Lost in plain sight

Sitting on the edge of his bed, Anthony (played by Sir Hopkins) is wondering what happening in flat (figure). Unfamiliar people appear and then disappear. The changing too: “where are these from?” he asks, pointing at chairs, now also painting favourite daughter Lucy has disappeared. “Where she way?” (Actually, had died an accident.) He thinks losing all valuables. “Everyone's just helping themselves…if this goes much longer, I will be stark naked.”Anthony, a retired engineer, living luxury London, which own. We soon find out that accused caregiver stealing, was moved into daughter's flat—the burdened fatigued Anne, brilliantly portrayed Olivia Colman. maintained regal attitude, well groomed, not shown disregard for etiquette bodily hygiene. As common with dementia, music appreciation persists, whistles operatic arias. cannot put sweater. constantly checking if watch, but often it nowhere to found. great difficulty remembering names, chatters incessantly. But does see any problems: “Take good look me. can still manage my own.” Actually, cannot, every new surprise or situation comprehend, retreats bedroom comfort. A more immediate threat looms when Anne announces moving permanently Paris. visibly shaken. “You abandoning me…What going become me?…The rats leaving ship.”The Father, French playwright Florian Zeller (translated Christopher Hampton), originated as multi-award-winning play (Le Père and, later, Father London's West End New York's Broadway) made film 2015 (Floride no-less distinctive Jean Rochefort). protagonist's name changed from André (in play) Claude Floride) 2020 remake. used Hopkins' (and birthdate), hoping would part debut direction. All action occurs poorly lit apartment conducive sundowning. posits dementia causes day filled sudden surprises shocks, never seems want explain perplexed disoriented viewer. Gradually, however, leads us Anthony's discombobulated world. Is plagued hallucinations strangers? At doctor's office, denies intention Paris (“there been question me Paris”), making most likely another paranoid delusion. counters “that good…they do even speak English there”.Hopkins estimable actor may best role since forensic psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter (for won British Academy Film Television Art award, Independent Award, Award). Hopkins reveals multi-faceted character running gamut irascibility outrage, amusing flirtatious, finally childlike. charm meets Laura (Imogen Poots) tells her (to Anne's astonishment) tap dancer; very amused demonstrates skills. Later, gives him medication (”Your little blue pill, pretty colour not?“), becomes irritated fully cognisant being patronised. “Are you nun? Why am retarded? Thing is, intelligent, [and] need bear mind…It true intelligent; sometimes myself.”In clinical features dementia—in some far-along stage (Alzheimer's presumably)—are accurate simulate feeling descending strange spatially achieves jumbling chronology repeating scenes slightly different set ups each one, maintaining dialogue having actors same character. With topic, such cinematic approach novel. Filmmakers have typically other tropes show early stages, vacant stares, later stages detachment, hoarding, loss decorum. And many films they certainly leave house. (Anthony same: “Let absolutely clear, flat.”) Some directors move horror genre, although seem start off way, rightly avoids Now, first time, we inside mind person speculate how must seem. Every time re-enters room, light different, furniture rearranged, ones connects names. Anthony, frequent bewildered eyes, says: ”Believe me, there something funny on.” One could argue remark too intact reflective consciousness.The adeptly shows misunderstandings risk elder abuse) outsiders. Many ask “Have taken your medication?” after minor transgression. husband Paul (Rufus Sewell) doubtful: “Sometimes think doing deliberately.” stay their flat, clearly straining Paul's marriage, wants go nursing home. verbally possibly physically) aggressive reminds cancelled holiday because row caregiver. Without pity sarcastic amusement, asks: satisfied? You looks properly you; lucky.”One things key patient August D said Alois Alzheimer asked write “I lost myself”. Hopkins, terms presence grandeur, might mean. In last scene, says, “I'm leaves”. Cut Tarkovskian tree leaves breeze. Credits.The exceptional depiction dementia. feel weariness, anguish visceral intensity. It remarkably multidimensional, penetrating film.The Directed 2020, Sony Pictures Classics, 97 minsFor A. Über einen eigenartigen schweren Erkrankungsprozeß der Hirnrinde. Neurologisches Centralblatt 1906; 23: 1129–36 naked.” ship.” there”. myself.” consciousness. lucky.” Credits. film. mins For