Alice's Diagnosis, Reelive

Doctor
Doctor

You have early-onset Alzheimer's.

Alice
Alice

What does that mean?

Doctor
Doctor

It means that your brain is starting to malfunction in ways that will get progressively worse.

Alice
Alice

How... how long do I have?

Doctor
Doctor

It's difficult to say. The progression varies from person to person.

Alice
Alice

I'm a linguist. I need my words.

Doctor
Doctor

I understand.

Alice
Alice

I don’t want to lose… myself.

Confronting the Family, Reelive

Alice
Alice

I have something to tell you.

Anna
Anna

What is it, Mom?

Alice
Alice

I have Alzheimer's.

Tom
Tom

What? No, that can’t be.

Alice
Alice

It is. I need you to understand.

John
John

What can we do?

Alice
Alice

Just love me. That’s all I need.

Anna
Anna

Mom, we're here for you. Always.

The Memory Test, Reelive

Alice
Alice

Okay, let’s try something. What's the word for… the thing you use to cut food?

Lydia
Lydia

A knife, Mom.

Alice
Alice

Right, a knife. And what’s the word for… a… a place where… friends meet?

Lydia
Lydia

A café?

Alice
Alice

Café, yes. Like where we used to go?

Lydia
Lydia

Exactly.

Alice
Alice

I can’t… I can’t remember.

Lydia
Lydia

It’s okay, Mom. Just focus on us.

A Moment of Clarity, Reelive

Alice
Alice

Language is… how we define our reality.

Student
Student

What if language fails us?

Alice
Alice

Then we must find new ways to express ourselves.

Student
Student

But isn't that a loss?

Alice
Alice

It is. But you have the power to create, even with lost words.

Talking to John, Reelive

John
John

I'm scared, Alice.

Alice
Alice

I am too.

John
John

What if you forget me?

Alice
Alice

I will try my hardest not to.

John
John

I love you.

Alice
Alice

And that’s what matters most.

The Video Message, Reelive

Alice
Alice

If you're watching this… I’m not there anymore. But know that… I love you.

Alice
Alice

Every moment we shared was beautiful.

Alice
Alice

Please remember me. Remember the good times.

Alice
Alice

Don’t lose hope, my sweet family.

At the Coffee Shop, Reelive

Lydia
Lydia

What do you want to order, Mom?

Alice
Alice

Um… I don’t remember.

Lydia
Lydia

It’s okay. How about your usual?

Alice
Alice

What is my usual?

Lydia
Lydia

You love the caramel latte.

Alice
Alice

Right… that sounds good.

Lydia
Lydia

Let’s get it together.

The Family Meeting, Reelive

Tom
Tom

We need to make a plan.

Anna
Anna

What do you mean?

Tom
Tom

For school, for care… for everything.

John
John

I don’t want to think about that.

Alice
Alice

You have to. I need you to be prepared.

Lydia
Lydia

We’re in this together.

Alice
Alice

That’s the most important thing.

Lydia's Choice, Reelive

Lydia
Lydia

I don’t know if I can leave you, Mom.

Alice
Alice

You should follow your dreams.

Lydia
Lydia

But what if you need me?

Alice
Alice

If I need you, I’ll find a way.

Lydia
Lydia

You’re always looking out for me.

Alice
Alice

Because I love you.

The Lost Words, Reelive

Alice
Alice

I… I can… lose… words.

John
John

It’s okay, take your time.

Alice
Alice

It is... the thing… with… ugh!

John
John

What do you feel?

Alice
Alice

I feel… frustrated and… sad.

John
John

You’re expressing that. That matters.

Final Words, Reelive

John
John

I love you, Alice.

Lydia
Lydia

We will always remember you.

Alice
Alice

I… love… you.

Tom
Tom

We’re here. Always.

Alice
Alice

Hold… me.

Anna
Anna

We will miss you.

The Birthday Gathering, Reelive

Alice
Alice

I’m… so happy you’re here.

Anna
Anna

We wouldn’t miss it for the world.

John
John

What do you want to do today?

Alice
Alice

I want… cake. And laughter!

Tom
Tom

We’ve got both covered!

The Autumn Leaves, Reelive

Alice
Alice

Isn’t it… beautiful?

John
John

It is, and so are you.

Alice
Alice

Do you think… I’ll remember this?

John
John

I hope you do.

Alice
Alice

Then, I’ll try.

Coffee In the Morning, Reelive

Alice
Alice

What’s for breakfast?

John
John

Your favorite: scrambled eggs.

Alice
Alice

I love eggs.

John
John

Every morning, just like clockwork.

Alice
Alice

I hope I never forget that.

An Emotional Farewell, Reelive

Alice
Alice

Goodbye, my dear house.

John
John

You raised a family here.

Alice
Alice

All the laughter… and love.

John
John

Those memories will never fade.

Alice
Alice

I hope… I hope I can still feel them.

The Shelter of Love, Reelive

Alice
Alice

You have saved me.

John
John

We’re in this together.

Alice
Alice

You make me feel alive.

John
John

Always.

Alice
Alice

Even in darkness…

The Final Goodbye, Reelive

Alice
Alice

I love you all.

Anna
Anna

We love you so much.

Lydia
Lydia

You are our strength.

Tom
Tom

Always in our hearts.

Alice
Alice

Don’t forget… me.

The First Signs, Reelive

Alice
Alice

What did I say earlier?

John
John

You were telling us about your lecture.

Alice
Alice

Lecturing? I don’t remember.

Anna
Anna

It's okay, Mom.

Alice
Alice

No, it’s not okay.

The Greater Struggle, Reelive

Alice
Alice

I’m afraid… of forgetting you.

Lydia
Lydia

You won’t, Mom.

Alice
Alice

But what if I do?

Lydia
Lydia

I’ll remind you, and I’ll be there.

Alice
Alice

I don’t want… to lose you.

Alice Howland

I want to see you. I want to hold you, and I want to make sure you know that I'm still me.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

The thing about Alzheimer's is that you get used to it.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

I'm not the only one who has Alzheimer's. It's not just me.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

I’ve lost my words. I can’t find the right ones. I want to say something, but it’s just lost.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

I wish I could freeze this moment, but I can’t.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

Life is unpredictable, and it can change in an instant.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

Some days, I feel like I’m losing more pieces of myself than I can count.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

You don't have to be perfect. You just have to be there.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

I just want to be seen as who I really am.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

You have to promise me that you’ll keep living, even if I can’t.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

This is not who I am. I am not a disease; I am still Alice.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

You have to let me go, and I have to find a way to let you go.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

Memory is a funny thing. You think you have it forever, but it slips away.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

Every day is a new beginning; it’s just hard to remember that.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

You know what I miss? Not having to think about things all the time.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

I need you to know that you can still find joy in your life.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

You never realize how important something is until it’s gone.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

The truth is, I’m scared. And I’m allowed to be scared.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

You’ve got to hold onto love. It’s all that matters in the end.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

Sometimes, I just want to escape my own mind.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

Each day I wake up, I have to start over, and it’s exhausting.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

There’s beauty in the chaos, and you have to find it.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive
Alice Howland

I may not remember everything, but I will always remember you.

Alice Howland

Still Alice, Reelive

The Way the World Works

The Way the World Works by Mary J. Blige, Played during emotional moments highlighting Alice's struggles

Still Alice

Still Alice by Ruth Ozeki, Main theme reflecting Alice's journey


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The Diagnosis

Alice, a brilliant linguistics professor, begins to notice troubling signs with her memory. After a series of tests, she is given the devastating diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's. This moment is pivotal as Alice's fear and confusion lead to an emotional outburst. The weight of receiving this news shatters her perception of control over her life, setting the stage for the struggles she will face. It profoundly alters her relationships, especially with her family, who must now grapple with the uncertainty of her future.

Context: The build-up includes Alice's gradual awareness of her memory lapses, which sets the emotional stakes for the audience as they see her realize what is happening.

The First Slip

Alice goes for a run but finds herself unable to remember how to find her way home. The tension peaks as she starts to panic, feeling lost in a familiar place. When she is finally helped by a stranger, her vulnerability is palpable. This moment acts as a harsh realization of the reality of her condition and serves as a wake-up call for Alice and her family about the disease's impact.

Context: This scene illustrates the initial stages of Alice's deterioration and the emotional bond with her husband, who is desperately trying to help her while also feeling helpless.

The Family Dinner

During a family dinner, Alice struggles to keep up with the conversation. The moment reaches a peak when she forgets her daughter's name, causing a painful silence that hangs in the air. The sharp contrast between the joyful celebration and her growing disconnection is profound. This dinner serves as an emotional turning point for her family as they start to feel the full weight of Alice’s illness.

Context: The build-up focuses on the initial discomfort during the dinner, highlighting the tension between Alice's past intellect and her current struggles.

The Memory Test

Alice engages in a memory exercise with her neurologist. As she tries to remember specific words and faces, frustration and sorrow wash over her. The tension peaks when she bursts out, expressing her anger and fear about losing herself. This interaction between doctor and patient highlights both her intelligence and the relentless progression of the disease. It also emphasizes the theme of identity, as she fights to hold on to who she once was.

Context: This moment serves to underline the medical aspects of her experience and the emotional turmoil surrounding the loss of her identity.

Breaking Down in Class

Alice teaches her class and suddenly cannot recall the words for a simple lecture. The pivotal moment occurs when she freezes mid-sentence, leaving her students confused and her deeply embarrassed. The class’s reaction reflects her fear of losing their respect. This breakdown marks a significant turning point for Alice, as she begins to confront her limitations as they relate to her identity as a teacher.

Context: The lead-up to this moment includes her commitment to her job, heightening the emotional stakes as losing her role feels like losing a part of herself.

The Response from Her Family

Alice sits down with her family for a discussion about her condition. The emotional peak comes when her daughter expresses her fear of losing her mother. Alice, in turn, reassures her, yet the vulnerability hangs heavy in the air. This moment deepens the bond between them, giving the viewer insight into the family dynamics impacted by her illness.

Context: The family discussion builds tension as all members share their worries, highlighting the emotional gravity of the situation.

Forgotten Name

In a heart-wrenching moment, Alice is unable to remember her husband's name during a tender moment of intimacy. The sorrowful realization hits her like a brick, and she asks for help. The visual shows a close-up of her distraught face and the heartbreak in her husband’s eyes. This pivotal moment strongly conveys the devastating effects of Alzheimer's on personal relationships.

Context: This scene demonstrates Alice’s growing awareness of her condition and how it begins to erode her cherished relationships.

The Video Message

Alice records a video message for her future self. In this moment, she speaks directly to the camera, expressing her hopes and fears about the progression of her disease. The emotional weight peaks as she questions whether her loved ones will still remember her. It’s a hauntingly intimate moment that captures her desperation to remain present and connected.

Context: The lead-up to this scene involves her understanding of her prognosis, making the video a necessary yet painful act of defiance.

The Memory Walk

Alice takes a walk in the park, attempting to connect with her surroundings. As she identifies different objects, she struggles to form coherent thoughts. The climax occurs when she can’t remember her daughter’s name again, and she breaks down in tears. This depicts the internal battle that Alice faces daily against an illness that is erasing her memories and identity.

Context: This scene emphasizes her determination to hold on to her memories while poignantly illustrating her struggle against the disease.

The Hospital Scene

Alice is hospitalized after a fall, leading to a moment of despair as she becomes overwhelmed with confusion about her surroundings. The peak is a moment when she calls out for her mother, realizing she’s lost in her own world. This powerful scene reveals her vulnerability and the deep-seated fear of losing control over her life.

Context: The hospital setting adds gravity, as it symbolizes her increasingly fragile state and dependence on others.

The Reunion

In a touching moment, Alice's family gathers to celebrate a milestone. Despite her struggles, she shines briefly in a moment of clarity when she recognizes them all. The joy of this reunion contrasts sharply with her disease's reality, serving as a brief glimpse into the loving bonds that persist even amidst her struggles. The hope of connection reveals the depths of her relationships.

Context: This moment highlights the theme of love and connection that persists even as her memory begins to fade, providing emotional resonance.

The Emotional Goodbye

In a heart-wrenching goodbye, Alice's family discusses the idea of moving her to a care facility. The tension rises as she realizes they are planning for a future without her as she once was. The heartbreaking decisions they are forced to make reveal the harsh realities of navigating Alzheimer's.

Context: This scene depicts the emotional deepening of the family’s struggles and the difficult choices required as they face her deteriorating condition.

The Difficult Conversation

Alice sits with her husband and shares her fears about the future. The atmosphere is charged as she articulates her worries, and the pivotal moment hits when she asks him if he would leave her if she becomes a burden. This raw and emotional conversation lays bare their commitment and fear as they confront the long-term implications of her illness.

Context: This scene pairs personal fears with the reality of caregiving in a way that resonates with many viewers.

The Graduation Speech

Alice attends her daughter's graduation and tries to speak to her, but the words escape her. The powerful moment arises when she shares her love, despite the obvious challenges she faces in expressing it. This emotional speech underscores her determination to fight for her identity as a mother.

Context: This setting holds particular significance as it showcases the culmination of her child’s journey and Alice's struggle to maintain connections.

The Moment in the Kitchen

Alice stands in her kitchen, attempting to make a family recipe but suddenly forgets key steps. The pivotal moment occurs when she breaks down, overwhelmed by the fear of losing her ability to continue family traditions. This scene exemplifies the grief that comes from seeing one's capabilities diminish.

Context: This intimate setting serves as a reminder of her previous life and the simplicity of once mundane tasks now turning complex.

The Support Group

Alice attends a support group for Alzheimer's patients and shares her experiences. The peak moment unfolds as she realizes others are in similar situations, leading to tears and understanding. This sense of community and shared struggle gives her a glimpse of hope amidst her despair.

Context: The group dynamic showcases solidarity in struggles, laying bare the emotional landscape of battling a disease that isolates so many.

The Final Goodbye

In the last moments of her journey, Alice stands with her family, and a quiet understanding passes between them. The peak of emotion envelops the scene as they embrace, reflecting love and loss. Amidst her confusion, the warmth of familial love permeates the air, leaving a lasting impact.

Context: This final moment encapsulates the enduring bonds of family and love, despite the cruel twists of Alzheimer's.

The Book Passage

Alice reads a cherished book, attempting to hold onto her former self. The peak occurs when she struggles to recall the title and nuances, causing frustration and tears. This moment lays bare her battle with the disease and her determination to cling to her past.

Context: This scene symbolizes intellectual engagement and longing for connection to her former identity as a scholar.

The Birthday Party

At her birthday party, Alice makes an effort to engage, but eventually falters, forgetting names and faces. The moment hits hard when she starts apologizing, showcasing her sense of loss and embarrassment. The warm atmosphere contrasts sharply with her internal struggle, highlighting the emotional burden of living with Alzheimer’s.

Context: This celebration becomes a painful reminder of her deteriorating condition, starkly illustrating the disparity between life celebrations and personal battles.

The Discovery

Alice discovers a journal she kept, filled with her thoughts before her diagnosis. The moment reaches its peak as she reads her reflections on life, love, and identity. This bittersweet recognition gives her a glimpse into who she was and stirs a poignant sense of loss and nostalgia.

Context: The journal serves as a tangible connection to her former self, creating an emotional bridge between past and present.

The Tender Moment with her Husband

In a rare moment of clarity, Alice sits with her husband and quietly holds his hand. The emotional weight builds as she acknowledges their shared history without needing words, a deep bond that surpasses her current struggles. This connection is touching and profound, giving a sense of hope amidst despair.

Context: This quiet, intimate setting exemplifies the enduring power of love and the bittersweet reality of their shared life together.


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Casting of Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore was not the first choice for the role of Alice Howland; several other actresses were considered for the part before she was ultimately cast.

Why it matters: Moore's casting brought a nuanced depth to the character, allowing her to portray the complexities of early-onset Alzheimer's with authenticity and sensitivity, which became essential in resonating with audiences.

Research into Dementia

The filmmakers consulted with Alzheimer's disease experts and individuals suffering from the condition to accurately portray the effects of dementia and the emotional toll it takes on families.

Why it matters: This research ensured that the portrayal was not only realistic but also respectful, providing audiences with insight into the struggles faced by those affected by the disease and adding emotional weight to the narrative.

Moore's Preparation

Julianne Moore immersed herself in her role by learning about how people with Alzheimer's experience the world and even shadowed patients for a better understanding.

Why it matters: Her dedication to preparation enhanced the authenticity of her performance, making her characterization of Alice relatable and heartbreaking, which helped garner critical acclaim and an Oscar win.

The Symbolism of the Beach Scene

The beach scene where Alice tries to remember her past holds significant symbolism; it represents the contrast between her current struggles and her former life filled with clarity and understanding.

Why it matters: This scene reinforces the film’s emotional core and the bittersweet nature of memory, deepening audiences' empathy for Alice's situation.

Cinematography Choices

The filmmakers used close-ups and shaky handheld camera techniques to create an intimate and sometimes disoriented view from Alice's perspective.

Why it matters: This cinematographic decision allows viewers to experience Alice's confusion and challenges, making her journey more personal and impactful.

Final Speech Scene

The emotionally charged final speech where Alice speaks to her family, was filmed in one take to capture the raw, genuine emotion of the moment.

Why it matters: This choice made the scene incredibly powerful, highlighting Alice's vulnerability and strength as she navigates her disease, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

Usage of Real-life Memory Techniques

The film incorporated real memory techniques that individuals with Alzheimer's use to cope, showcasing practical strategies amidst the emotional narrative.

Why it matters: This added a layer of realism and educational value, portraying the actual challenges and methods used by those affected, thereby enhancing audience understanding.

Family Dynamics

The cast participated in workshops that explored the family dynamics of dealing with Alzheimer's, which informed their performances and interactions.

Why it matters: This ensured that the relationships appeared genuine and complex, allowing viewers to connect emotionally with the characters and their struggles.

Mood Music Composite

The score for 'Still Alice' was carefully crafted to evoke specific emotions and was composed to reflect Alice's internal battles.

Why it matters: The music plays a pivotal role in guiding audience feelings throughout the film, enhancing scenes of despair versus moments of clarity.

Supporting Cast Contributions

The performances of the supporting cast, including Kristen Stewart and Alec Baldwin, were meticulously shaped to complement Moore’s lead performance.

Why it matters: Their strong performances added depth to the narrative, illustrating the broader impact of Alice's diagnosis on her family and further enriching the story.

Budget Constraints

Budget limitations led to certain filming locations being chosen for their realism rather than elaborate sets, giving the film a more authentic feel.

Why it matters: This decision made the film relatable and grounded, enhancing the documentary-like atmosphere that aligned well with the story's serious themes.

Emotional Table Read

The initial table read with the entire cast was filled with emotional performances, which set the tone for the filming process.

Why it matters: This emotional foundation helped solidify the connections between characters that translated into their performances onscreen.

Moore's Connection to the Subject

Julianne Moore has personal connections to family members who experienced Alzheimer’s, driving her emotional investment in the role.

Why it matters: Her personal connection added authenticity to her performance and allowed her to convey a poignant understanding of the disease's impact.

The Woman's Perspective

The screenplay was notable for its focus on a woman’s experience with Alzheimer’s, a narrative often overlooked in film and media.

Why it matters: This unique perspective provided a new lens through which to view the disease, allowing more audiences to engage with stories that reflect women's experiences.

Editing Choices

The editing team made specific choices to juxtapose moments of clarity and confusion, enhancing the narrative pacing and emotional resonance.

Why it matters: These editing techniques helped create a rhythm that mirrors the fluctuating nature of the disease, driving home the unpredictability faced by those suffering from Alzheimer's.

Changes in Script

Some scenes were altered during production due to actor improvisation, especially from Moore and Stewart, which lent authenticity to their relationship.

Why it matters: These spontaneous moments captured the connection between mother and daughter, enriching the emotional stakes and making the dialogue feel more realistic.

Use of Visual Metaphors

The film employed visual metaphors such as Alice's lost, abandoned book to symbolize her fading memories and identity.

Why it matters: These metaphors added layers to the storytelling, compelling viewers to think critically about the impact of Alzheimer's on personal identity.

On-Set Support

The production team ensured that support systems were in place on set to help the cast navigate the emotional weight of the material.

Why it matters: This fostered a safe environment for the actors, contributing to more authentic performances as they explored deeply personal and painful themes.

Impact of Alzheimer’s Research

The film's production team donated a portion of the film's earnings to Alzheimer's research organizations.

Why it matters: This initiative demonstrated the film's commitment to advocacy and awareness, elevating its cultural significance beyond mere entertainment.

Use of Light and Shadow

Lighting was used strategically in scenes to represent Alice’s mental state, with brighter settings during moments of clarity, contrasted starkly against darker scenes of confusion.

Why it matters: This creative choice visually portrayed the psychological struggle and added depth to the character's experience, making it more relatable for the audience.

Acclaim and Awards

After its release, 'Still Alice' received multiple accolades and nominations, most notably the Academy Award for Best Actress for Julianne Moore.

Why it matters: These accolades not only validated the powerful storytelling but also raised awareness about Alzheimer's, enhancing the film's cultural impact.

Audience Reaction

Test screenings revealed highly emotional responses, prompting the filmmakers to refine certain scenes to maximize emotional impact.

Why it matters: This proactive refinement helped ensure that the final product resonated deeply with audiences, making the themes more palpable and relatable.

Film Festivals

Before its general release, 'Still Alice' premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, receiving rave reviews that helped build significant pre-release buzz.

Why it matters: The festival success set the stage for its broader acceptance, establishing it as an important piece of modern cinema addressing Alzheimer’s.

Personal Reflection

Moore brought a deeply personal touch to the performance by writing letters from Alice to her family, helping to develop her character's journey.

Why it matters: These letters added crucial emotional depth to Alice's character arc and showcased her longing for connection, enriching the narrative overall.


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