Ahead of the death of his grandfather Walter, student filmmaker Lance Oppenheim films his father (Roy) speaking to his father (Walter) about the fading of his memories. Around this we have a narration/memoriam by Roy for Walter along with many old home videos that show a playful and loving father, even if Walter himself can no longer remember this.
Quicksand suggests it will be specifically about the struggling of losing memory and cognitive functions due to the onset of Alzheimer's and that this will be looked at in the microcosm of one man. It sort of does this in some ways but really this film is a very personal one that pays tribute to Walter after his death and reminds us the importance of living a good life. Although it asks about the fading of Walter's mind and body, it is not an issue that the film explores or probes too much – I guess it is too personal and too painful, or maybe Lance just didn't get much to use on this? Instead we have home movies and reflection from Walter's son/Lance's father Roy and, although this serves to make it even more a personal film, it does work because it is engaging and tenderly done.
Quicksand may be very personal and perhaps not mean as much to those outside of the family, however it is still well put together and is tender and engaging for what it is.
