I think what's interesting about this film is that it attempts to show dementia from the perspective of the sufferer rather than those around them.

It's a guess of course, because no one recovers from it to describe it in any way, but I suppose if one is working from the obvious symptoms of confusion, anger and memory loss, this might be a reasonable depiction.

I can't say I'm entirely convinced. The episodic nature of memory particularly seems overstated. It is true that dementia sufferers have moments of lucidity, but the flipping in and out of reality, while making for a very interesting narrative, seems contrived to me.

I'm not a big fan of Hopkins. Tho I enjoy his work and understand his popularity, I never quite understood the accolades. Most of his portrayals seem to have been variations on Anthony Hopkins. But here, in the twilight of his career, he delivers a genuine tour de force, a piece of genuine and sincere acting that was well worthy of the trophies he received for it.

@Jacinto Cupboard said:

I'm not a big fan of Hopkins. Tho I enjoy his work and understand his popularity, I never quite understood the accolades. Most of his portrayals seem to have been variations on Anthony Hopkins. But here, in the twilight of his career, he delivers a genuine tour de force, a piece of genuine and sincere acting that was well worthy of the trophies he received for it.

I kind of agree. He does tend to seem too theatrical. But he was awesome in this.