One of the sweetest films this year comes to theaters and it’s refreshing to find such amazing acting and direction in this fine indie. The film’s Still Mine and tells the true story of a man possessed by the love of his aging wife with lasting heartfelt feelings. For film buffs and mature family members who want to enjoy a good movie.
The story centers on Craig Morrison (James Cromwell) and his wife Irene (Genevieve Bujold) both in their 80’s and living in the house his father built so long ago. Memory loss has crept up on Irene so Craig comes up with an idea to help the situation, he’ll build a smaller house on property he already owns. Advised he needs a permit, Craig makes his way to town to follow the law. The clerk advises Craig that he needs blue prints of the house before he can start, but being a master builder ignores the man with a brief okay. When he starts to build the house the building inspector slaps a Stop Building notice on the structure.
Director Michael McGowan spools out his story slowly showing the love affair still glowing over their long marriage. He lets his actors become the characters using Cromwell’s (Secretariat) gruffness as an instrument for the battle he has to wage against those who stand between him and the house he builds for his longtime love of his life. Even at his age, Cromwell’s Craig won’t even accept help on building the house.
Casting Genevieve Bujold (The Trotsky) in the role of Irene becomes a masterful decision. She shows her character slowly dipping into a mental state that causes her to forget and Bujold puts on a realistic performance in the difficult role. Loving the man for all the years she still sparks a fight over a glance by an old fame some thirty years ago. Her character’s thoughtfulness and support gets her charms working and brightens up the screen in a scene of intimate romance.
The cinematography and music lend a hand treating the audience to a picturesque vista of farming country with a winsome musical track. The main house has decayed and close-ups of the disheveled abode are in deep contrast to the new house Craig is building. Even the door frame in one room shows the markings left from measuring their seven children.
Still Mine has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for some thematic elements and brief sensuality/partial nudity. The film’s 40 + target market and film buffs should savor every moment and have a wonderful fuzzy feeling when the credits roll.
Additional Film Information:
- Cast: James Cromwell and Genevieve Bujold
- Directed by: Michael McGowan
- Genre: Drama
- MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some thematic elements and brief sensuality/partial nudity
- Running Time: 1 hr 43 min
- Opening Date: July 26, 2013
- Distributed by: Samuel Goldwyn Films
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
