Still Alice: Finding Alice is a compelling, heartfelt story that takes the reader and viewer on an emotional journey, exploring the life of a woman diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The story, first a novel by Lisa Genova, was adapted into a film in 2015.
This comprehensive guide will delve into every aspect of the book and movie, from summaries and themes to character analysis and behind-the-scenes trivia.
So, whether you’re a fan of the story or just discovering it, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about Still Alice: Finding Alice and the world it inhabits.
A brief book summary of Still Alice: Finding Alice
The novel Still Alice, written by Lisa Genova, tells the story of Alice Howland, a successful and accomplished linguistics professor at Harvard University.
Alice’s life takes an unexpected turn when she is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at 50 years old.
The novel follows Alice’s journey as she navigates her new reality, grappling with her changing cognitive abilities and the effects on her relationships with her husband and three children.
The story is told from Alice’s perspective, allowing readers to experience her thoughts and emotions directly.
Through this unique narrative lens, readers gain an intimate understanding of Alice’s struggle as she attempts to maintain her sense of self and identity while facing the progressive loss of her cognitive abilities.
The novel explores themes such as love, family, identity, and the importance of living each day to its fullest.
A concise movie summary of Still Alice: Finding Alice
The 2015 film adaptation of Still Alice stars Julianne Moore as Alice Howland, who delivers a powerful and award-winning performance.
Directed by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland, the film follows the same narrative as the novel, chronicling Alice’s journey as she comes to terms with her Alzheimer’s diagnosis and its impact on her life and family.
The film also stars Alec Baldwin as Alice’s husband, John, and Kristen Stewart, Kate Bosworth, and Hunter Parrish as Alice’s children Lydia, Anna, and Tom.
The movie brings the novel’s story to life with captivating performances and a poignant script, winning numerous awards and critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of Alice’s experience with Alzheimer’s disease.
Parent guide: Understanding the themes and content of Still Alice
Still Alice explores the difficult subject of Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on both the individual and their loved ones.
Parents should be aware that the story delves into some challenging emotions and situations, such as the gradual loss of memory and cognitive abilities, as well as strained relationships and the difficult decisions that come with a progressive disease.
However, the story also carries a message of hope, resilience, and love.
It emphasizes the importance of living in the present and cherishing each moment with the people we care about.
With this in mind, parents may find this story suitable for mature teenagers and adults who can appreciate the complex themes and emotional depth of the narrative.
Timeline and setting: When and where Still Alice takes place
Still Alice primarily takes place in the early 2000s in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Alice works as a linguistics professor at Harvard University.
The story also takes the reader and viewer on a journey through Alice’s past, as she recalls memories and experiences from her life before her diagnosis.
As the story progresses, we also see Alice and her family travel to other locations, such as a family beach house in Chatham, Massachusetts, and a trip to New York City for a conference.
These various settings help to create a vivid and immersive world for the reader and viewer to explore, further enhancing the emotional impact of Alice’s journey.
Exploring the film locations of Still Alice: Finding Alice
The film adaptation of Still Alice was primarily shot in New York City and the surrounding areas.
The filmmakers chose locations that effectively captured the essence of the novel’s setting, such as Columbia University, which served as a stand-in for Harvard University.
Other notable locations include Riverside Park, Central Park, and various streets and neighborhoods throughout Manhattan.
These locations help to ground the story in a realistic and familiar environment, allowing viewers to connect more deeply with Alice’s experiences and emotions. The film’s locations also provide a visually stunning backdrop, enhancing the overall cinematic experience of the story.
Who’s who: Main characters and their roles in Still Alice
Alice Howland
Alice Howland is the protagonist of Still Alice, a linguistics professor at Harvard University who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Alice’s story is one of strength and resilience as she navigates the challenges of her diagnosis and the impact on her personal and professional life.
John Howland
John Howland is Alice’s husband, a successful research scientist.
John struggles with accepting Alice’s diagnosis and the changes it brings to their lives, often prioritizing his career over her needs.
Lydia Howland
Lydia is Alice’s youngest daughter, an aspiring actress who has a complex relationship with her mother.
Despite their differences, Lydia becomes Alice’s primary support system as her disease progresses.
Anna Howland-Jones
Anna is Alice’s oldest daughter, a successful lawyer.
She grapples with the possibility of inheriting Alzheimer’s and the implications for her future family.
Tom Howland
Tom is Alice’s son, a medical student. He offers his support to his mother throughout her journey, providing a sense of stability and love.
Memorable quotes from the book and movie
Throughout Still Alice, there are severalmemorable quotes that capture the emotional depth and complexity of the story.
Here are a few of the most poignant:
- “I wish I had cancer,” Alice says at one point. “I mean, any kind of cancer. At least they’d have a chance at a cure.”
- “I’m not suffering,” Alice tells her daughter Lydia. “I’m struggling. Struggling to be a part of things, to stay connected to who I once was. So, live in the moment, I tell myself. It’s really all I can do, live in the moment.”
- “I used to be someone who knew a lot,” Alice says. “No one asks for my opinion or advice anymore. I miss that. I used to be curious and independent and confident. I miss being sure of things.”
These quotes, among others, capture the heartbreak and resilience that Alice and her family experience throughout the story.
The soundtrack by Ilan Eshkeri: A closer look
The soundtrack for Still Alice: Finding Alice was composed by Ilan Eshkeri, a British composer known for his work on film and television.
Eshkeri’s score effectively captures the emotional depth and complexity of the story, providing a poignant and moving accompaniment to the narrative.
The soundtrack features a mix of orchestral and electronic elements, creating a unique and immersive soundscape for the viewer and listener.
Eshkeri’s compositions effectively capture the different moods and emotions of the story, from the poignant and heartbreaking moments to the more uplifting and hopeful scenes.
Curiosities and trivia about Still Alice: Finding Alice
There are several interesting and lesser-known facts about Still Alice: Finding Alice that fans of the story may find intriguing.
For example:
- The novel was initially self-published by Lisa Genova, before being picked up by a traditional publisher.
- Julianne Moore, who plays Alice in the film adaptation, spent several months researching Alzheimer’s disease and meeting with individuals and families affected by the condition to prepare for her role.
- The filmmakers wanted to use Harvard University as a location for the film, but the university declined due to concerns over the portrayal of Alzheimer’s disease.
These and other interesting tidbits add to the rich history and legacy of Still Alice: Finding Alice.
Tips for cosplay: Dressing like the characters of Still Alice
For fans of cosplay or those looking to dress up as characters from Still Alice: Finding Alice, there are several key elements to consider.
Alice’s wardrobe in the film primarily consists of professional and tailored clothing, such as blazers, slacks, and dresses in muted colors like gray, navy, and black.
Other characters, such as Alice’s daughter Lydia, offer more opportunities for creativity, with her bohemian-inspired clothing and accessories.
Overall, the wardrobe of Still Alice reflects the characters’ personalities and lifestyles, providing a rich source of inspiration for cosplayers and fans alike.
Lisa Genova: A biography and overview of her works
Lisa Genova, the author of Still Alice, is a neuroscientist and writer known for her poignant and impactful stories about neurological conditions. Genova began her writing career with Still Alice, which she self-published before it gained widespread acclaim and attention.
Since then, Genova has written several other novels, including Left Neglected, Inside the O’Briens, and Every Note Played, all of which explore the complexities and emotional depth of neurological conditions and their impact on individuals and families.
The ending explained: Breaking down the conclusion of Still Alice
The ending of Still Alice is a poignant and emotional conclusion to Alice’s journey. Without giving away any spoilers, the ending emphasizes the importance of family, love, and living in the moment, even in the face of adversity and loss.
The ending serves as a powerful reminder that life is precious and fleeting, and that we must cherish every moment we have with the people we care about.
Rumors and possibilities: Remakes, sequels, and spin-offs
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for remakes, sequels, or spin-offs of Still Alice: Finding Alice. However, given the story’s impact and popularity, it’s possible that we may see new adaptations or continuations in the future.
For now, fans of the story can continue to explore the rich and emotional world of Still Alice through the novel and film adaptations.
Other media inspired by Still Alice: Finding Alice
Although there are no direct adaptations or spin-offs of Still Alice, the story has inspired several other works of art and media.
For example, the novel has been adapted into a stage play, which has been performed in several cities around the world.
Additionally, the story has inspired several documentaries and other films about Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on individuals and families.
Similar media to explore: Recommendations for fans of Still Alice
For fans of Still Alice, there are several other works of media that explore similar themes and emotions. For example, The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks is a romantic drama that explores the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on a couple’s relationship.
Another similar story is The Father, a 2020 film starring Anthony Hopkins as a man with dementia and the impact it has on his relationship with his daughter.
Delving deeper into Lisa Genova’s other works
For readers who enjoyed Still Alice, Lisa Genova’s other works offer a similarly emotional and poignant exploration of neurological conditions and their impact on individuals and families.
Left Neglected, for example, tells the story of a woman who suffers a traumatic brain injury and must learn to navigate her new reality, while Inside the O’Briens explores the impact of Huntington’s disease on a family.
Book club questions for Still Alice: Finding Alice
For book clubs or readers looking for a deeper exploration of Still Alice, here are a few discussion questions to consider:
- What aspects of Alice’s story resonated with you the most, and why?
- How does the narrative structure of the novel, told from Alice’s perspective, affect your understanding of the story?
- How does Still Alice explore the themes of family, love, and identity, and how are these themes reflected in the characters’ experiences?
- How does the novel and the film adaptation differ in their portrayal of Alice’s story, and which do you prefer?
- What message does Still Alice ultimately convey, and how does it affect your perspective on life and relationships?
Video games inspired by or similar to Still Alice
Although there are no video games directly inspired by Still Alice, there are several games that explore similar themes and emotions.
For example, the game Sea of Solitude explores the impact of mental health on a person’s identity and relationships, while the game That Dragon, Cancer tells the story of a family coping with their son’s cancer diagnosis.
Travel guide: Visiting the real-life locations of Still Alice: Finding Alice
For fans of Still Alice who want to explore the real-life locations of the story, there are several places to visit in and around New York City. Columbia University, which served as a stand-in for Harvard University in the film adaptation, is a great place to start.
Other notable locations include Riverside Park, Central Park, and various streets and neighborhoods throughout Manhattan. Fans can also visit Chatham, Massachusetts, where the family beach house scenes were filmed.
Conclusion
Still Alice: Finding Alice is a powerful and emotional story that explores the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on individuals and families.
Through the novel and film adaptations, fans can experience the rich and vivid world of Alice Howland and her journey through adversity and loss.
Whether you’re a fan of the story or just discovering it, this comprehensive guide has provided you with everything you need to know about Still Alice: Finding Alice and the world it inhabits.
