The Whales of August

The Whales of August is a heart-rending 1987 drama that beautifully explores the themes of aging, mortality, sibling ties, nostalgia, and the struggle to preserve personal independence as the twilight years approach. This film stands out from the crowd because it features an ensemble cast of legendary Hollywood luminaries, each showcasing their acting prowess in inspirational performances that resonate with viewers of all ages.

The film revolves around the lives of Sarah (Lillian Gish) and Libby (Bette Davis), two elderly sisters who annually spend their summers in a charming but weathered seaside cottage on the coast of Maine. Their genteel New England routine, however, is imbued with profound poignancy by their struggle to come to grips with the inevitably advancing years.

Sarah, the elder and more placid of the two, is a widowed octogenarian. Still admiring the beauty of life and nature, she displays a serene acceptance of her aging process. She admirably endeavors to maintain her independence and the status quo despite the personal losses she has suffered and her declining physical strength.

Libby, a more embittered, cantankerous, and temperamental character, is blind and increasingly dependent on her sister. Aggrieved at her progressive loss of self-sufficiency, she isn't shy to articulate her discontentment. Apart from the difference in personalities, their relationship is further complicated by the lingering effects of past hurts and unresolved issues dating back to their shared past.

Constrained to their childhood summer home, a quaint cottage flanked by lush landscapes and breathtaking waterfront, they reminisce about their youth, each memory arresting them in brief moments of escape from their current restraints. The film's title stems from this period of reflection on the past and the metaphorical significance of the whales who pass by their cottage every August.

The duo's peaceful summer routines are often interrupted by visits from their friends and neighbors. Included in the lineup is the charming and flamboyant Russian émigré Tisha, played to perfection by Ann Sothern, who infuses the film with an added veil of light-heartedness.

A recurring visitor is Mr. Maranov (Vincent Price), a penniless and slightly eccentric Russian aristocrat and failed actor. This somewhat intrusive character, with his casual and sometimes inappropriate overtures, evokes mixed responses from the sisters.

The director, Lindsay Anderson, with a keen eye for detail and understated emotional nuance, extracts powerful performances from the film's seasoned cast. The movie undeniably gains depth and substance from the array of acting titans. The Whales of August features Lillian Gish and Bette Davis in the central roles, two trailblazing figures of the silent and the sound eras, respectively.

Gish is soft-spoken and gentle as the selfless Sarah. Her empathetic portrayal makes it effortless for audiences to connect and sympathize with her character. On the other hand, Davis is superb as the indomitable and hard-edged Libby, skillfully teetering on the brink of vulnerability and the façade of steely resistance.

Neill Roan and Anton Chekov’s screenplay is intelligent, mature, and empathetic, cutting to the heart of profound human emotions. Their dialogue, at times understated and at times piercing, blends harmoniously with the film's unhurried pace, resulting in a realistic depiction of the human experience.

From a cinematographic perspective, the movie is visually enchanting. The lush green surroundings, tranquil waters, and quaint charm of the cottage pair excellently with the film's narrative, acting as both a gorgeous backdrop and a symbolic representation of the characters' lives and their internal states.

In conclusion, The Whales of August is a touching cinematic saga about enduring family bonds and aging with dignity. The central performances by Davis and Gish, bolstered by compelling support from Price and Sothern, are an absolute treat. The themes may be somber, but the film approaches them with grace, at times even gentle humor. While the setting and narrative pace is quiet and reflective, it makes for a profound and memorable viewing experience. This film is a must-watch for those interested in thoughtful, character-driven narratives.