Until now, there’s been absolutely nothing glamorous about arthritis. It’s a debilitating disease that many think is an “old person’s” problem. Thanks to local film-pert Gary Cogill and his production team, folks are going to have to rethink all of those myths.
Here is a report from the field just to prove that point:
“Long-time WFAA movie critic and newly minted major motion film producer Gary Cogill, joined hosts Margaret and Lee Jackson, along with local supporters of the Arthritis Foundation for a special VIP screening of the new release Words and Pictures on Sunday, June 8, at the Magnolia Theater. This heartwarming summer film, has something rare, perhaps never before seen, in a feature film – a leading character with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
“The event included a special conversation with Cogill, the film’s producer and remarks by Margaret Jackson. Mrs. Jackson currently serves as the Board Chair of the Arthritis Foundation, South Central Region and she is also a member of the of National Arthritis Foundation Board.
“The Arthritis Foundation anticipates that the recently released film Words and Pictures will help increase understanding about the seriousness of rheumatoid arthritis and how it can have major impact on lives. Arthritis is a chronic disease that affects 53 million adults in the U.S., four million Texans and more than 25,000 children across the state. The Arthritis Foundation serves as the voice of people with arthritis and as the go-to resource for people living with arthritis by promoting the tools, resources, programs and services that the organization provides.
“Words and Pictures opened over the weekend to wide release starting this weekend featuring Oscar nominee Clive Owen and Oscar winner Juliette Binoche. Prep school English teacher Jack Marcus (Clive Owen) laments his students’ obsession with social media and good grades rather than engaging with the power of the written word. A one-time literary star, Jack has not published in years filling his spare time with drink versus the art of language.
“He meets his match in Dina Delsanto (Juliette Binoche) – an abstract painter and new teacher on campus, who was once celebrated for her art. She has rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and that has had an impact on her pursuit of art.
“With a performance review looming and his teaching job on the line, Jack hatches an inspired plan for galvanizing student interest in their studies; he declares a war between words and pictures, confident that the former can convey greater meaning than the latter. Dina and her art students accept the challenge between Jack and his English students, and the battle lines are drawn.”
How about checking the trailer?
* Photos provided by the Arthritis Foundation