What was it about the year 2012 that produced at least three interesting films about aging?
I. Still Mine
Writer/director Michael McGowan based Still Mine on a true story about an older couple, together 61 years. Irene (Geneviève Bujold) is showing significant signs of decline. Craig (James Cromwell) sets out to build the smaller house she needs, getting himself in trouble by defying local building codes and such. Cromwell deserves the many accolades he received for his role.
Rex Reed, New York Observer, calls Still Mine a “sensitively made, superbly acted and deeply moving” film that eschews melodrama. “Yes, it’s about the inevitable consequences of growing old, but nobody dies, and you go away energized with optimism. If you have ever had a friend, neighbor or grandparent like James Cromwell and Geneviève Bujold, you can almost look forward to being an octogenarian. They are nothing short of magnificent.”
II. Quartet
Quartet‘s entire setting is Britain’s Beecham House, a retirement home for accomplished musicians.
Based on a stage play by Ronald Harwood, it features retired singer Reggie Paget (Tom Courtenay) who’s “seeking a comfy senility in Beecham House, he says. Then another retired legend arrives.” Jean Horton (Maggie Smith, who died in 2024) used to be with Reggie, but she’d cheated on him shortly after getting married. “…(A)lthough he’s always been in love with her, he has never forgiven her” (Roger Ebert).
Rex Reed, New York Observer: “In their most poignant exchange, Ms. Smith asks ‘Why did we have to get old?’ and Mr. Courtenay says, ‘That’s what people do.’ But few do it with such grace and dignity, in a film with so much affection, tenderness and charm.”
III. Amour
The third of these films on aging, Amour, albeit a slow and depressing one, is considered a masterpiece by many. Roger Ebert (rogerebert.com) opens his review with a famous line: “’Old age ain’t no place for sissies,’ Bette Davis is said to have said, and the longer age lasts, the less of a sissy you can be.” He later adds, “Old age isn’t for sissies, and neither is this film.”
The gist of this award-winning French film: A couple, Georges and Anne (Jean-Louis Trintignant and Emmanuelle Riva, both now deceased), have been married over 50 years. Anne suffers a debilitating stroke.
“As it unflinchingly faces mortality, Amour is full of incomparably beautiful and sad moments,” states Claudia Puig, USA Today.
Matt Singer, ScreenCrush: “I am glad I saw it — and hope I never see it again.”
