Head Full of Honey

Head Full of Honey is a heartwarming drama-comedy from 2018 starring Nick Nolte, Matt Dillon, and Emily Mortimer. The movie is directed by Til Schweiger, the German director known for his successful film Men in the City.

The story follows the journey of a retired professor named Amadeus (Nolte) who is dealing with early onset Alzheimer's disease. He lives with his daughter, Nicky (Mortimer), and her husband (Dillon), and their daughter, Matilda. When Amadeus is taken on a road trip by his granddaughter, the visit is supposed to be a happy one where he can spend some quality time with her. However, things take a turn when he becomes increasingly confused and forgetful, and the road trip becomes emotional and heart-wrenching for both Matilda and Amadeus.

Throughout the film, we see the different perspectives of each character as they try to cope with Amadeus's condition. Nicky is struggling with the pressures of being a working mom and caring for her father, while her husband tries to help but finds it difficult to connect with Amadeus; all while Matilda is trying to understand why her grandfather is behaving the way that he is.

The journey takes Amadeus and Matilda to Venice, and it is here where the grandfather-granddaughter relationship is really explored. Their journey together is full of moments of self-discovery for both of them, as they explore the beautiful city surrounded by the art, music, and people who inhabit it.

One of the most beautiful messages of Head Full of Honey is the importance of family, love, and the well-being of the ones we love. Amadeus's situation is dealt with in such a delicate and sensitive way that it is impossible not to empathize with the characters and appreciate the work that went into making the film. The movie is full of cleverly written dialogue and humorous moments that add personality to the characters and make them feel very real.

The film's soundtrack is also a noteworthy aspect, featuring music by Nena, the German musical artist known for her hit song "99 Luftballons". The music pairs perfectly with the beautiful Italian landscapes and sets the tone for some of the most touching moments in the film.

In terms of performances, Nick Nolte's portrayal of the kind and confused Amadeus is nothing short of stunning. He captures the essence of the character perfectly and manages to evoke a range of emotions from the audience throughout the film. Matt Dillon, who plays Nicky's husband, gives a strong performance as he tries to understand and support his family during a difficult time. Emily Mortimer is also impressive as Nicky, showing a range of emotions from frustration to despair as she tries to manage her own work-life balance whilst caring for her father.

Overall, Head Full of Honey is a powerful and emotional film that explores the themes of family, love, and the way that we deal with losing the ones we love. It is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a good drama-comedy with beautiful writing, stunning visuals, and a message that resonates long after the film has finished. While it might not be for everyone, it is a beautiful and poignant film that is sure to stir up some emotions in its viewers.