The Genius of Marian at the MFA: Raising Awareness and Celebrating

September 18, 2014

In January of 2014, we were lucky enough to spend a week screening The Genius of Marian at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. What started as a week of amazing screenings turned into a meaningful connection for everyone involved.

Thanks to friends and family both old and new, the house was packed for a solid week. We even made new connections with other families and organizations we had not yet been in touch with in the Boston area. We’d especially like to thank everyone who joined my father for a great Q&A to a full house on Thursday, January 29, 2014.  A special thank you to Diane Stern from CBS affiliate WBZ, Susan Rowlett, Care Consultation Program Manager at Alzheimer’s Association, and Dr. Brent Forrester, Director, Geriatric Mood Disorders Research Program at Harvard Medical School.

It was a special evening – although I am still a little embarrassed about how big my head was Skyped in on-screen.

We also had wonderful press coverage for the entire week and Dr. Forrester shared some warm praise in his Boston Globe review: “Alzheimer’s Documentary Comes Close to Genius.”

I found the movie to be an incredibly touching and inspiring perspective on living with a family member who is suffering the ravages of dementia. The toll that dementia takes on one’s sense of identity and purpose in life and the impact on the family was nicely portrayed. The family was incredibly generous opening up their lives to share this story in a public venue.

I appreciated the discussion after watching the film, and appreciated hearing from Banker what went into making the movie and Ed’s feelings about caring for his wife.

For me, the portrayal of the physician made me realize how difficult it is to convey all that a family may need in a medical appointment and brought home the potential power of this movie to teach students about the impact of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Brent Forester, MD
Geriatric Psychiatry Research Program
McLean Hospital

Celebrating The Genius of Marian

We are so proud to announce that one of Marian’s paintings is now in the permanent collection at the MFA Boston. The piece, a beautiful oil painting of a Greek rural landscape, hung just inside the door of the theater for the entire week.

Find out more information about Marian’s career and a selection of images of her artwork.