Summary
In his new movie,Knox Goes Away, Michael Keaton’s character suffers from a rare form of dementia called Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease, which actually exists in real life.Knox Goes Awaytells the story of John Knox, a contract killer who learns that he will soon lose all his memories due to rapidly developing dementia. However, before he succumbs to his illness, Knox has the chance to complete his greatest mission yet by saving his estranged son. Thethriller moviestars Michael Keaton, Al Pacino, Joanna Kulig, James Marsden, and Marcia Gay Harden.
ConsideringKnox Goes Away’sintriguing premise and star-studded cast, it’s no surprise that the movie is doing fairly well, even months after its initial release. According to Rotten Tomatoes,Knox Goes Awayhas a 63% critics' score and an 84% audience score.Critics praised the movie for Keaton’s dynamic performance, though some weren’t too impressed by the screenplay. Overall,Knox Goes Awayis not just an entertainingMichael Keaton movie. In its own way, it sheds light on a lesser-known but very real condition.
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Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease & Diagnosis Explained
Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease Is A Brain Disorder
InKnox Goes Away,John Knox suffers from Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease, which is a real illness. According to theMayo Clinic, Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease is a rare brain condition that leads to dementia and death. Those who have the disease typically suffer from symptoms such as personality changes, impaired thinking, loss of memory, and problems with coordination. AlthoughCreutzfeldt–Jakob Disease has many parallels to the more common Alzheimer’s Disease, the former is different because it progresses incredibly quickly, as Michael Keaton’s movie portrays. Reportedly, death usually occurs within a year of diagnosis.
TheNational Institute of Healthreport that one individual per million gets Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease every year. This makes it a very rare condition. Yet, it does still happen. Typically,Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease develops when a certain type of protein in the body called prions begin to foldand transform in a way that they shouldn’t. People get Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease in a number of different ways, including through genetics or contamination via medical treatments or diseased meat. Sometimes, Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease occurs randomly without a real cause to explain it.
What Happens To Michael Keaton’s Knox Goes Away Character After The Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease Diagnosis
John Knox Gets Worse
Though many movies about illness have happy endings,Knox Goes Awaydoes not. After Knox is diagnosed with Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease, he carries out a complex plan to save his son from prison. One big obstacle Knox faces is his declining health. Though he is clearly a skilled criminal, he has moments where he is unable to remember what is going on or who is around him.Knox Goes Awayputs the nail in the coffin whenKnox’s son visits him in prison and Knox does not remember him. The movie ends with Knox having only weeks left to live.
Ultimately,Knox Goes Awayis a thrilling yet tragic tale. Its unique use of a real disease makes theunderrated Keaton thrillerstand out from other films in the genre. Furthermore, Michael Keaton portrays the awful scenario in a way that is respectful yet heartbreaking.Knox Goes Awaymay not be like other action movies, but it is better for it.
Knox Goes Away
Cast
Michael Keaton stars in and directs Knox Goes Away, a crime-thriller film that initially premiered in 2023 at the Toronto International Film Festival. John Knox, a hitman, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of dementia. After his new condition causes one of his contract jobs to go wrong, he decides to retire - until his son appears at his door, having committed a crime he has no way out of. Racing against time, Knox utilizes his skills and connections to save his son before dementia completely takes hold of his mind.
