Still Alice (movie critique)

Still Alice
Movie Poster

Dr. Alice Howland, played by Julianne Moore, is an esteemed linguistics professor at Columbia University. She is married to Dr John Howland, played Alec Baldwin, and they have 3 grown children.  They both have busy and very demanding careers while also supporting their children.  

Julianne Moore

Alec Baldwin

As the movie evolves, we see Alice first begin to stumble over words or forget how to pronounce a word, which is perplexing because words are the foundation of her career.   Then while out jogging, she becomes disoriented and not sure where she is - even though she is on familiar turf, the college campus.  Fearing a brain tumor, Alice seeks professional help from a neurologist.  After a MIR, a PET scan and verbal tests are done the doctor confirms that Alice has early on set Alzheimer disease.  It was determined that more than likely she inherited the gene from her father and she could have passed it on to her 3 children.   They in turn will need to have the same genetics test to determine if their DNA does contain this gene.  

Alice works hard to hold on to herself.   Finding ways to do workarounds when she has to give a speech.  She finally has to "resign" from teaching and forge a new path for herself.  But the disease is unrelenting.   She slowly disappears a bit each day.  Her husband has a better job offer and takes it leaving her in the hands of her younger daughter, played by Kristine Stewart (no comment on her acting skills).

Kristen Stewart and Julianne Moore 

The Travelling Toe can certainly understand why Julianne was  awarded the 2015 Oscar for this role.   It is a powerful movie and she is outstanding in a role that would be hard for anyone to embrace.

Julianne with Oscar

Oscar Award

This movie may not appeal to everyone but The Travelling Toe and friend saw it on a cold, windy weekday afternoon and the theater had a good crowd. The movie is based on the book "Still Alice" written by Lisa Genova.  It can be found on the Amazon link.

Perhaps the movie will spark more focus on funding for medical research that this disease sorely needs.   With the aging world population more is needed to fight this disease.

Lisa Genova

Still Alice Book Cover

Amazon

The Travelling Toe awards this movie 2 Big Toes up with sparkly nail polish - because what is life without whimsy and Alice would like that!!!


Disclaimer:  The Travelling Toe is not a professional movie critic and any opinions expressed are for entertainment purposes only.