Watch The Genius of Marian

The Genius of Marian is a documentary film released in 2013 that depicts the story of a family dealing with Alzheimer's disease and its effects on their personal lives. The movie is directed by Banker White and Anne Makepeace, and it stars Ed White, Pam Steele White, and Marian Williams Steele. The movie begins with a quote from Marian Williams Steele, an accomplished artist who is afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. The quote reads, "It's like a big wave that keeps rolling over me." This statement sets the tone for the rest of the movie as it follows Marian's journey through Alzheimer's disease and the impact it has on her family.

The movie is primarily told from the perspective of Marian's son, Banker White, and his wife, Pam Steele White. Banker is a filmmaker, and he uses his skills to document his mother's struggle with Alzheimer's disease. We see home movies of Marian when she was younger and more vibrant, and we also see footage of her later in life as she becomes increasingly forgetful and disoriented.

As the movie progresses, we learn that Marian was an accomplished artist who had her own gallery and was well known in her community. Her work was featured in museums and galleries across the country, and she was even commissioned to create a mural for a prominent university in California. However, as her Alzheimer's disease progresses, she is no longer able to create art, and her memories of her past accomplishments and successes become increasingly distant.

Throughout the movie, we see how Alzheimer's disease affects Marian's relationships with her family members. Her husband, John, is her primary caregiver, and we see how difficult it is for him to watch his wife's memories and abilities slip away. Marian's daughter, Anna, lives on the east coast and struggles to maintain a meaningful relationship with her mother from a distance.

As Marian's memory continues to deteriorate, her family begins to experience a wide range of emotions. There are moments of frustration and sadness, but there are also moments of joy and hope. Marian's grandchildren, for example, are able to form a special bond with her that transcends her memory loss. They find ways to connect with her through music, art, and other creative outlets.

One of the most powerful moments in the movie comes near the end when Marian is asked to participate in a memory diary project. She is given a small journal and encouraged to write down memories and stories from her life. What follows is a poignant and moving series of entries that reveal the depth of Marian's character and the richness of her life experiences.

Overall, The Genius of Marian is a heartfelt and deeply personal portrayal of the devastating effects of Alzheimer's disease on a family. Through the eyes of Marian's loved ones, we witness the pain, confusion, and loss that comes with this terrible illness. But we also see the resilience, strength, and love that helps this family cope with the challenges they face. The Genius of Marian is a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing our memories and the people we love.