Robert Lepage, an actor and writer turned director, whose previous work showed great promise, has done wonders in this uneven, but interesting take on the life of two brothers in Quebec City, where he sets this multi layered story.
The film mixes eras, as the original story dates back to the 50s when a young woman, of a working class and devout Catholic family, finds herself pregnant under the most mysterious circumstances. Although our suspicions point in one direction, nothing is completely black and white.
The story concludes in the 80s as Pierre, who had been away in China, returns home to attend his father's funeral. Pierre's brother, Marc, never comes. Pierre finds out, to his horror, about Marc's secret life and meets the man who holds the key to the mystery at the hotel where he is working. Raymond Massicotte, knows more than he wants to tell.
The other element in the film is a vignette about Alfred Hitchcock. The director had gone to scout locations and do local casting for his own "I Confess", which in a way, parallels the action of this movie. This part is not completely as interesting, and it's somehow distracting from the other narratives.
Lothaire Blutheau, one of the best Canadian actors, whose work we have admired for a long time, is seen as Pierre, in a great performance. Pierre Goyette plays Marc with sincerity and high intensity. Jean-Louis Millette has some excellent moments as Raymond Massicotte. Kristin Scott Thomas is seen as Hitchcock's assistant.
Robert Lepage directed with an eye for detail in this involving drama. The film is worth viewing because it shows Mr. Lepage in great form. Sacha Puttman's background music plays well with the action. Alain Dostie's cinematography captures all the darkness in the story.
The film mixes eras, as the original story dates back to the 50s when a young woman, of a working class and devout Catholic family, finds herself pregnant under the most mysterious circumstances. Although our suspicions point in one direction, nothing is completely black and white.
The story concludes in the 80s as Pierre, who had been away in China, returns home to attend his father's funeral. Pierre's brother, Marc, never comes. Pierre finds out, to his horror, about Marc's secret life and meets the man who holds the key to the mystery at the hotel where he is working. Raymond Massicotte, knows more than he wants to tell.
The other element in the film is a vignette about Alfred Hitchcock. The director had gone to scout locations and do local casting for his own "I Confess", which in a way, parallels the action of this movie. This part is not completely as interesting, and it's somehow distracting from the other narratives.
Lothaire Blutheau, one of the best Canadian actors, whose work we have admired for a long time, is seen as Pierre, in a great performance. Pierre Goyette plays Marc with sincerity and high intensity. Jean-Louis Millette has some excellent moments as Raymond Massicotte. Kristin Scott Thomas is seen as Hitchcock's assistant.
Robert Lepage directed with an eye for detail in this involving drama. The film is worth viewing because it shows Mr. Lepage in great form. Sacha Puttman's background music plays well with the action. Alain Dostie's cinematography captures all the darkness in the story.
