Hilary Swank reconfirms her place amongst Academy Award-winning actors with her portrayal of a classical pianist turned ALS victim in the film You’re Not You. Based off Michelle Wildgen’s book of the same name, You’re Not You is both comical and touching, heartfelt and quirky, and an excellent performance piece about the power of friendship.
The film has many layers that only prove more interesting as the story unfolds. It begins as any typical rom-com does; Kate (Swank) and her husband Evan (Josh Duhamel) are hosting a dinner party with their closest friends in their architecturally-stunning home when Kate is asked to play one of her infamous songs on the piano. Suddenly, her hand begins twitching abnormally, and the screen cuts to black. At this point, it’s clear that this is not a romantic comedy, but something much more.
I, like most people, am used to seeing Swank as the epitome of the strong and independent woman, so to see her so vulnerable is unexpected and powerful.
If you’ve read the book, you know that Kate is diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and is no longer able to live independently or take care of herself. Because of her restrictions, she and her husband Evan hire Bec (Emmy Rossum, Shameless), a twenty-something college student who is more interested in partying than being productive, as her caretaker. She is the manic pixie dream girl of the hipster subculture, although her character is extremely cliche, especially in the beginning of the film. Thankfully, Rossum finds the happy medium with Bec and becomes tolerable, and then extremely likable.
The first act of the film is “iffy”- I wasn’t sure what direction it was headed, but Swank’s fantastic character development and performance elevates the film. I, like most people, am used to seeing Swank as the epitome of the strong and independent woman, so to see her so vulnerable is unexpected and powerful. The loss of her motor skills is hard to watch, especially as she tells Bec she has “So much on the inside, but nothing comes out.”
The friendship Kate and Bec develop over the course of the movie is the driving force behind the laughs and the tears; emotionally, these women grow together and the impact of their relationship on both of their lives is relatable.
You’re Not You is emotionally complex and gratifying; the more the characters develop, the more we become interested in and begin to care for them. Music is also a big part of these character’s lives, so those who enjoy musical subtleties with purpose will enjoy those moments. Case in point, the use of Bon Iver’s Wash. will give anyone chills.
Without spoiling the end, I have to give credit to director George C. Wolfe for his choice of endings. It is the perfect summation for a film that leaves you speechless. All things considered, You’re Not You is a great piece of work from all actors involved, especially Hilary Swank, and will leave you more than satisfied.
