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Still Alice (2014)

14A | | Drama | 20 February 2015 (USA)
Trailer
2:21 | Trailer
A linguistics professor and her family find their bonds tested when she is diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.

Writers:

Richard Glatzer (written for the screen by), Wash Westmoreland (written for the screen by) | 1 more credit »
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Popularity
4,831 ( 143)
Won 1 Oscar. Another 32 wins & 33 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Julianne Moore ... Alice Howland
Kate Bosworth ... Anna Howland-Jones
Shane McRae ... Charlie Howland-Jones
Hunter Parrish ... Tom Howland
Alec Baldwin ... Dr. John Howland
Seth Gilliam ... Frederic Johnson
Kristen Stewart ... Lydia Howland
Stephen Kunken ... Dr. Benjamin
Erin Darke ... Jenny
Daniel Gerroll ... Eric Wellman
Quincy Tyler Bernstine ... Nursing Home Administrator
Maxine Prescott Maxine Prescott ... Nursing Home Resident
Orlagh Cassidy ... Primary Care Doctor
Rosa Arredondo ... Convention Facilitator (as Rosa Arrendono)
Zillah Glory ... Masha (Three Sisters)
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Storyline

Alice Howland is a renowned linguistics professor happily married with three grown children. All that begins to change when she strangely starts to forget words and then more. When her doctor diagnoses her with Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease, Alice and her family's lives face a harrowing challenge as this terminal degenerative neurological ailment slowly progresses to an inevitable conclusion they all dread. Along the way, Alice struggles to not only to fight the inner decay, but to make the most of her remaining time to find the love and peace to make simply living worthwhile. Written by Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com)

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

Julianne Moore in a career-high performance. See more »

Genres:

Drama

Certificate:

14A | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

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Did You Know?

Trivia

The play that Alice sees her daughter perform in is The Three Sisters by Chekhov. Julianne Moore played Yelena in Chekhov's Uncle Vanya in 1994 in Vanya on 42nd Street See more »

Goofs

When Alice records her speech on the PC, she says "I am you and, um, I have..." When she plays it later in the movie, the line is different. See more »

Quotes

Dr. Alice Howland: I used to be someone who knew a lot. No one asks for my opinion or advice anymore. I miss that. I used to be curious and independent and confident. I miss being sure of things. There's no peace in being unsure of everything all the time. I miss doing everything easily. I miss being a part of what's happening. I miss feeling wanted. I miss my life and my family.
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Connections

Referenced in Jeopardy!: Episode #33.78 (2016) See more »

Soundtracks

Roamin' Round
Written by Carlos José Alvarez
Courtesy of Carlos José Alvarez
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User Reviews

 
Julianne Moore and Kristen Stewart are nothing short of magnificent in this emotional drama...
9 November 2014 | by ClaytonDavisSee all my reviews

Read more @ The Awards Circuit (http://www.awardscircuit.com)

It's hard to put into words why "Still Alice" from writer/directors Richard Glatzer and Wash Westermoreland is as effective as it is. A cinematic experience that will pull you through the ringer, similar to other tearjerking efforts like "Terms of Endearment" or "Stepmom," the film is a heartbreaking measurement of storytelling that is one of the surprising gems of the year. Helmed by a magnificent performance by Julianne Moore, "Still Alice" dodges most of the cliché tropes of disease-ridden dramas with spunk and warmth. It's not just about the struggle of Alice (Moore), it's also an in- depth and informative medical drama that not only breaks your heart, but provide valuable information and sensitivity to anyone who may know or will know someone in the future.

The film tells the story of Alice, a brilliant professor that is diagnosed with early on-set Alzheimer's disease at the age of 50. Terrified of the future, and the fear of forgetting the life she's created, "Still Alice" reflects not only on the ramifications of knowing such knowledge of your eventual demise, but how it affects those who know and love you. If your loved one was stricken with such an illness, would you, rather could you stand by their side no matter what? It's easy to answer with the socially acceptable response until you're faced with such a question.

"Alice" inhabits a simplicity that almost feels too uncomplicated and transparent to warrant a positive take but alas, here we are. Glatzer and Westermoreland create a sensitive, well-intentioned examination of a woman struggling with early on-set Alzheimer's disease. May sound like shameless, factory-standard Oscar bait, but its unlike any movie you'll see this year, dealing with delicate subject matter in a tender way. They cover different angles of the topic at hand without getting too preachy. Of course, this is mostly due to the brilliance of four-time Academy Award nominee Moore, but she's not the only one on her A-game. Co-star Alec Baldwin, who plays Alice's husband John, showcases one of his most layered portrayals yet. Internalized, disturbed, but very compelling in the way he chooses to execute his feelings. Baldwin's mannerisms and antics have not been put to better use in quite sometime.

Kristen Stewart continues to revitalize her image as an actress. "Clouds and Sils Maria" and "Camp X-Ray" are terrific examples of her talents put to great use but what she achieves as Lydia, Alice's youngest daughter is nothing short of spectacular. Glatzer and Westermoreland understand her abilities and limitations but heighten them to stunning results. If Stewart continues on this path, she could easily become one of our greatest working actresses. She's certainly one of the most exciting at the moment. Stewart is a gift.

After struggling to find her voice in the movies, Kate Bosworth hits on all cylinders as Anna. As does Hunter Parrish, fondly remembered from "It's Complicated." He's aching for his big, breakout role.

I guess it's time to worship the aura of Julianne Moore. It's easy to dismiss my take on her work since I'm unapologetically a Moore enthusiast (loud and proud). Three of her Oscar nominations for "Boogie Nights," "Far from Heaven," and "The Hours" are all worthy citations, arguably winning performances that Oscar passed over. I've been able to separate her overall brilliance from some of the choices she's made in roles over the years. "The English Teacher" is an attempt to be change it up, "The Forgotten" is a horror/mystery that lacks either of those words, and "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio" is well…that movie from 2005. Julianne Moore is a revelation of epic proportions. Bold, provocative, and emotionally gripping, she delivers one of her strongest performances to date. She's takes a daring stand to be vulnerable, and hits an amazing high. A destined winner of Best Actress.

The film can feel like a factory-standard creation passed over by the TV networks at times, mostly due to the style in which its shot. Cinematographer Denis Lenior keeps things straightforward but isn't adventurous enough to stand out in the crowd. Film Editor Nicolas Chaudeurge should also take a few cues from the playbook of Pietro Scalia, Stephen Mirrione, and Richard Marks, editors that know how to milk a scene for everything its worth. There are moments that will surely create a weep-a-thon in your seat, but there are missed opportunities to really push the audience over the edge. Composer Ilan Eshkeri however, takes his cues from famed musicians like John Williams and Howard Shore to swell the tearducts to maximum capacity.

Overall, "Still Alice" is a very rewarding experience, wrapped in a blanket of emotions held by Julianne Moore and Co.. It's one of those rare films that makes you think and gives you a debate to have with your loved ones. A deep, human movie that doesn't shy away from baring its soul and the vast complexities that come with it. Just plain great.


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Details

Country:

USA | UK | France

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 February 2015 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Toujours Alice See more »

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA See more »

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Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$197,000, 18 January 2015

Gross USA:

$18,754,371

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$44,779,195
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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