By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 5 cats
Director: Thom Fitzgerald
Starring: Chris Leavins | Joel S. Keller | Kerry Fox | Peter MacNeill | Sarah Polley | Seana McKenna | Troy Veinotte
Country: canada, united_kingdom
Year: 1998
Running time: 91
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0125128/reference
Michael says: “Thom Fitzgerald’s debut feature is a visual and emotional feat, exploring memory, and that old adage, you can’t go home again. William had a tough adolescence, obese, gay, living in rural, conservative Nova Scotia, but he managed to survive the cruelties of growing up and now lives as in the City, a slimmed-down, successful adult who finally returns home years later for his sister’s wedding The problem is, his arrival home brings with it all the memories that he thought he left long behind, manifesting themselves in a variety of unsettling ways. There are mysteries from his past he has yet to unearth, and other memories that must be buried in order for him to move on.
“The theme of garden flowers pervades — his entire family, and many other characters, are named after them, Iris, Rosemary, Sweet William, Black-Eyed Susan, Violet, Basil… and the garden also holds of the most disturbing visions… or memories… of all. The acting is impeccable, Chris Leavins is strong as the adult William, while Troy Veinotte is perfect as the troubled, uncertain, teen William (he was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Trudy). The women of the family are strong as well, with Seana McKenna, cold and tough, and finished with her family as the mother, and two outstanding actors playing Rosemary, Kerry Fox as an adult, and Sarah Polley as a teenager. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the outstanding cinematography, with lighting and other visual cues indicating memories, DP Daniel Jobin also garnered a Chlotrudis nomination. Finally, there’s probably not a better soundtrack for this fan of Canadian music, with the likes of Jane Siberry and Mae Moore and a host of others. 5 cats“