Everyone in the world should see this film. EVERYONE!!! I say that because there is a good majority of us that have or have had grandparents in their lives. There is a small number of people who have never known that privilege and that is tragic, and they should see this film too. Michael Rossato-Bennett was asked to tag along with Dan Cohen one day as he went to a nursing home armed with a few ipod shuffles and headphones. Dan wanted Michael to capture what happened when the music was introduced to those with dementia and Alzheimer's. On that first day Dan and Michael met a withdrawn man by the name of Henry. He was a man that no one could reach, there was no engaging him in conversation, they couldn't even get him to tell you his name. After the headphones were placed on him and the play button was pressed, Henry exploded in song and movement and sang along to the gospel music that was filling his heart and soul. Suddenly Henry was answering questions and letting you know about who he was and what music meant to him. It was miraculous and Michael, who was supposed to only accompany Dan for a day ended up following him for three years after seeing Henry's transformation.
Dan Cohen, founder of the non-profit Music & Memory (MusicandMemory.org) is not in the medical profession, he is not a doctor of any kind, nor does he work for a nursing home. Dan is now a social worker who spent his life in the computer industry. He had an idea and went about seeing if it would work. He wondered what happened to people who were seemingly gone from the world, who withdrew from everything and everybody, when you re-introduced them to music. People like Louise, Henry, Mary-Lou, and Nell all showed Dan how life altering his idea truly was. Dan then figured that someone would take this idea and run with it and amazingly nursing homes wanted nothing to do with it. That's when the film takes a darker tone and begins to reveal all that's broken within that industry.
With thought provoking interviews by Bobby McFerrin, Oliver Sacks, and other prominent neuroscientists, caring staff, and loved ones, Alive Inside is a movie that should not be missed. With a great score by independent artist Itaal Shur and great camera work by Michael, you will not only be touched by Alive, you will be entertained as well. From this movie it is obvious that the pharmaceutical companies have nothing in their stockpile of medicines that can do what music can do, and it's obvious that music is the key to everything. With that being said, if you are looking for new music, different music, off the beaten path music then visit my music blog, TastyTunes. I assure you it will expand your musical horizons. Alive Inside is the best documentary of the year so far in my book and when you go I know afterwards you will be more than thankful you saw it. I know I am. I'll see you at the theater!
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