Lost for Words

Wonderful picture. If any part of this production wasn't superb, we must have not noticed. Casting, directing, and acting were all right on target. I haven't read the book by Mr. Longden YET, but I intend to do so now.

"Lost for Words" was shown here on PBS's Masterpiece Theatre. The network previews looked so appealing that we did not watch it late on the Sunday it aired, but taped it so our whole family could enjoy it. We did indeed.

This is a very "British" movie in that everything is understated. Thoroughly enjoyable. High praise for Dame Thora Hird and Pete Postlethwaite. I recommend the movie and especially for anyone with aging parents.

Deric Longden is one of those authors who wriggles into one's psyche and stays there, so when one of his works gets made into a film or TV play, you feel as though you have a vested interest in it. This has been done very well - I have the VHS version of it, as being in New Zealand we seem to have missed it on TV -with actors of the highest calibre possible. Thora Hird was golden in anything that she did, and her comedic timing was impeccable. Pete Postlethwaite plays the straight man (as it were) because all the best lines are hers. That's not to undermine his work in any sense. He is faultless. There is a strong sense of reality throughout this piece, so that the viewer does not feel that they are watching a play, but simply observing someone's life through an open window. Excellent.

I watched this movie in a covered Drama class and by the end it had me in tears. Although my parents are still middle aged and thankfully very healthy, I have a grandma who is in a similar position to Dame Thora Hirds character (Who played her role brilliantly and is definitely the best character actress I've ever seen.) Luckily she has the support of her Husband and Son as well as all her many Grandchildren, of which I am proud to be one. My grandma suffered a stroke last year, like Mrs Longden did, and, thankfully, she is still alive and well. I found this movie really helpful in understanding the thoughts of an ageing woman like her, more than all the complicated books on strokes. Amazing film

A brilliant TV movie which portrays the slow deterioration of an elderly parent which I have experienced first hand, it is very true to life. I know this after I looked after my Aunt who suffered with the terrible symptoms of dementia for over 4 years. I just wish it was available on DVD or VHS as it is discontinued now. Pity. Thora Hird is excellent as the old lady and plays the part brilliantly as do the rest of the cast. It shows how difficult dealing with dementia can be and shows the symptoms very well indeed. The frustrations of the disease are terrible and more people should be aware of what can happen to elderly people and could also happen to any one of us. This film should be shown to school children and carers of others dealing with dementia as it shows clearly the problems you may have to face.....if you do please remember that dementia patients are NOT mad....they have simply forgotten their life and friends / relatives....it is brain damage..they don't know! I found this the most difficult thing to cope with, the fact that she thought I was her Brother or her husband when in fact I was her Nephew...also saying they are OK and don't need any help. It is hard.