A full house again at the Ealing Oldies Network (EON). The Straight Story (1999) elicited an interesting exchange of views. It took some time to discover Lynch’s oblique way of exposing deep issues by visual means, discover Alvin’s back story, his determination, the spirituality of the film but also the specific references to ageing.

Once again I observed how talking about a film just after viewing enriches the experience. One comment triggers another and there is a deeper appreciation of different aspects of the film. Of course this applies specifically to the great films, and the classics.

I am sad to have to say that Edie (2017) released this past week is not a great film. I shared with a woman at the EON’s screening (above) the fact that the two films have important similarities: beautiful filmed settings used as metaphor, a past that is troubling, the unflinching determination to make good this past. The reviews are divided. A reviewer actually declared that it is not a difficult mountain to climb, it can be made in a day. How dense can reviewers be ???

I found the score in Edie poor and irritating and the narrative lacked tension.
But for me at the same age as Sheila Hancock I identified with her throughout. Signs of age were not disguised, her face, the way she walked, the communication with others, her doubts, her fights at every step of the way, her determination. The fact that the actor   actually achieved the climb for the film reconciles me to the film’s weaknesses.

Films about old women’s relationships with young adults . Harold and Maude is quoted enough. But minor films should also be mentioned:
Sheila Hancock Hold Back the Night  (1999)
Joan Plowright Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont (2005)
Julie Walters Driving Lessons (2006)