DVD Review - “Away From Her”
GRADE: A
The one regretful thing about putting out your “best and worst” list of the year is that you aren’t able to watch every film and some movies slip through the cracks. I watched “Away From Her” this past weekend and it clearly is one of the best films of 2007. It also contains the best performance from any actress all year by the gorgeous Julie Christie.
This soft and tender film focuses on the devastating results of early set on Alsheizemers disease as it affects a married couple who have been married for over 40 years. This heartbreaking disease does not discriminate or wait for anyone. As “Away From Her” depicts, the results of this disease are emotionally crippling. Director/Screenwriter Sarah Polley’s script is mature, insightful and uplifting.
Julie Christie’s subtle performance is quietly un-nerving. You can see the intensity in her eloquent and understated acting. Co-star’s Gordon Pinsent and Olympia Dukakis give emotionally crushing performances as a distraught husband and wife who slowly have to say goodbye to the love’s of their lives. Watching these two actors together is a marvel. They express their loss with a painfully quiet intensity that is real. But do not worry, the depressing subject matter in this sad film becomes a harrowing tale of bravery and empathy.
This material is not easy to digest. This is a deeply sad film with some great insights. There are some poignant moments in this film that made me reflect on my own life. I found myself thinking about my own mortality and feeling glad for the blessings that I do have. This is the true mark of an emotionally charged and brilliant film. Watching “Away From Her” was a profound experience that left me feeling much richer in my life than I was before seeing it.
WATCH THE “AWAY FROM HER” MOVIE TRAILER HERE:
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