Film Evaluation and Characters

HUM 1050 – Introduction to Literature

Unit 4 Discussion (9/25-10/1) Evaluating Film

For this discussion, you should view the film Away from her (Egoyan et al., 2006). This week we will use the Munro short story “The bear came over the mountain? (2013) as the criteria against which to evaluate the film Away from her (Egoyan et al., 2006). You will be making a judgment based on the evidence from the story and the film to evaluate how well the film depicts the story and how well the story and the film depict Alzheimer’s.

Do you think the film accurately depicts the characters in the short story?
Do you think that the film justifies the themes of the story?
Does the film accurately depict Alzheimer’s?
Does the film present as overly sentimental?
Do you prefer the film or the short story?

You should DO THREE SEPARATE POSTS ON THIS CONTENT ACTIVITY

References

Egoyan, A. Hirst, V., Iron, D. Mankoff, D. Urdl, S. Weiss, J. (Producers), & Polley, S. (Director). (2006).

Away from her. [Motion picture]. Canada: Foundry Film

Munro, A. (2013, Oct 21). The bear came over the mountain. The New Yorker.

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/10/21/the-bear-came-over-the-mountain-2

All citations from the film should be: (Egoyan et al., 2006).

Add timestamp number to citations with direct quotes from the film.

Add a para. number to citations with direct quotes from the story.

Post 1: Evaluation of Character Depiction

In evaluating how well the film “Away from Her” (Egoyan et al., 2006) accurately depicts the characters in the short story “The Bear Came Over the Mountain” by Alice Munro (2013), it’s important to consider the fidelity of character portrayal in the adaptation.

The film does a commendable job in portraying the core essence of the characters from Munro’s story. Fiona’s character, played by Julie Christie, captures the spirit of Munro’s protagonist. The emotional depth and nuances in her portrayal align with the character presented in Munro’s narrative. Similarly, Grant, portrayed by Gordon Pinsent, effectively embodies the emotional complexity and struggles of the character from the story.

While the film takes creative liberties and adds more context to the characters’ backgrounds, these additions enrich the story rather than detract from it. The characters’ evolving relationship and the challenges they face are sensitively portrayed, staying true to Munro’s exploration of love, memory, and loss.

Overall, the film effectively and respectfully translates the characters from Munro’s story to the screen, capturing the essence of their personalities and complexities.

References: Egoyan et al., 2006. (Include timestamp number for any direct quotes or scenes from the film) Munro, A., 2013. “The Bear Came Over the Mountain” (Include paragraph number for any direct quotes from the story).

Post 2: Justification of Themes

In evaluating whether the film “Away from Her” (Egoyan et al., 2006) justifies the themes of Alice Munro’s short story “The Bear Came Over the Mountain” (2013), it’s crucial to assess how the film aligns with the central themes of the story.

The film does an excellent job in justifying the themes explored by Munro. Both the story and the film delve into the emotional complexities of Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on relationships. They explore themes of memory, love, and the painful decisions one must make when a loved one’s identity starts slipping away.

The film, while expanding on some aspects of the story to fit the medium, remains faithful to Munro’s thematic core. It captures the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s on Fiona and Grant’s relationship and their individual identities. The theme of sacrifice, which is central to Munro’s story, is also effectively conveyed in the film.

In this regard, the film not only justifies but enhances the themes present in Munro’s story, providing a poignant and visually evocative exploration of Alzheimer’s and its emotional toll.

Post 3: Accuracy in Depicting Alzheimer’s and Sentimentality

Assessing the accuracy of the film “Away from Her” (Egoyan et al., 2006) in depicting Alzheimer’s and whether it presents as overly sentimental is crucial for evaluating its overall impact.

The film is generally accurate in depicting the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. It portrays the gradual loss of memory and the emotional turmoil experienced by the characters. The realistic portrayal of Fiona’s memory lapses and confusion adds authenticity to the narrative. However, there are moments where the film takes artistic liberties for dramatic effect, which may not align entirely with the clinical aspects of the disease.

Regarding sentimentality, the film strikes a delicate balance. While it does evoke strong emotions, it doesn’t cross the line into excessive sentimentality. Instead, it relies on authentic performances and a restrained approach to storytelling, allowing the audience to connect emotionally without feeling manipulated.

In terms of accuracy in Alzheimer’s depiction and sentimentality, the film manages to convey the emotional impact of the disease without resorting to excessive melodrama.