Contemporary Memory Loss Narratives: Romanticized or Realistic?

Terry Creagh

doi:10.5195/cinej.2026.798

Contemporary Memory Loss Narratives: Romanticized or Realistic?

Authors

Terry Creagh Dundalk Institute of Technology https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3997-2462

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/cinej.2026.798

Keywords:

memory loss, authentic, sanitized, amnesia, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia

Abstract

The representation of memory loss in cinema and its impact on the perception of individuals with memory loss diseases is a recurring topic among scholars. Some scholars view cinema as having a particular influence on the way memory loss diseases are understood and interpreted by the majority of society. These interpretations emerge from an engagement with cinema, which presents material relating to memory loss “in the guise of entertainment” (Capstick, Chatwin & Ludwin, 2015, p. 7). Drawing on an analysis of a selection of 21st-century films and older titles, I draw conclusions regarding ideas on the portrayals of memory loss in cinema and present a framework that ascertains the authenticity of these films.

References

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Filmography

Darabont, F. (Director). (2001). The Majestic [Film]. Castle Rock Entertainment; Village Roadshow Pictures; NPV Entertainment; Darkwoods Productions.

Dmytryk, E. (Director). (1965). Mirage [Film]. Universal Pictures.

Eyre, R. (Director). (2001). Iris [Film]. Miramax Films; BBC Films; Intermedia Films; Mirage Enterprises; Fox Iris Productions.

Glatzer, R. & Westmoreland, W. (Director). (2014). Still Alice [Film]. Killer Films; Lutzus-Brown; BSM Studio; Big Indie Pictures; Shriver Films.

James, N. E. (Director). (2020). Relic [Film]. Screen Australia; Film Victoria; Nine Stories Productions; Gozie AGBO; Carver Films.

LeRoy, M. (Director). (1942). Random Harvest [Film]. MGM.

Marshall, G. (Director). (1987). Overboard [Film]. MGM; Star Partners Ltd.

Nolan, C. (Director). (2000). Memento [Film]. Summit Entertainment; Team Todd.

Schreier, J. (Director). (2012). Robot & Frank [Film]. Stage 6 Films; Park Pictures; White Hat Entertainment; Dog Run Pictures.

Seidelman, S. (Director). (1985). Desperately Seeking Susan [Film]. Orion Pictures.

Truffaut, F. (Director). (1977). The Man Who Loved Women [Film]. United Artists.

Wyatt, R. (Director). (2011). Rise of the Planet of the Apes [Film]. 20th Century Fox; Chernin Entertainment; Dune Entertainment; Ingenious Media.

Zeller, F. (Director). (2020). The Father [Film]. F comme Film; Trademark Films; Ciné-@; AG Studios; Les Films du Cru; Film4; Orange Studio; Canal+; Ciné+.

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Published

2026-05-22

How to Cite

Creagh, T. (2026). Contemporary Memory Loss Narratives: Romanticized or Realistic?. CINEJ Cinema Journal, 14(1), 678–709. https://doi.org/10.5195/cinej.2026.798

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Issue

Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026): Spring

Section

Articles

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