Movies

‘Everything I learned I learned from the movies.’

Audrey Hepburn

Getting away from it all, even if only for a few hours, is one of the big attractions of cinema. A box of popcorn, maybe a choc-top, a darkened room and an old classic. It’s the best way to switch off for a short time and be transported to a different place, or a different time.

Silver Screen Therapy

There’s something special about watching movies in a group. Everything about the experience is enhanced. For a few hours, you’re shifted into another world, processing the film through your own thoughts and emotions, as those around you do the same. Viewed with a group of people, films are funnier, more thrilling, more nostalgic, more engrossing.

Doing things as part of a group always changes the nature of the activity; it spurs conversation and analysis. It can also be a celebration of memory and times long passed. An older movie – perhaps a Bogart film-noir or a classic Newman heist – evokes the feelings of those times, the way you felt, what you were doing. It can be a wonderful way of keeping the past alive and sharing memories with your contemporaries, and weaving your personal experiences into the movie-watching act.

Watching the classics doesn’t only serve as a nostalgic time capsule, it’s also a great way to socialise and ward off isolation and loneliness. Group activities such as this are fantastic counters to memory loss, as they promote a sense of belonging, encourage focus, and the conversation and discussion afterwards promotes soothing reminiscence. For those with a dementia-related illness, watching a movie with a group can be a gentle, relaxing form of much-needed socialisation.

How it works

The plan:

• We pick a time, a channel and a movie.
• Everyone watches it.
• We have a conference call the following day and discuss the movie.

Our resident movie buff Jill Moylan will host the discussion. We’ll chat about the movie, what we liked and didn’t like, a bit about its history, how old you were when you first saw it, and whatever else comes to mind!

We’d love for you to share your thoughts and join the group via telephone. Please contact 03 9880 4709 if you’d like to take part.