Films About Dementia
Films about dementia explore the profound and often heartbreaking impacts of this condition on individuals and their loved ones. These films delve into the emotional, psychological, and social challenges associated with dementia, offering a poignant look at memory loss, identity, and relationships. They often provide a deep understanding of the human condition and the complexities of dealing with a degenerative disease.
Notable Films About Dementia
“The Father”, 2020
Director: Florian Zeller
This film, starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman, portrays an aging man who struggles to make sense of his changing circumstances as he grapples with dementia, presenting a unique narrative structure that reflects his disoriented mind.
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Olivia Colman, Mark Gatiss, Olivia Williams, Imogen Poots, Rufus Sewell, Ayesha Dharker, Roman Zeller, Adnan Kundi, Brian Rodger;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 97 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
“Still Alice”, 2014
Director: Richard Glatzer, Wash Westmoreland
Featuring Julianne Moore in an Academy Award-winning role, this film follows a linguistics professor diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease and her journey through the progressive decline of her cognitive abilities.
Starring: Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart, Kate Bosworth, Shane McRae, Hunter Parrish, Seth Gilliam, Stephen Kunken, Erin Darke, Daniel Gerroll;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Still Alice” on the website imdb.com
“Iris”, 2001
Director: Richard Eyre
This biographical film chronicles the life of novelist Iris Murdoch, focusing on her later years struggling with Alzheimer's disease. Judi Dench and Kate Winslet portray Murdoch at different stages of her life, highlighting the devastating effects of the illness.
Starring: Kate Winslet, Hugh Bonneville, Judi Dench, Jim Broadbent, Eleanor Bron, Angela Morant, Penelope Wilton, Siobhan Hayes, Juliet Aubrey, Joan Bakewell;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 91 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
“Amour”, 2012
Director: Michael Haneke
Directed by Michael Haneke, this French-language film follows an elderly couple whose bond is severely tested when the wife suffers a series of debilitating strokes leading to dementia. The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
Starring: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, Isabelle Huppert, Alexandre Tharaud, William Shimell, Ramón Agirre, Rita Blanco, Carole Franck, Laurent Capelluto;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “Amour” on the website imdb.com
“The Savages”, 2007
Director: Tamara Jenkins
This dark comedy-drama stars Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney as siblings who must come to terms with their father's advancing dementia and decide on his future care, highlighting family dynamics and responsibilities.
Starring: Laura Linney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Philip Bosco, Peter Friedman, David Zayas, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Cara Seymour, Tonye Patano, Guy Boyd, Debra Monk;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “The Savages” on the website imdb.com
“Lullaby”, 2022
Director: John R. Leonetti
This French film centers on a famous pianist who begins to experience early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, depicting the gradual loss of his abilities and the impact on his personal and professional life.
Starring: Oona Chaplin, Ramón Rodríguez, Liane Balaban, Mary Ann Stevens, Julie Khaner, Alex Karzis, Spencer Macpherson, Kira Guloien, R Austin Ball, Sasha Rajamani;
Production year: 2022;
Genre: horror;
Duration: 89 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 4,9;
More information about the film “Lullaby” on the website imdb.com
“The Notebook”, 2004
Director: Nick Cassavetes
While primarily a romantic drama, this film features a storyline about an elderly woman with dementia who is read to by her husband in an effort to rekindle her memories of their life together, based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks.
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Garner, Gena Rowlands, Sam Shepard, Joan Allen, David Thornton, James Marsden, Kevin Connolly, Tim Ivey;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 124 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “The Notebook” on the website imdb.com
The portrayal of dementia in film provides a poignant exploration of the human condition, capturing the profound emotional and psychological impacts of this devastating condition. Through a variety of narratives and styles, these films offer audiences a window into the lives of individuals and families grappling with the realities of memory loss and cognitive decline. From the intimate and heart-wrenching portrayal in “Still Alice” to the surreal and inventive narrative of “The Father,” each film uniquely contributes to our understanding and empathy towards those affected by dementia. These cinematic works not only raise awareness but also serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of compassion and support in the face of such challenging circumstances.
