Introduction"The Last Word" is a 2017 comedy-drama film directed by Mark Pellington and composed by Stuart Ross Fink. The film stars Shirley MacLaine as Harriet Lauler, a once-successful businesswoman who chooses to manage how she will be remembered after her death by enlisting a regional paper obituary writer, Anne Sherman, represented by Amanda Seyfried, to pen her death notification while she's still alive. As the story unfolds, the intergenerational relationship in between Harriet and Anne provides poignant observations on life, tradition, and self-discovery.
Plot SummaryThe film presents Harriet Lauler as a retired, control-driven female living in isolation due to her abrasive character, which alienated her from buddies, household, and colleagues. After reading the obituaries in the local paper and worried about her tradition, Harriet looks for the assistance of the paper's obituary author, Anne Sherman. At first, Anne has a hard time as everyone she interviews about Harriet uses absolutely nothing lovely.
Struck by the negative testimonials, Harriet sets out to improve how she will be remembered. She drafts a list of objectives to accomplish posthumously appreciated traits, that includes befriending somebody young, making a real influence on someone's life, and rekindling relationships. Anne, although hesitant, is forced to follow Harriet on this journey.
The plan initially causes a mentoring relationship with a young girl, Brenda, played by AnnJewel Lee Dixon. Despite a rocky start, Harriet eventually gets in touch with Brenda through their shared outspoken nature and passion for life. Harriet also attempts to repair fences with her separated daughter, Elizabeth, portrayed by Anne Heche, revealing enduring tensions and regrets in their relationship.
As the story advances, Harriet challenges the real impact she has actually had on peoples' lives and begins appreciating the worth of every moment. Anne, motivated by Harriet's audaciousness and vigor, starts questioning her own life options, including her lackluster relationship with her sweetheart and her unfulfilling career. They both assist each other grow, with Harriet becoming more thoughtful and kind-hearted, whereas Anne discovers to take control of her life and aspirations.
On the other hand, Harriet's attempts to improve her legacy end up being more sincere. She not only impacts others in a straightforward method but also reveals the less concrete methods her life has actually been significant. The friendship between Harriet and Anne deepens, and they discover valuable lessons about life's unpredictability and the value of connections with others.
Climax and ConclusionThe movie's climax gets here as the characters are required to face the truth of Harriet's mortality. Their journey together culminates in a touching and life-affirming way that brings closure and contentment to the characters.
In the end, "The Last Word" is a story about the complicated process of reviewing one's life and trying to affect how one will be remembered. Harriet is portrayed as a woman concerning terms with her problematic past and striving to leave a favorable influence on the world in her remaining days. Through her interactions with Anne and others, she gets insights into the nature of her legacy and concerns a much deeper understanding of herself and her relationships. The movie finishes up with the realization that the enduring tradition one leaves behind is often found in the personal and significant connections made with others.
Styles and ReceptionThe movie deals with themes of personal legacy, the value of self-reflection, and the capability for development and modification at any age. Crucial reception to "The Last Word" was mixed, with appreciation for Shirley MacLaine's efficiency however criticism for the predictability of the plot. Nonetheless, it remains a heartwarming tale highlighting that impacting one person can be as important as influencing a whole community.
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