We consider films about aging with the U.S. release of 'Amour'
By Sean Axmaker
Special to MSN Movies
Life doesn't end at retirement. Not that you'd know that from the movies,
where senior citizens are routinely relegated to supporting roles in stories
about young and sexy characters played by bankable movie stars. They're comic
relief, crotchety commentators, sage mentors or simply another responsibility
for folks in the prime of life, if they are seen at all. Unless it's a British
film, of course, and then they're a bunch of spunky old folks defying
conventions with a twinkle in their eye and deadpan sense of humor, something
that Bill Nighy and Maggie Smith and Helen Mirren seem able to do
effortlessly.
Michael Haneke's "Amour" takes a very different
perspective on the golden years. It confronts issues of age, physical
deterioration and illness with an unblinking focus. What makes it so memorable,
however, is the ferocity with which the aging couple hold on to their
independence in the face of such adversity, demanding their dignity and the
right to determine their own fate.
"Amour" is out in theaters December 19.
Bing: 'Amour' | More about Jean-Louis Trintignant
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(Sony Classics) |
