Watch You're Looking at Me Like I Live Here and I Don't

You're Looking at Me Like I Live Here and I Don't is an emotionally moving documentary film directed by Scott Kirschenbaum. The film follows the life of Lee Gorewitz, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in her mid-60s and has been living in a nursing home for over two years. The documentary exposes the perspective of an Alzheimer's patient and shows how they live and cope with their disease.

The film starts with Lee participating in a brain scan and being interviewed by researchers. We learn that she has been living in the same nursing home for over two years and it has become her permanent residence. Lee's life is depicted in a sequence of daily interactions with her caregivers, fellow residents, and family members, and through her vivid thoughts and memories that she occasionally shares.

As the film progresses, we gain a more profound insight into how Alzheimer's is affecting Lee's ability to think, communicate and interact with others. We learn about her struggles with short-term memory, as well as her intense longing for her childhood home in Massachusetts. Despite her mental and physical limitations, Lee has not lost her sense of humor nor her will to live.

Throughout the course of the documentary, we witness Lee's emotional ups and downs, as well as the challenges of her caregivers to provide her with the best possible care. We see the staff working tirelessly to assist and accommodate to Lee's needs, and also learn about their own struggles and emotions in dealing with Alzheimer's patients in their care.

One of the most profound moments of the film is when Lee's son comes to visit her, and she is unable to recognize him. The scene is heartbreaking, but it clearly showcases the devastating impact Alzheimer's has on both patients and their loved ones.

Despite the bleakness of Alzheimer's and nursing homes, You're Looking at Me Like I Live Here and I Don't also brings light to the beauty of human connection, resilience, and empathy. Lee's memories, dreams, and significant moments of levity bring warmth and humor to the film, making her more relatable and human.

The documentary's storytelling is complemented with breathtaking and hypnotic visuals which perfectly capture Lee's reflective and introspective view of life. The way Lee looks at trees, flowers, and other natural elements of the world are exciting and show us that she is living in a new, more sensory world.

The film concludes with Lee returning to one of the homes of her youth, which have since become abandoned houses. The trip is seen partially as a metaphor for the journey of Alzheimer's patients losing touch with their identity and memories. Regardless, the ending is heartwarming and brings some peace and closure as Lee recounts her memories of childhood and we see her happy again.

In conclusion, You're Looking at Me Like I Live Here and I Don't is a powerful and sensitive portrayal of the struggles and humanity of a patient with Alzheimer's living in a nursing home. Through Lee, we see the experience of someone who has lost most of her short-term memory but still has a sense of humor, joy, and love for her family. Her story presents a fresh point of view and provides insight into the emotional and physical challenges both patients and their caregivers face in dealing with Alzheimer's. The film is a great contribution to the documentary genre, creating a caring and soulful exploration of Alzheimer's disease.