything (Rated: PG-13)
Drama
Carol: Must See Now
The story of a brilliant man afflicted with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Eddie Redmayne gives a stunning performance as Stephen Hawking. It is truly inspiring to see what the man has achieved while overcoming the limitations of his “disability.” When I got home I Googled a picture of Prof. Hawking and it is amazing how Hawking and Redmayne resemble one another. Outstanding acting should earn Redmayne the Oscar.
Phil: Must See Now
While the subject matter of this movie is not “uplifting” (the gradual physical deterioration of a person because of Lou Gehrig disease), it is well acted.
Interesting to compare this film to another released around the same time : Still Alice. In each, the central character is afflicted with a serious disease. In each, the actor portraying that central character does an outstanding job and may indeed walk away with the Oscar.
Yet Still Aliceis perhaps too close to home for a reviewer aged over 65, to be objective.
Still Alice (Rated: PG-13)
Drama
Carol: Must See Now
Get out your tissues as this is one of the saddest topics you’ll ever see and very difficult to watch. Alice, a 50 year old brilliant linguistics college professor is diagnosed with early on-set Alzheimer’s disease. While the audience watches, Alice “slips” away in front of the eyes of her family. An excellent performance by Julianne Moore combined with amazing direction by Wash Westmoreland may land them both Oscars on their mantles. Truly a sad disease; Moore’s character says early on that she wishes it was cancer. I can’t disagree with her.
Phil: Wait for the Video
A well acted movie with Juliana Moore portraying a 50-ish college professor who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s.
Unfortunately, at my present age, the movie is more depressing than entertaining. I can’t really recommend it for people over the age of 65.
It is interesting to compare this film to another released around the same time: The Theory of Everything. In each, the central character is afflicted with a serious disease. In each, the actor portraying that central character does an outstanding job and may indeed walk away with the Oscar.
Yet Still Alice is perhaps too close to home for a reviewer, aged over 65, to be objective. Or to enjoy the film.
