The Saddist Music in the World

Director: Guy Maddin (My Dad Is 100 Years Old, Dracula: Pages from a Virgin's Diary)
Cast: Mark McKinney, Isabella Rossellini, Maria de Medeiros, David Fox, Ross McMillan
Canada, 2006

Seen: April 2, 2006 thanks to TMN

Reason to see: Critically Acclaimed Canadian film and its on my List of 101 Films I Can't Believe I Haven't Seen.

Ah, I know a film is Canadian when I've personally met someone in it (the amazing David Fox), and was enrolled in a class taught by the director. I am now of course kicking myself for not actually taking the class...

What a fascinating film. It was so visually engaging. Black and white, layered, texture, beautiful lighting, it was so rich with energy. I think the last film I saw that was this visually captivating was Moulin Rouge, and it reminded me a little bit of A Trip to the Moon. I could tell you the plot but some of it is just outrageous that I don't think I will. In some ways it doesn't feel like its about the plot at all but about the characters, but then the characters are who they are and do what they do because of the plot. It is very hard to describe as you are probably catching on to.
I loved it, it felt completely new, it felt tragic yet invigorating. Very bizarre. Good bizarre. Bizaare like things you never would have thought of ever before. An absolutely wonderful film.

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I would buy it
I would highly recommend it

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© Shannon Ridler, 2006