Away From Her in September
21 July 2007

Grant (Gordon Pinsent) and Fiona (Julie Christie) have been married for 50 years and their commitment to and love for each other remains unwavering, despite occasional references to a past time when things might not always have been so idyllic. Fiona's tendency to make such references, along with her increasingly evident memory loss, is usually bushed off by both of them, but as the lapses become more obvious and dramatic, neither are able to ignore what is happening. Grant, forced to confront his own anguish, embarks on the greatest act of self-sacrifice of his life as a means to attaining his wife’s final happiness.

Alzheimer's Disease is tricky territory for any film not looking to trivialise or sentimentalise the condition, but this film adaptation of Alice Munro's short story The Bear Came Over the Mountain has been widely praised for its sensitive and perceptive handling of its subject, all the more remarkable given that it's the first feature film directed by actress Sarah Polley, who cut her teeth on some well received short films (I Shout Love, All I Want for Christmas). The lead performances have attracted particular praise, with Julie Christie's portrayal of Fiona being touted as one of the best of her career.

Metrodome have announced a UK DVD release of the film for 17th September at the RRP of £15.99. Picture and sound details are unconfirmed at present, but a commentary by Julie Christie appears to be on the cards.