It's a Winner
Just returned from the premiere of Passchendaele. I think it subverted and, in many cases, exceeded every single one of my expectations. It's a beautiful, passionate and thoughtful film. I've never seen a war movie quite like it before. I'm worried that some elements will be considered overly sentimental or self-indulgent, but I think it's one of the best Canadian films ever released. It's a northern cousin to Saving Private Ryan: critical of war and the act of warfare, realistic about the cost to the individual and to the nation, and sensitive to the complexities of sacrifice.
Paul was there to introduce the film, and we had excellent seats so meresy, scarfe and I were able to hear and see him clearly. He was funny and articulate and kind of dorky (exactly what you'd expect from The Gross, in other words) and wonderfully generous to the cast and crew members who were also there to help introduce the film.
Anyway, it was a great film. scarfe was so deeply moved he teared up at several points. The audience really seemed to enjoy it, and I think it will definitely find a domestic audience. I suspect the real test of the film's quality and longevity will come if it finds American distribution, but that's another post for another day.
More tomorrow, kiddos. It's a fabulous film, and I hereby forgive Paul for all the fart jokes, "Voodoo," and Men With Brooms. Passchendaele is a winner.
Paul was there to introduce the film, and we had excellent seats so meresy, scarfe and I were able to hear and see him clearly. He was funny and articulate and kind of dorky (exactly what you'd expect from The Gross, in other words) and wonderfully generous to the cast and crew members who were also there to help introduce the film.
Anyway, it was a great film. scarfe was so deeply moved he teared up at several points. The audience really seemed to enjoy it, and I think it will definitely find a domestic audience. I suspect the real test of the film's quality and longevity will come if it finds American distribution, but that's another post for another day.
More tomorrow, kiddos. It's a fabulous film, and I hereby forgive Paul for all the fart jokes, "Voodoo," and Men With Brooms. Passchendaele is a winner.