The Oscar Award winning documentary short, 'Edith and Eddie', is an emotional story of an elderly bi-racial marriage. The couple is faced by a variety of depressing situations, which are slowly tearing them apart. Conflict evolves between sisters, over caring for their aging Mother.
As Edith was diagnosed with dementia, her self-care was taken out her hands. The disease then stopping Edith from making decisions about her own life. Edith and Eddie fall in-love at the age of 95 and 96. As they are of two different races, they have people fighting against their relationship.
Set in America, the directors have been able to persuade the audience emotionally through the use of symbolism, settings and camera angles. The two different races are conveyed through extreme close ups, viewing the close bond between two people of different colour skin. We view blackouts, symbolising many traumatising events and moments of loss. The documentary allows us a "Window into their lives", giving us an understanding of what Edith and Eddie are experiencing. Edith and Eddie are religious, relying on God to be their guide to keep their relationship alive. Their religious community acts as a support network for their relationship, as they lack support from authority.
I believe the documentary successfully conveys the feeling of sorrow for Edith and Eddie. Yet, it leaves the audience clueless about the other side of the truth. As the directors presented an explicit "Good guy and Bad guy", we are left with unanswered questions about their stories.
As a viewer, the documentary gave me a sense of hope for the aging couple. I was captured as the story hit the climax, a tear swelling in my eye; they never lost hope or gave up. I had a clear view of which characters supported Edith and Eddie, and which ones didn't. I recommend this documentary for a mature audience, as there may be some confronting themes. An emotional story of a loving couple, through a challenging time of their life. This documentary shows many moments of loss and sadness, yet so much hope.
