Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Away From Her (2006)
Director: Sarah Polley
Movie review
From Time Out London
A welcome re-release for actress Sarah Polley’s directorial debut that’s timed to coincide with the various awards nominations that Julie Christie has received for her impressive turn in this sensitive, literate drama.
Christie is Fiona, a Canadian septuagenarian who has the early stages of Alzheimers and decides with her husband, Grant (Gordon Pinsent) that it would be best for everyone if she moved into a care home. Polley adapted her script from a short story by Alice Munro and offers a pleasing, unfashionable portrait of old age and sexuality as Fiona, with an ever-looser grip on reality, falls in love with a fellow resident (Michael Murphy).
Polley’s portrayal of dementia is well-considered and the film’s suggestion that past grievances may emerge in later mental illness is as intriguing as the accompanying sense that liberal attitudes of the ’60s have come to haunt this bookish couple.
Author: Dave Calhoun
Time Out London Issue 1956 Feb 13-19 2008
Cast & crew
Director: Sarah Polley
Producer: Jennifer Weiss, Simone Urdl, Daniel Iron
Cast: Julie Christie, Gordon Pinsent, Olympia Dukakis, Michael Murphy, Kristen Thomson, Wendy Crewson, Alberta Watson full cast
Rated: 12A
Duration: 109 mins
UK Release: Apr 27 2007
Most popular on this site
Top Stories
Michael Haneke discusses 'The White Ribbon'
Dave Calhoun met with Michael Haneke in Munich to mull over the details of his Palme d'Or winner, 'The White Ribbon'
Review a Coens' movie and win!
A signed copy of the script for 'A Serious Man' is up for grabs, and we want you to look to your inner film reviewer to win it
Ang Lee talks 'Taking Woodstock'
Ang Lee talks to Tom Huddleston about his tale of the men behind history’s greatest music festival
Roland Emmerich's guide to disaster movies
Ahead of the release of '2012', Roland Emmerich offers his ten tips on creating the perfect global catastrophe
Hippies who work for The Man
To celebrate George Clooney comedy 'The Men who Stare at Goats', we look back at six memorable onscreen hippies who fought the system from within
Sheffield Doc/Fest round-up
Sheffield’s annual Doc/Fest is Britain’s largest documentary festival. Edward Lawrenson learnt a few new things by taking the train north.
The Coen brothers discuss 'A Serious Man'
Masters of contrary comedy, Joel and Ethan Coen have struck gold again with their latest, ‘A Serious Man’
Grant Heslov: interview
Grant Heslov, director of 'The Men who Stare at Goats' talks about his old pal George Clooney, his interest in the paranormal, and his fond memories of working on 'Happy Days'
Ten inspirations behind 'Avatar'?
Time Out ponders the influences behind James Cameron's anticipated space-opera on the basis of the trailer
Time Out's 50 greatest animated films with commentary by Terry Gilliam
In celebration of the release of Pixar's 'Up' and Wes Anderson's 'Fantastic Mr Fox', read our rundown of fifty classic feature length animations












What do you think?
Post your review now