Lois Lynch

My husband and I watched this movie based on Billy Cristal's involvement, as we are fans of his. Unfortunately, this movie was a major disappointment. I was offended by everything about it. Billy lives a charmed life and his “fantasy” story about dementia is truly a fairy tale. Even the setting was ridiculous. His beautiful home in Manhattan and the lake house he owned were so out of touch. The only reality about the movie is, dementia spares no one, rich or poor, educated or not. My father, an educated man, had dementia as well as some of his contemporaries. It was a horrible, heartbreaking diagnosis not only for him but for our entire family. To watch him deteriorate intellectually and physically was painful. Thirty years after his death I see some of my friends and their families faced with the same horror but now it's them. However, they are not wealthy successful writers. And as far as I know, no one has met a talented, good-hearted street performer who volunteers to help the family take care of their loved one. In reality, the strain on the family is merciless as well as the financial impact as they care for their loved ones, watching them fade away. If you are lucky enough to find a kind compassionate caretaker to help with your loved one's care, you are lucky. They are out there. I'm disappointed in Billy Crystal. Perhaps this story was written having some experience with dementia, but in my view, he missed the most significant message of all. The emotions, the anger, sadness, and fear of the victims themselves. So Billy, stick with comedy or writing to your grandchildren.