Year: 2012
Director: Xavier Dolan
Country: Canada
Language: French
Canadian History has had a handful of great yet somewhat strange Directors. Toronto born David Cronenberg gave us such intriguing films like Videodrome and Naked Lunch. Winnipeg born Guy Maddin gave us cinematic odysseys like Brand Upon the Brain and My Winnipeg. Though Laurence Anyways isn't as odd as any of the films mentioned, it certainly is very provocative, the plot itself is enough to incite film-goers to seek the film out.
Laurence Anyways is the story of an impossible love between Fred (Suzanne Clement), a woman, and Laurence (Melvil Poupaud), a man who reveals his inner desire to become his true self: a woman. Set during the late 1980s and early 1990s, the story spans a decade, chronicling the doomed love of Fred and Laurence, as well as the trials and tribulations that they face.
This somewhat complex plot is narrated in a relatively simple way, "I want to be a woman". However changing your sex is much easier said than done, especially in the 1980's when homosexuality was thought of as a disease. This film is definitely an examination regarding the struggles of transgendered people, but it goes far deeper than most "gay" films
Xavier Dolan's third feature film is an incredibly thought-provoking drama. It is cinema at its finest, though definitely not at its most conventional. The cinematography is excellent, the acting is top notch and the soundtrack is absolutely breathtaking. It is almost three hours in length, but the film is well paced and you will not even notice how much time has passed until the film ends. Dolan doesn't fail to impress his audience.
In conclusion, Laurence Anyways is a remarkable film that deserves a place amongst the best of Canadian Cinema. Unfortunately it has not been recognized by any American award shows (despite it winning "Best Feature Film" at the Toronto Film Festival) but American's seem to have a distorted view on what makes a "great film". Hopefully it is seen by many members outside of the gay community, as well as many non-Canadians. Praise it! 4/5
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