‘Memory’: Raises awareness for mental health and dementia
Image: Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard image supplied.
If movie-goers can accept the highly improbable storylines in Memory they may find that it’s a movie undeniably worth watching, notably for the career-best performance of Academy-Award winning Jessica Chastain and the astute direction of Michael Franco.
Sylvia (Jessica Chastain) works as a social worker, is a single mother to a teenage daughter and is fighting demons from her past. Returning home from a school reunion she is followed by Saul (Peter Sarsgaard), a man who she met momentarily that night.
She asks him afterwards why he followed her home, and his response was; “I don’t know”.
What follows is the story of a friendship which kindles between two people, a woman who is a recovering alcoholic harbouring a dark family secret and a man who is suffering from degenerative memory loss, hence early onset dementia.
Slow-paced but compelling viewing, audiences may be divided as the question is raised; should a man suffering from the early stages of dementia be capable of making rational decisions? Can he sustain a fulfilling relationship with a woman who is suffering from her own mental illness spawned from past dark family secrets?
A theme which resonates profusely throughout is in relation to family – does concern, aid and well-wishing from family members unintentionally and adversely always transform into interference and dominance?
Jessica Chastain is memorable in the role of Sylvia – she understands this character and the plight she is experiencing. Peter Sarsgaard who rose to prominence playing villainous roles, takes a break from playing the bad guy and warms audiences with his portrayal of Saul, a man who is seemingly too young to be suffering from this debilitating syndrome in which there is deterioration in cognitive function.
The romance element in the storyline may be difficult for many to embrace but it does offer a conclusion which audiences should be content with.
Memory is a movie which won’t make a ripple at the all-important box office and may be lost amongst the more popular blockbusters, however it’s a movie that should arouse conversation and raise awareness to mental illness and the effects of dementia.
Memory
***1/2
In Cinemas November 14
