An emotion look inside dementia
Film Critic Jason Evans has made it his mission to bring you
all you need to know about movies in quick, easy-to-read doses. He writes them
in exactly 100 words (not 99 or 101). Here is his 100-word review of The
Father.
The Premise – From first-time director Florian Zeller comes
this tale of an aging man struggling as he slowly succumbs to dementia. Academy
Award winner Anthony Hopkins stars as the old man who is cared for by his devoted
daughter (Olivia Coleman). What makes the film unique is that it tells the
story of dementia from the perspective of the victim. Almost everything in the
film comes at us from Hopkins’ point-of-view, so when he is confused or taken
aback by unexpected changes in his surroundings, we are too. The film is based on
a play originally written by Zeller in 2012.
The 100 Words – A truly remarkable filmmaking achievement, The Father almost plays out like a mystery as we try to figure out what is real and what is the cloud and confusion of an aging mind. Though set almost exclusively in Hopkins’ London apartment, the film does not feel constrained. With actors like Hopkins and Coleman, the performances are first-rate and award-worthy and the connection we develop to the characters propels the story forward, never dragging even a little bit. A movie that is both emotional and important, this is unquestionably one of the finest films of the year and a must see.
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