A Comparative Evaluation of “The Bear Came Over the Mountain” and “Away from Her” in Depicting Alzheimer’s

 

Title: A Comparative Evaluation of “The Bear Came Over the Mountain” and “Away from Her” in Depicting Alzheimer’s

Thesis Statement: Through an evaluative analysis of the short story “The Bear Came Over the Mountain” by Alice Munro and the film “Away from Her” directed by Sarah Polley, it becomes evident that while the film captures the essence of the short story, both works effectively portray the complexities and nuances of Alzheimer’s disease with sensitivity and authenticity.

Comparison of Accuracy in Depiction:

The film “Away from Her,” adapted from Munro’s short story, remains faithful to the core narrative and themes presented in “The Bear Came Over the Mountain.” The film accurately depicts the central storyline of a couple grappling with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and the strain it places on their relationship. The emotional depth and character dynamics portrayed in the film align closely with Munro’s poignant exploration of love, memory loss, and the impact of Alzheimer’s on personal identity.

Moreover, both the short story and the film effectively capture the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and its effects on Fiona, the central character. Munro’s nuanced portrayal of Fiona’s internal struggles and moments of clarity is echoed in the film through Julie Christie’s compelling performance, which conveys the gradual erosion of memory and identity with authenticity and empathy. The film skillfully translates Munro’s evocative prose into visual storytelling, maintaining the emotional resonance and thematic richness of the original work.

Comparison of Portrayal of Alzheimer’s:

In both “The Bear Came Over the Mountain” and “Away from Her,” Alzheimer’s is portrayed with a focus on its multifaceted impact on individuals and relationships. Munro’s narrative delves deep into the emotional turmoil experienced by Grant as he navigates Fiona’s declining mental state and grapples with feelings of guilt and loss. Similarly, the film conveys the complexities of Alzheimer’s through intimate moments shared between Fiona and Grant, illustrating the strain on their marriage and the bittersweet nature of memory loss.

Both works highlight the challenges faced by individuals living with Alzheimer’s, emphasizing the loss of autonomy, memory, and cognitive function. Munro’s exploration of memory as a form of storytelling resonates in the film, where memory serves as a thread connecting past and present, shaping the characters’ perceptions of reality. Through subtle gestures and poignant dialogue, both the short story and the film capture the emotional weight of Alzheimer’s on those affected by the disease.

In conclusion, “The Bear Came Over the Mountain” and “Away from Her” offer complementary perspectives on Alzheimer’s disease, each contributing to a nuanced and compassionate portrayal of its impact on individuals and relationships. While the film maintains fidelity to the core themes of the short story, both works succeed in authentically capturing the emotional complexities and challenges associated with Alzheimer’s, fostering a deeper understanding of this debilitating condition.