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Away From Her was one of the best films shown at the Toronto International Film Festival last fall, and at long last this superb picture is opening in theatres.
Based on a short story by Alice Munro, Away From Her is a clear-eyed look at an older married couple (Julie Christie and Gordon Pinsent) who have stayed together through thick and thin. Fiona and Grant seem devoted to each other; there are just a few vaguely unsettling references to the past to show that their relationship hasn't always been perfect. Now it is illness that will finally separate them. Fiona has Alzheimer's disease. She goes to live in a retirement home, one of those jolly, modern holding pens where one's inevitable deterioration can be accommodated.
The retirement home has a rule: New patients may not have any visitors for the first 30 days. This is to help them adjust to their new surroundings. When Grant finally gets to see how his beloved is managing, he discovers that after their month apart, Fiona doesn't really remember him. Worse yet, she is very keen on Aubrey (Michael Murphy), another resident at the home. One day, Aubrey's wife comes to take him home, and Fiona slips into a depression. Grant attempts to help her find happiness again.
Away From Her is the sort of film that leaves people arguing in the parking lot long after they've left the theatre. It is an entirely character-driven outing, and with magnificent performances, but what it means is open to interpretation.
Some see the film as a heartbreaking study of love and the ravages of time. Others see it as a statement on the selective memory necessary in any long-term relationship. As with most of Alice Munro's stories, there are layers and layers and layers to consider; the one area of agreement among all viewers is that the film, though never sentimental, is hugely moving, and often difficult to watch.
Away From Her is Sarah Polley's directorial debut. She also wrote the screenplay, based upon Munro's The Bear Came Over the Mountain. The cast includes Kristen Thomson, Wendy Crewson and glimpses of Alberta Watson and Katie Boland. Luc Montpellier is the cinematographer.
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It's all good. Actually, it's way better than good. This is a film for anyone who's almost given up on the movies. Leave the kids in that lineup for Spider-Man, and check out Away From Her for yourself.
(This film is rated PG)