Still Life

Still Life is a 2007 Filipino film written, directed, and produced by Katski Flores and starring Glaiza de Castro with John Lloyd Cruz in a minor cameo role. Plot James Masino is a gifted painter diagnosed with a disease called Gillian Barre Syndrome or GBS. His doctor tells him he will eventually become completely paralyzed. Facing a future where he can no longer paint, James packs up his life in the city and goes into a self imposed exile at a friend's isolated house in a deserted island. His goal is to paint his final masterpiece, and then die. His plans are thwarted when a girl shows up at the house, named Emma, who claims she too has been given access by the owner to spend a few days there. With no way to make contact with the outside world, James decides to let Emma stay at the house with him. At first he is annoyed by the disruption of his peace in the house. Slowly he is drawn to Emma against his will. One night Emma discovers in his secret room a wall filled with sketches of her. They become friends that evening and confide in each other their stories. Emma learns of James' plan and tells him he is being a coward. They talk about the philosophy of suicide, why it can't be a legitimate choice. Emma reminds James life is precious. She tells him her story, that she got pregnant by a lover who abandoned her, and she was forced to give the baby up for adoption, to give it a better life.