Summary written by Omar P.L. Moore
Sarah Polley gave us the beautiful "Away From Her", the most confidently
directed film of 2007. A first-time effort from the actor, Ms. Polley's
screen adaptation of Alice Munro's short story The Bear Came Over The
Mountain is an absolute gem -- a mature love story that ages like fine wine,
and without the kinds of surprises that films try to force upon their audiences.
Polley's talents as a director are strong as she captures the story of a 45-year
marriage suddenly tested by the onset of Altzheimer's in Fiona (an excellent
Julie Christie performance), whose behavior estranges Grant (a very good Gordon
Pinsent), the husband she has loved for nearly all of her adult life. The
film's pace is moderate, calm and gentle, the kind of easygoing speed that
slowly but surely absorbs you in its magic and beauty. Cinematographer Luc
Montpellier etches our minds with his superbly crafted images evoking a time,
place and yesteryear both tender and even sad, and the story is one that all
adults, those jaded by the blockbuster film and the shoot-'em-up flick -- will
really love and adore. "Away From Her" is honest, straightforward and
never pretentious. The film just tells its story and does it very well --
and Ms. Polley (memorable as an actor in such films as Atom Egoyan's "The Sweet
Hereafter") delivers as does her cast, which includes Olympia Dukakis who is
likely to be Oscar-nominated in a supporting role as Marian. "Away From
Her" is a great love story and for everyone -- especially those in their golden
years of life. (Mr. Egoyan is one of the executive producers of "Away".)
Significant line of the film: "I think I may be beginning to disappear"
(Spoken by Fiona)
Film length: One hour and 50 minutes
Awards Season 2008: PopcornReel.com Predicts the Oscar Nominees: Best Actress
Film not originally reviewed at PopcornReel.com
