"Still Alice"

I saw the movie "Still Alice" last week and found it very moving. A highly respected linguistics professor begins losing her memory and is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. Her husband and children try to be supportive, but the disease puts a strain on their relationships. Alice finds ways to help herself by writing down reminders and names and even gives a talk about her disease at an Alzheimer's association meeting. Although it is a somber story, I found Alice's resiliency courageous and uplifting. She struggles to retain her humor, her love of words, her interest in her children's lives, and her love of cooking for her family. Surprisingly, the daughter who caused her the most concern is the one who volunteers to stay with her when Alice's husband goes on a business trip. I thought Julianne Moore portrayed the pathos and strength of Alice very convincingly without any trace of sentimentality. I think those who are caring for people with Alzheimer's would find the film authentic and realistic.

Julianne Moore in "Still Alice"

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