I usually avoid Canadian movies funded with taxpayers' funds since they are almost always big bores. But I decided to take a chance on this movie because the description on the DVD box sounded intriguing - plus the fact that I could watch the DVD for free by taking it out from my local library. After watching it, I could understand why the distributor didn't give this much of a theatrical release (if any). First, I think I should admit that there were some things I liked about it. It's a pretty good looking movie, with good cinematography and scenic locations; this is one Canadian movie that had something of a budget and good care taken with it. Also, the direction by Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais does capture the feel of a Quebec winter very well - you really feel the cold and uncomfortable feel of it. And it was nice to see a Canadian movie that actually admits that it's taking place in Canada.
Unfortunately, despite the merit I reported above, the movie in the end fails to work as a whole. Most of the blame can be placed on one thing: the script. First, there's a big problem with the Thomas Hayden Church character - we never get a real feel to what makes him tick, nor do we learn much about his past. I didn't know what to make of this character or feel about him. Church does try hard to make the character come alive, but even his great efforts can't make his role a fleshed out enough character. Another problem with the script is that there are some really unbelievable things that happen. (Would someone try to commit suicide right in a public parking lot? Why did the cops not take Church's friend's car in for evidence after discovering he was missing? Wouldn't the various people who spotted Church committing crimes in the wilderness reported him to the cops?) The most unbelievable thing in the movie, however, is the ending. I won't say what happens, except to report that it's not only unbelievable, it concludes things in a very unsatisfying manner that feels way unfinished. As the credits unfolded, I was saying to myself, "That's IT???"
Canadian movies may now look good, but you'll see from this movie that more often than not they still need work in the script department.
Unfortunately, despite the merit I reported above, the movie in the end fails to work as a whole. Most of the blame can be placed on one thing: the script. First, there's a big problem with the Thomas Hayden Church character - we never get a real feel to what makes him tick, nor do we learn much about his past. I didn't know what to make of this character or feel about him. Church does try hard to make the character come alive, but even his great efforts can't make his role a fleshed out enough character. Another problem with the script is that there are some really unbelievable things that happen. (Would someone try to commit suicide right in a public parking lot? Why did the cops not take Church's friend's car in for evidence after discovering he was missing? Wouldn't the various people who spotted Church committing crimes in the wilderness reported him to the cops?) The most unbelievable thing in the movie, however, is the ending. I won't say what happens, except to report that it's not only unbelievable, it concludes things in a very unsatisfying manner that feels way unfinished. As the credits unfolded, I was saying to myself, "That's IT???"
Canadian movies may now look good, but you'll see from this movie that more often than not they still need work in the script department.