The 5th Dementia

The 5th Dementia is a deeply emotionally charged, 2019 documentary directed by Serene Meshel Dillman. The film highlights the power of music and community, especially in their capacity to bring people back from the brink, be it age, disease or infirmity. The film is named after The 5th Dementia Band, a diverse collective of musicians who are either mentally compromised in some way or are nurturing someone who is.

The movie provides an evocative exploration of the transformative power of music, demonstrating how it can heal both the mind and soul. The 5th Dementia Band, the pulsating heart of this film, is an unconventional assembly of musicians grappling with various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's, and other cognitive disorders. Despite being beset by these devastating diseases, you see in them an unbridled strength of spirit as they come alive through the healing rhythm of music.

The crux of the story is built around these musicians who may not remember their own names or even what they had for breakfast, yet they are able to remember strings of complex musical notes. It breaks free from the shackles of conventional filmmaking by leveraging music to create a visceral connection between the characters and the audience, leaving a profound impact.

Director Serene Meshel Dillman superbly exhibits the inherent power of music as a form of therapy, showing us that while the chords of memory may fade, the melodies remain intact. The narrative artfully delves into the lives of these remarkable individuals and their caretakers as they cope with the daily realities of battling various forms of dementia.

Given how the nature of their illness in many cases erases their past, making every moment a struggle, it is utterly heartwarming to see how their souls light up with joy when they are playing music. Significant screen time is dedicated to showcasing the stark contrast in their demeanor, allowing us to resonate deeply with the power of this unconventional therapy, creating an orchestra of empathy.

The film walks us through the differing experiences of diverse musicians, encompassing a wide array of paths in the journey through life and illness. Resonating throughout is the steadfast support of their loved ones and the film painstakingly draws attention to their patience and dedication, offering a poignant reflection on the meaning of care and compassion.

A particularly moving narrative thread is the story of a World War II veteran who has forgotten most details of his life, yet finds solace and reconnection through his love for drumming. The varying dynamic between a former professional musician, a session player, a music therapist, and a high school student who volunteers here is poignantly captured, with the film delving into their individual stories and intertwining lives.

Presenting a heart-rending portrayal of the harsh realities of neurological disorders, while simultaneously illuminating the power of music to restore lost connections, the film opens a window to a world that hides in plain view. We, as audiences are left grappling with the cruel irony of the disease – how a person can forget their own children but can remember tunes from their youth, cemented in their long-term memory.

Dillman eschews sentimentality and in this endeavor, presents a raw, unfiltered look at the realities of dementia, while also demonstrating the potential of creative outlets such as music in restoring a certain level of normalcy to these lives beset by incremental oblivion.

Despite the heaviness of the subject matter, the film is peppered with moments of warmth, levity, and even humor. Dillman excels in balancing these moments, presenting a film that is not just an exploration of illness and its effects, but also a celebration of resilience, human spirit, the joy of music, and the strength of community.

Through its emotionally rich portrayal, the film ends up being an inspirational reminder of the capacity of the human spirit, of the beauty of love, the power of music and serves as a testament to the strength in community.

To summarize, the 5th Dementia is an emotional roller-coaster that sheds light on degenerative diseases in the context of music therapy, helping audiences to empathize with the hardships of patients, while also highlighting the healing power of music in such unique circumstances. It's a remarkable watch, and will enthrall audiences with its symphony of love, patience, and empathy.