A Mind In Quicksand REVIEW
by Kerry Gold
Journalist / Reporter - Globe and Mail
Board Member, BC Chapter, HD Society of Canada
Filmmaker Kim Lile trains the camera on herself in this intimate portrayal of her struggle with Huntington’s Disease, a devastating genetic neurological disorder that commonly, and cruelly, strikes in mid-life. Lile gives us 56 frank minutes of what it’s like to do battle with a disease that’s slowly killing off her brain cells, causing her memory, balance and coordination problems, and wreaking havoc with her emotions. Although genetic, Lile never knew the disease was in her family. But once diagnosed, she takes us on a journey as she reveals her family history, which was shrouded in denial and secrecy because of her estranged father’s battle with Huntington’s. She finds only one family member who is willing to open up to her about the family secret. In this way, she uncovers not only her own history, but the deep shame that is often the byproduct of genetic disease.
In one particularly raw scene, Lile sets the camera up to record her having a meltdown that, while edited, appears to have gone on for hours. It’s unsettling and difficult to watch, but you get the sense that if she’s ok with it, you should be too. There isn’t a trace of melodrama or self-pity in Lile’s documentary. At one point, she’s talking with a friend about a meltdown she had in his apartment lobby, and he tells her that it was only then that he realized the true nature of her disease, which can cause episodes of rage and irrational behavior. She tells him that she doesn’t regret any of it. At this point, you realize how much Lile has taken ownership of her disease. She won’t be cowed by it, and she won’t apologize for it.
The likeable Lile shows us her battle with such intelligence and candor, you come away from her film not feeling saddened, but enlightened. You realize that behind this disease, and every disease for that matter, there is a person who wants nothing more than for you to see them.
Journalist / Reporter - Globe and Mail
Board Member, BC Chapter, HD Society of Canada
Filmmaker Kim Lile trains the camera on herself in this intimate portrayal of her struggle with Huntington’s Disease, a devastating genetic neurological disorder that commonly, and cruelly, strikes in mid-life. Lile gives us 56 frank minutes of what it’s like to do battle with a disease that’s slowly killing off her brain cells, causing her memory, balance and coordination problems, and wreaking havoc with her emotions. Although genetic, Lile never knew the disease was in her family. But once diagnosed, she takes us on a journey as she reveals her family history, which was shrouded in denial and secrecy because of her estranged father’s battle with Huntington’s. She finds only one family member who is willing to open up to her about the family secret. In this way, she uncovers not only her own history, but the deep shame that is often the byproduct of genetic disease.
In one particularly raw scene, Lile sets the camera up to record her having a meltdown that, while edited, appears to have gone on for hours. It’s unsettling and difficult to watch, but you get the sense that if she’s ok with it, you should be too. There isn’t a trace of melodrama or self-pity in Lile’s documentary. At one point, she’s talking with a friend about a meltdown she had in his apartment lobby, and he tells her that it was only then that he realized the true nature of her disease, which can cause episodes of rage and irrational behavior. She tells him that she doesn’t regret any of it. At this point, you realize how much Lile has taken ownership of her disease. She won’t be cowed by it, and she won’t apologize for it.
The likeable Lile shows us her battle with such intelligence and candor, you come away from her film not feeling saddened, but enlightened. You realize that behind this disease, and every disease for that matter, there is a person who wants nothing more than for you to see them.
