Here it is, Julianne Moore's best shot at an Oscar. She hasn't been this close for 12 years, which marks about half of her career. It's a shame that she's good but not great in Still Alice. That more or less sums up the film which too often just does more than the bare minimum. It's a straightforward descent into the bleak grip of Alzheimer's, one with no destination in mind, nor frills to offer. That said, in its best moments it gives an interesting perspective. The tragic idea that a lifetimes work is being lost and how it's something that has been passed down unwittingly for generations and will be passed down for future generations. Those little moments are what bolsters the otherwise bland Still Alice. Unfortunately the film stumbles in Moore's hands. When the film has its incidents her conviction isn't good enough to make them work dramatically and they come off as awkward jolts. It's a problem with the editing and direction, but she could have overcome them. However, she has her moments when it's more nuanced, and it's nice to see a little 30 Rock reunion with Alec Baldwin. It's no Away From Her but the Academy will eat it right up.
6/10
6/10