I haven’t seen it yet…but I hope to soon (don’t I always write that? I must have kids or something…).
Choke, a 2008 film by Clark Gregg, is based on a novel by Fight Club author Chuck Palahnuik. In it, Angelica Huston plays a woman with dementia, whose son is the lost protagonist of the film. Here’s what the NYT’s Stephen Holden said about her portrayal:
“Playing both the reckless, headstrong younger Ida and the frail but still-demanding older woman who mistakes Victor for everyone but himself when he visits, Ms. Huston gives a compelling portrayal of someone whose mind may be shredded but whose ferocious willpower remains undiminished.”
Dementia is definitely showing up more and more in the indie film world – it has significant metaphoric appeal, as well as real life appeal to those families going through the experience. I look forward to the film version of The Story of Forgetting – which I hope signs on a visionary director!
