Watch Andrew Jenks, Room 335

Andrew Jenks, Room 335 is a compelling and heartwarming documentary film which throws light on the life of the elderly in America. This 2006 movie is directed by Andrew Jenks, who is also the protagonist of the film. The central theme of the movie is an exposé of the life of Room 335 in a Florida retirement home. Andrew Jenks, filmmaker and college student, moves into Room 335 in one of the retirement homes in Florida for a summer, becoming a temporary resident along with many others of his age. He was given access to document the daily life of the residents. The film explores the lives of the residents who are seen living their final years in contentment, coping with their daily struggles such as illnesses, loneliness, the death of loved ones, and having limited contact with the outside world.

The narrative of the movie ranges across different characters, each with a unique story and distinctive personality. One such character is Bill Delarm, the veteran living in Room 335, and is the only resident who shares his room with another resident. He becomes one of the closest friends of Andrew. Delarm is seen as a selfless person who cares for others and often distracts himself from his own problems to help others. He seems to be the most active person in the facility, participating in group exercises, playing games, and organizing small events to entertain others in the center.

Another character, Dotty Shepard, is seen as a woman of great strength and determination. Andrew portrays her as a solitary figure who rarely receives visitors or phone calls. Dotty has had a rough life, being adopted as a child, losing two of her husbands, and living alone in the facility with no children or grandchildren to visit her. Nonetheless, Dotty refuses to let loneliness get the best of her and focuses on her painting, which give her immense satisfaction and happiness.

Besides these two characters, the movie portrays other elderly residents with their stories that are bound to tug at the viewer's heartstrings. From the cultural differences of an Asian couple to struggling with Parkinson's disease, the documentary deftly captures the lives of the elderly residents, showcasing their humor, their loneliness, their joy, and their sorrow.

The tone of the movie is bittersweet, as the filmmaker shows a realistic picture of the struggles and the daily lives of the residents. However, the documentary manages to capture moments of joy and hope, which adds a lifeline to the movie. Andrew's interactions with the residents seem to capture the authenticity of the situation in a manner that is both unique and captivating. The documentary is incredibly thought-provoking, and it provides a platform to discuss the long-term care of the elderly in America.

The movie is excellently crafted, and the cinematography is top-notch. The closeness of the camera to the characters creates intimacy, and the delicate handling of the subject matter ensures that the audience is drawn into the narrative of the movie, empathizing with the elderly residents. The music in the film is carefully chosen to evoke emotions and complement the storyline. The score harmonizes well with the images and scenes, creating a harmonious balance between sound and visual experience.

To sum up, Andrew Jenks, Room 335, is a touching and empathetic documentary that gives a candid glimpse of the daily lives of the elderly residents in a retirement home. The older people's lives are seen through the lens of the filmmaker, where their daily struggles are portrayed with immense complexity, insight, and sensitivity. The movie is engaging, insightful, and incredibly heartwarming, reminding viewers of the importance of empathy, kindness, and the care of the elderly population in America.

Andrew Jenks, Room 335 is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.