Kitchen Table Scenes in Away from Her

We recently enjoyed the film Away from Her: it's a moving love story that is beautifully shot. We love in particular the comfortable kitchen table in the couple's cabin. It's part banquette, part wood dining chairs, and part upholstered seating (even an easy chair is pulled up to the table at one point), all centered around a circular pedestal dining table...

This loose grouping of furniture is a central place in the home throughout the film, a place where we see a range of life moments unfold: serious conversations between the couple, an intimate and lively dinner party with old friends, and the quiet contemplation of one person sitting alone.

The space is the heart of the cabin because it exudes warmth. We see blankets draped on the chairs while snow flies in the landscape visible beyond. We see simple, worn furniture that has witnessed the passing years. Coffee mugs steaming on the table. As in many real-life households, this kitchen table naturally serves as an important setting for solemn and touching scenes throughout the film. Photos: Away From Her

Comments (9)

What a brilliant movie. Great production values and Julie Christie is stunningly beautiful in the movie. I seem to recall that she won an Oscar?

posted by hdtex on November 28th 2008 at 4:42pm
view hdtex's profile

No, but she was nominated. (I think she lost out to Marion Cotilliard (sp?) for La Vie En Rose.) And, as a proud Canadian, may I also say that Gordon Pinsent was wonderful as Julie Christie's husband.

posted by Northern Homebody on November 28th 2008 at 9:24pm
view Northern Homebody's profile

And let's not forget director Sarah Polley, former Avonlea darling! :)

posted by Ina on November 29th 2008 at 1:28am
view Ina's profile

Go, Sarah!!! She is awesome, whichever side of the camera she's on.

posted by Northern Homebody on November 29th 2008 at 9:08am
view Northern Homebody's profile

The magically beautiful Ms. Christie is my all time favorite, don't miss Far from the Madding Crowd, and McCabe and Mrs. Miller. And I loved her comfortably shabby house in Away from Her too

posted by Kate (NC) on November 29th 2008 at 3:05pm
view Kate (NC)'s profile

Table is great, but the writer is better - Movie based on the Alice Munro short story - "The Bear Came Over the Mountain". Munro is recognized by many as the best living short story writer.

posted by peacelily on November 29th 2008 at 10:51pm
view peacelily's profile

So true, peacelily. Alice Munro can convey more in a short story than some writers do in an entire novel. Sarah Polley also wrote the screenplay and I thought she did a great job of bringing Munro's words to the screen.

I guess this doesn't have an awful lot to do with home decor, but it's been lovely to talk about such talented people and their work.

posted by Northern Homebody on November 30th 2008 at 8:08am
view Northern Homebody's profile

This was one of the best movies I've ever seen. Amazing. And beautiful.

posted by Sisero on November 30th 2008 at 1:49pm
view Sisero's profile

stellar movie--thanks for reminding me of how lovely it is by featuring it. and, that kitchen table's killer.

posted by stc on November 30th 2008 at 5:19pm
view stc's profile