Let's explore the world of underappreciated Canadian cinema!
One of the most fascinating national film industries in the world is Canadian cinema. Though it serves as a production hub for many Hollywood productions each year, Canada has a unique cinematic identity that is sometimes disregarded but deserves more attention from viewers throughout the world. Since the middle of the 1910s, the country has continuously produced outstanding feature films that highlight the extraordinary abilities of its own filmmakers.
Guy Maddin stands out as one of the most distinctive voices in Canadian cinema. His utilisation of surrealism and unconventional cinematic techniques, reminiscent of David Lynch's style, characterises many of the country's underrated arthouse films. "My Winnipeg" stands as a prime example, blending documentary with fiction to create a meta exploration of Maddin's hometown. Head-scratchingly surreal yet humorously engaging, this film shows Maddin's mastery of the genre after years of experience. It's a charming, unpredictable, and quintessentially Canadian masterpiece.
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Considered one of the greatest experimental horror films ever made, "Videodrome" stands as David Cronenberg's magnum opus. The narrative follows a Toronto TV station programmer specialising in adult content who embarks on a perilous journey after encountering a mysterious broadcast. Like Cronenberg's other notable works, "Videodrome" is profoundly unsettling, visually arresting, and pushes the boundaries of gore in a manner that may discomfort even seasoned fans. Its exploration of technology's impact on humanity and the distortion of reality through depravity remains captivating and eerily prophetic, especially in today's media landscape of commodified violence.
Sarah Polley initially gained recognition as a child star on Canadian television before transitioning to acting in various Hollywood productions. However, it wasn't until 2006 that she ventured into directing. Among her four feature films, "Stories We Tell" stands out as a poignant documentary probing into the layers of myth and memory within Polley's own family. The film explores the intricate interplay between memory and identity, challenging viewers to reconsider the nature of storytelling. Regardless of its complexity, "Stories We Tell" maintains a playful and intimate tone, making it a compelling and engaging watch.
Xavier Dolan's fifth feature film, "Mommy," stands out as possibly his finest work yet. It centres on a widowed single mother grappling with her volatile son until a mysterious neighbour brings a glimmer of hope into their lives. Renowned for its portrayal of motherhood, the film employs a unique 1:1 aspect ratio that draws viewers intimately close to its captivating characters. Dolan's direction is raw and intensely deliberate, with remarkable performances by Anne Dorval and Antoine Olivier Pilon complementing his intricate script. Few films, whether Canadian or otherwise, achieve such closeness to their characters. Yet, it's precisely this bold approach that elevates "Mommy" into an intense and profoundly affecting cinematic masterpiece.
"Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner" is regarded as the foundational movie that made Inuit cinema well-known around the world. Enacting an old Inuit tale about a village afflicted by a malevolent spirit and a fighter's unflinching battle against it, the movie is unmatched in Canadian cinema history. It is unique in that it explores Arctic culture while tying themes of atonement and vengeance together. When "Atanarjuat" was released, it became an unexpected smash and received a lot of praise for its meaningful message and amazing cinematography. It was acclaimed as the best Canadian film ever made at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival.
This list offers a portal into the delightful and creatively complex world of Canadian cinema. While some films are personal, others are just masterful takes on genre films.
