Still Alice (HBO)

About Still Alice (HBO)

"Still Alice", released in 2014, is a touching drama that sheds light on the real-life struggles faced by those suffering from Alzheimer's. The movie is based on Lisa Genova's best-selling novel of the same name. The storyline follows renowned linguistics professor Alice Howland, who after a diagnosis of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, has to find her way in a constant battle to stay connected to who she once was. Alice's struggle to fight the inner decay is shown heartbreakingly alongside her family's struggle to support her in this difficult journey.

Making / Production

The movie’s production was undertaken by Killer Films, BSM Studio, and Backup Media, directed by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland. The directors showed excellent skills in managing to provide a realistic portrayal of Alzheimer's Disease.

Actors

• Julianne Moore - Playing the role of 'Alice Howland', Moore puts up a compelling performance that beautifully portrays a woman grappling with her fading identity.
• Alec Baldwin - Playing the role of 'John Howland', Baldwin brilliantly played the part of a supportive husband who is often torn in his emotions witnessing his wife's deteriorating condition.
• Kristen Stewart - Acting as 'Lydia Howland', Stewart played Alice's youngest child who stands by her mother throughout her fight with Alzheimer's.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The directors, Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland, wrote the script after being moved by Genova's novel. Glatzer was himself diagnosed with ALS - a neurodegenerative disease, prior to the start of filming, and used an iPad to communicate during the shoot.
• Julianne Moore won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance, becoming the only actress to win the award for a film released by Sony Pictures Classics.

Awards

"Still Alice" has received multiple awards and nominations, particularly praising Julianne Moore's performance. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Alice. In addition, Moore won the Golden Globe, SAG, and BAFTA awards for the same category.

Quotes

• "I'm not suffering, I'm struggling." - Alice Howland
• "Who can take us seriously when we are so far from who we once were?" - Alice Howland
• "Our yesterdays are gone, and our tomorrows may never happen." - Alice Howland

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's score was composed by Ilan Eshkeri.
• Still Alice's original soundtrack includes 'If I Had a Boat' by Karen Elson, which beautifully complements the emotional tone of the film.