Films about dementia promote understanding of the disease, raise awareness for those affected and show emotional stories that make you think.
“Still Alice – My Life Without Yesterday” (2014) – Oscar-winning film about dementia
“Still Alice” tells the story of Alice Howland (Julianne Moore), a linguistics professor who develops a hereditary form of Alzheimer's disease at the age of 50.
- The film follows Alice's painful journey as she tries to cope with the advancing illness and not burden her family, causing emotional tension, particularly with her daughter Lydia.
- The story deals with the loss of identity and the challenges that both Alice and her family have to overcome.
- The outstanding acting performance of Julianne Moore, who received the Oscar for Best Actress for her role, makes “Still Alice” so special. Her sensitive and authentic portrayal of mental decline was highlighted by critics as impressive and touching.
- The audience also appreciated the emotional depth and subtle presentation of the topic of Alzheimer's as well as the honest and respectful treatment of the disease.
- The film achieved high ratings on platforms such as Metacritic and was seen as an important contribution to the discussion about dementia.
“Honey in the Head” (2014)
Til Schweiger's tragicomedy is a cheerful and at the same time touching story about the former veterinarian Amandus Rosenbach (Dieter Hallervorden), who suffers from Alzheimer's and moves in with his son Niko and his family after the death of his wife.
- The relationship between Amandus and his granddaughter Tilda (Emma Schweiger) is the focus of the film. Amandus' increasing forgetfulness puts family life to the test while Tilda tries to help him and fulfill his wishes.
- To keep Amandus' memories of his honeymoon in Venice alive, Tilda takes him on an adventurous journey there, where they are confronted with the challenges of his illness.
- “Honey in the Head” addresses the emotional handling of the loss of memories as well as the sadness and powerlessness that relatives feel when they see how a loved one changes.
- The emotional depth and nuanced portrayal of Hallervorden and Schweiger are heartwarming.
- Despite some negative comments regarding the plot and clichés, the film received a high number of viewers.
“The Father” (2020)
“The Father” is a powerful drama that presents the perspective of dementia patient Anthony, played by Anthony Hopkins. The film shows how he deals with the progressive illness and the confusion that comes with it.
- His daughter Anne (Olivia Colman) struggles to support him, while Anthony increasingly loses control of his reality and has difficulty distinguishing between the past and the present.
- “The Father” depicts the emotional and psychological challenges that arise for both Anthony and Anne as they attempt to cope with the illness.
- The drama is characterized by themes such as feelings of helplessness and the desire for control in a rapidly changing reality.
- What also makes the film special is the unique perspective from which the story is told; Viewers experience Anthony's perception of the world, conveying an intense sense of confusion and isolation.
- Anthony Hopkins' acting performance was highly praised and earned him an Oscar for Best Actor.