Underneath the glamorous backdrop and saccharine settings of Hollywood lies the film industry’s narcissistic negligence of the very notion of ageing. This is not to imply that contemporary mainstream movies never attempt to portray the notion of old age, or indeed, the ageing body on-screen, but rather, it is possible to suggest that such representations are often lacking in substance, depth and complex interrogation of what it means to grow old within (Western-influenced) cultures that seem to advocate a never-ending pursuit of agelessness.
As such, the relationship between society’s perception of ageing, and the ways in which it is conveyed through the moving image, are interwoven. Our notions of growing ‘old’ are inextricably tied to images that we are conditioned to believe are truthful representations of age: the youth-obsessed and commercially-constructed ideologies of Hollywood itself.
Indeed, when left to its own devices, Hollywood’s most recent interpretation of ageing involves a constant cluster of films dedicated to Jack Nicholson’s journey in re-establishing his masculinity by winning the heart of any woman he wants (As Good As It Gets, Something’s Gotta Give), or comedic compositions of older actors ‘getting it on’ for the giggles; as if the thought of elderly people having sex is too grotesque to take seriously, or treat tactfully.
Therefore, the following list aims to introduce a handful of films (without intending to disregard any others that may be concerned with the same gerontological discourse) that serve to challenge this arguably ageist, mainstream monologue within a conversation that requires more critical thought.
Rather than looking at films that portray a mid-life (often masculine) crisis, these narratives allow space for the existential anxieties of characters facing the inevitability of their own mortality during later years of life. Often appearing outside the overarching realm of Hollywood, the films listed come from across the world and span several different decades.
Many offer a socio-political commentary relevant to the historical landmark that may have influenced their creation; fears over ageing are allegorized and poeticized through the intricate stories of older characters and the respective relationships each has with the notion of mortality. To summarize, the following films demonstrate narratives that are dedicated to the complex concept of ageing and the inevitable decay of human life; something, it would seem, Hollywood is very often too frightened to face.
1. Amour (Michael Haneke, 2012, France/Germany/Austria)
Anne and Georges Laurent (Emmanuelle Riva and Jean-Louis Trintignant) are retired music teachers, living comfortably within their beautifully furnished Parisian apartment, complete with a polished, grand piano in the centre of the space.
The relationship is tragically shaken when Anne, in a muted and undramatic- yet powerful- moment, suffers a stroke that leaves her paralyzed down one side of her body. As a result, the couple must strive to come to terms with their changed living situation, where Georges becomes carer to his wife, who is now confined to a wheelchair.
Analysis:
I found this article to be very intriguing as it offers a compelling list of the best movies to address aging. The many different movies, their summaries, and reasons for being listed, cover the many conflicts within aging, such as losing physical and sensory abilities, losing loved ones, not recognizing the changing world around you, and having social interaction. In many ways, this article points out how lonely, scary, and life-changing aging can be. When thinking about this article with the concept of banking, it helps me understand how important it is for older adults (or anyone) to have a good customer experience. Life is hard enough, and so is managing money, so why make it harder than it needs to be? What can be done to ease financial stress amongst aging? How can the bank do more for older adults than just manage their money? All in all, it is so important that banks build strong relationships with their customers to increase customer loyalty, but it is also equally important for the customer and their quality of life to have a personalized banking experience and feel that they matter – that they are not alone.
Citation:
Nicholson, L. (2014, November 12). The 10 best films that profoundly explore the concept of aging. Taste of Cinema – Movie Reviews and Classic Movie Lists. https://www.tasteofcinema.com/2014/the-10-best-films-that-profoundly-explore-the-concept-of-aging/
