A Short History of Decay (2014)
Cast includes: Bryan Greenberg (Friends with Benefits), Kathleen Rose Perkins (Enough Said), Linda Lavin (Wanderlust), Harris Yulin (Training Day), Benjamin King (Lethal Weapon 4)
Writer/Director: Michael Maren (first feature film)
Genre: Light Drama | Comedy (90 minutes)
“Now they’re saying there’s no health benefit from turmeric.” Even though Nathan is only 35, it’s never too early to start worrying about Alzheimer’s. “We’ve got to talk,” says Erika. When she finally gets his attention, she reminds him how patient and tolerant she’s been these 4 years. Nathan’s never gotten his act together… is he a writer or isn’t he? Is he writing a novel, a play or a screenplay? It’s Erika who keeps a roof over their heads and pays the bills. “I’ve met someone,” she tells him… hasn’t fucked him yet, but the upshot is she’s breaking up with Nathan. He’s at a total loss. Even the other patrons at his favorite Brooklyn coffee shop seem to look at him disapprovingly. That’s where he is when he gets the phone call from his brother Jack. His dad’s just had a stroke. Before heading to Florida, he stops by Erika’s office and begs her… “Can you just not start something while I’m away?”
At the hospital, he finds that Dad’s checked himself out… didn’t want to leave his mother alone. At their oceanfront bungalow, Mom answers the door. This is when we learn why Nathan is so obsessed with Alzheimer’s… Mom’s Alzheimer’s is still in the early stages, but she clearly has issues. She recognizes Nathan, but she’s not so sure about the details. She tends to get him confused with Jack, the successful son with a good job, a wife and two kids. She thinks Nathan must be hungry… she’ll just pop something into the microwave. “Mom, I don’t think you’re supposed to microwave plastic,” he exclaims. “Why not?” “Um, cancer!” “We always used to microwave your bottles.” Oh great! “I don’t need to worry about Alzheimer’s. I’m probably going to die of cancer.” Anyway, Nathan isn’t sure how long he is going to stay with Mom and Dad’s… at the “nuthouse.” Dad doesn’t need much taking care of; he just needs rest… Mom’s the one who need looking after. It’ll be the first time in ages that Nathan has really spent time with Mom and Dad. In the meantime, this really isn’t a good time to be away from home… not with Erika possibly fucking “this David guy.”
Nathan has to confront many preconceptions along the way. Let’s face it… if he doesn’t help Mom and Dad, who else is going to do it? Jack’s too busy with his perfect life. If only Nathan could be more like Jack… isn’t that what everyone is thinking? And what about Elmwood? …that place for seniors… “like school in reverse.” The only way Dad’s going to Elmwood is if Mom takes his ashes there in an urn! Eventually, we meet Jack, the high achiever. “You don’t compensate for your weaknesses… you overcome them.” That’s Jack’s motto. The only problem is, it’s not entirely working out for Jack. A Short History of Decay is a sensitive and humorous portrayal of a realistic, lovable family… sure, they’ve got issues, but who doesn’t. In it’s gentle way, the story does have a few surprises, but mostly it’s about the characters and family dynamics… all nicely rendered. Nathan’s been thinking the secret to life is “just don’t give a shit.” Along the way, he figures out that life will give you more if you give it more.
3 popped kernels
The same day his girlfriend dumps him, Nathan learns he has to go to Florida to help his aging parents
Popcorn Profile
Audience: Grown-ups
Gender Style: Sensitive
Distribution: Art House
Mood: Neutral
Tempo: In No Hurry
Visual Style: Unvarnished Realism
Nutshell: Taking care of aging parents
Language: True to life
Social Significance: Thought Provoking
