‘Time Passages,’ a Multimedia Look at Life and Memory

Told through photographs, home videos, theatrical performances, diary entries, artwork, testimonials and even a doll house, “Time Passages” is less of a biopic and more a living, breathing scrapbook. 

Written and directed by Kyle Henry, a professor of film at Northwestern, the movie focuses on the life of his mother, Elaine, as her dementia progresses. 

A linear story of her life, the film is set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. As her condition advances, news reports and headlines — especially about nursing homes — paint a broader portrait of America’s healthcare system. 

Around 85% of the movie consists of audio interviews conducted over her lifetime, paired with photos, skits and segments filmed by Henry (“Are The Kids Alright?,” “Rogers Park”) with costumes and party props. 

This unconventional approach to biography works to the film’s advantage. The format eases understanding of the complex lives of Elaine and her family. 

In one scene, two chairs face each other, with a wig atop one. Henry enters the frame and puts on the wig while another version of himself sits opposite. He then has a theoretical conversation with his wigged self — representing his mother — about the film’s intentions. 

“Am I doing the right thing by exposing you and myself in this way?” Henry asks.

“Hm, I don’t know,” Henry-as-Elaine replies. “I’ve always told you to trust your heart. So, do what you think is best.”

Much of Henry’s anxiety throughout the film arises from the uncertainty of not being able to see his mother because her nursing home is under quarantine lockdown. 

Worried about the prospect of not being with her before she dies, Henry asks, “How can I walk you to the end of your time when we can’t even be in the same room?” 

A wooden doll house plays a vital role in the movie, serving as a physical representation of the household’s changes. Henry depicts pivotal life moments using the doll house, acting out his siblings going off to college, fights between his parents and moments of grief. Utilizing the doll house to relay their vulnerabilities allows audiences to connect with the family.

“Time Passages” explores other family members’ lives as well, such as Henry’s journey with his sexuality, Elaine’s shaky relationship with her husband and the emotional toll it took on the children to see Elaine’s memory — and herself — fade.

In an emotionally crushing sequence, Henry’s father is placed on life support, his physical health weakening along with Elaine’s memory. Due to their mother’s rapid decline, the children received medical power of attorney over their father. The siblings cut off their dad’s life support without telling Elaine to save her the mental anguish.

Another topic the film explores is how one’s finances are affected by dementia. Before moving Elaine into assisted memory care, her children organized an estate sale in which they realized the net value of her property — besides her house — was just $1,700.

“Our home sale became the single most important asset that enabled your elder care,” Henry explains to the audience. “Does our system work for anyone when all your assets have to be sold for elder care, leaving your children nothing to inherit but memories?”

In a similar vein, Henry investigates the link between Kodak photography products and memory loss. He explains Kodak was found to have dumped neurotoxic chemicals, used in the production of film, into drinking water sources. Here he poses a paradox — the company responsible for preserving one’s memories is the same one actively causing memory loss through their practices.

“Is this the price our nation made for trying to capture our memories?” Henry asks.

One fault in the film is Henry’s insistence on being the one to play different members of his family. While admirable, using the same voice is at best confusing and at worst degrading to their depicted situations. However, it’s only a small stain on an overwhelming, honest reflection of memories.

“Time Passages” is a vulnerable — at times theatrical — perspective on dementia. Through a collage of physical, mental and emotional artifacts, Henry delves into how the loss of his mother’s memories not only affected her but those around her as well. 

“Time Passages” is being screened on a country-wide tour, featuring a Q&A with Henry. Tickets and dates are available now.