La mémoire éternelle

Filmed during the COVID lockdown, this really is a poignant and affecting love story. We are introduced to Augusto Gongora and his wife Paulina Urrutia. The former was an accomplished television journalist in Chile during it's frequently turbulent times, she an acclaimed actress and they have, by 2023, been married for a quarter of a century. What we discover quickly is that he is suffering from Alzheimer's and as the pair continue through the life, both dread what they know to be coming: the day when he will no longer know who she is. This is one of those rare documentaries where the actuality of the political trouble and strife actually serve to deliver us a bit of a breather from the intensity of this most human of stories as the couple wake up each morning without any idea what that day may bring. The lockdown scenario and the hand-held photography ensures that there are few other characters to divert our focus from this intimate and heart-rending depiction of their determination not to allow this disease to prevail any earlier than they have to. Their habits and routines are designed to elicit as many memories and triggers as possible to enable Augusto to hold onto his soul for just that bit longer, but he isn't a King Canute and even throughout the timeframe of this documentary we see that they cannot thwart the inevitable. It's not some melancholy affair, though. Their grandchildren enliven things and this couple are still very much up for the joys of life. There is plenty of laughter to remind us that it's life they want to live, not just an existence they wish to seek. From an observer's perspective we also get a little of the sense of the frustration felt by this man who, as a journalist, was a voracious reader but who can no longer enjoy his vast library. We also see a dedication and affection from Paulina who must also recalibrate from time to time to ensure that she doesn't succumb to the relentless pressures of living such an unpredictable life. This isn't an easy watch, but over ninety minutes we get an insight into just how spirit and a sense of humour can still make a difference.

In The Eternal Memory, there is a strong emotional charge from the first moment, which is maintained until the last seconds. This is the hook for the general audience, since emotionality is associated with relatable events. My biggest problem with this documentary is that the story loses its direction in monotony, falling into a plot dead end from which it cannot escape. It seems more like a video diary of the progression of one of the protagonists' illness, which also doesn't quite work, since there are inexplicable time jumps and events that remain unmentioned.

The documentary only relies on its high emotionality to attract an audience and there is nothing more to tell.

It's not completely flat and boring, but I would recommend other works alluding to the topic in question, such as the films Still Alice or The Father.

Absolutely captivating! I was so lost in the story that I had no idea how much time had gone by. The storytelling, as it moves from past to present, felt like an emotional symphony. Understanding Spanish made it so much more moving. Felt like watching The Notebook for the first time and in a documentary. A masterpiece that stirred my emotions like no other film in years.

Moreover, this documentary highlights the profound talent of women directors, showcasing their ability to craft narratives that resonate deeply. It's a testament to the need for more recognition for this exceptional contribution to the film industry. Deserves a much higher rating!

"The Eternal Memory" is a portrait of love, memory and identity as chronicled through the penultimate days of renowned Chilean journalist Augusto Gongora by his wife, the actress and politician Paulina Urrutia. It's a profound look at love and companionship and is also an enlightening study of the concepts of memory and identity... Whether that be of Gongora himself, who due to his Alzheimer's is losing his memory, or the work he dedicated his life to, that being the preservation of the collective Chilean memory and identity. It's a sad but tender documentary that is universal in its message and inclusive in its identity. It's a part of us, a part of humanity and a part of the future. Do check this out!

Watching this film I realised what it means to love a person to pieces. Augusto and Paulina have been together for 25 years. Augusto has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and the day is not far when he'll stop recognising her. Covid lockdown makes it worse for the couple because they are cut off from friends and his condition worsens much more quickly because of the isolation. The film uses archival footage to show glimpses from their past. Paulina is much younger to Augusto Góngora, a prominent journalist from when Pinochet was in power. She is the minister of Culture. He's also very popular amongst his friends. Paulina sticks by his side as his condition fails. It's these scenes that are really touching, her dedication and commitment even as he's drifting into the darkness. It's the memory of love that sustains them, and it's this memory which is eternal, even as the physical body deteriorates. Kudos to Maite Alberdi for making this great love story.