325. The Roads Not Taken; movie review

 

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THE ROADS NOT TAKEN

Cert 15

85 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong language, mental illness theme

Despite the excellence of Javier Bardem, I have to report that The Roads Not Taken is a dull movie.

And that is a pity because an understanding of its subject - early-onset dementia - is important and worthy of the big screen.

It follows a day in the life of Leo (Bardem) and his loving daughter, Molly (Elle Fanning), who desperately tries to grapple with helping him cope with the hurdles which most of us would not see.

Leo spends much of his time asleep and when he does wake he doesn't speak coherently.

So, it is up to Molly to try to translate for him at the dentist's, in a taxi or in other public situations.

She also remains stoic whether she has to find him after wandering off or he loses control of his bodily functions.

Laura Linney plays her mum and Leo's former wife who is scarcely recognised by the stricken fiftysomething.

Meanwhile, Leo floats back to other lives but it is not clear whether has lived them or would simply have wanted to.

This is where Selma Hayek appears - although her precise role in his life is unclear.

Sadly,  even when the story drifts away from his current state, there is little interesting about him other than his condition.

Thus, Molly becomes our focus, albeit out of pity. Fanning gives her a laudable optimistic quality but this glow is overshadowed by the plight of her dad.

I have read that it was inspired by director Sally Potter's experience with her brother, Nic.

If this is an accurate recollection, I feel deeply sorry for them both. Sadly, its retelling doesn't make for an exciting movie.

Reasons to watch: Bardem's performance

Reasons to avoid: Meanders without focus

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 4/10

Did you know? Javier Bardem became the first Spaniard to be nominated for an Oscar in 2001 for his role in Before Night Falls.

The final word. Sally Potter: “The struggles my brother had as he got a diagnosis became, if you like, a form of authentic research to make a story which I knew was true. Not autobiographical, but true.” AnOther 

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