Still Alice

Still Alice is a thought-provoking drama that tells the story of a linguistics professor, Alice Howland, who is struggling to cope with a life-altering diagnosis. The film, directed by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland, is based on the novel of the same name by Lisa Genova, published in 2007. Alice Howland, played by Julianne Moore, is a vibrant and intelligent woman in her mid-50s. She is a renowned linguistics professor at Columbia University and has a loving husband, John, played by Alec Baldwin, who supports her both academically and personally. The couple has three grown children, Lisa, Anna, and Tom, all of whom are struggling with their own lives. Lisa, played by Kate Bosworth, is trying to become an actress, but her career is stagnant; Anna, played by Hunter Parrish, is trying to find his place in the world, and Tom, played by Stephen Weir, is the only one who has achieved success, but in a field that doesn't make him truly happy. Alice's life is turned upside down when she starts forgetting words. At first, she brushes it off as a minor issue, but as the forgetfulness becomes more frequent and severe, she knows something is wrong. A doctor's visit reveals that Alice has early-onset Alzheimer's disease, a condition where the brain slowly starts to lose its cognitive function, leading to memory loss, confusion, and loss of identity. Alice is devastated by the diagnosis. She is shocked, scared, and unsure of what the future holds. She struggles to accept the reality of her condition, and her family tries to support her through this difficult time. John is her rock, but even he struggles to cope with the changing dynamics of their relationship. The children are also affected, trying to navigate their complicated emotions of love, guilt, and helplessness. One of the most poignant aspects of the film is the way it explores the complexities of Alice's relationship with her children. As she becomes increasingly dependent on them for assistance, she starts to lose her sense of self and her relationships with her family become strained. Her children feel guilty for not being able to make things better, and they struggle to connect with their mother, who is slowly disappearing. Throughout the film, Alice's memories are woven together like a tapestry. She remembers moments from her past, big and small, and we see the love and laughter she shared with her husband and children. These flashbacks are interspersed with scenes of her trying to cope with her condition, going to support groups, and experimenting with new ways to remember and communicate. One of the most powerful aspects of the film is Julianne Moore's performance. She brings depth and nuance to Alice's character, bringing out the complexity and emotion of a woman struggling to come to terms with her own mortality. Moore's performance won her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2015, a testament to her incredible portrayal of a complex and multifaceted character. As Alice's condition worsens, the family is forced to confront their own mortality and limitations. They come to realize that they can't change their mother's fate, but they can be there for her, loving and supporting her every step of the way. The film ends on a poignant note, with Alice watching her husband and children, knowing that she is slowly disappearing, but also knowing that she is loved, and that her family will always be there for her. Still Alice is a heart-wrenching film that explores the complexities of the human experience. It's a film about the fragility of life, the power of love, and the resilience of the human spirit. It's a film that will leave you crying, but also smiling, as you reflect on the beauty and beauty of life, and the people we love.