Drifting States (2005)
Drifting States
”A man ends his terminally ill mother's life in Montreal.”
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Why watch this film?
This is the feature film debut of Quebecois experimental filmmaker, Denis Côté, who eventually achieved recognition in the independent circuit for films like 'Carcasas' and 'Our Private Lives'. Made with practically nonexistent budget, 'Drifting States' is more of an experiment than a well-defined narrative, starting from the original premise of a man who ends his sick mother's life, to deliver the improvisation of its lead actor (Christian LeBlanc) alongside the real inhabitants of the small town of Radisson. For some, the film may be tedious, however it is an interesting and daring experiment, especially for a feature film debut. Winner of the main prize at the Locarno Film Festival.
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Plot summary
A Montreal man mercifully terminates the life of his terminally ill mother.
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From the same director
Our Private Lives
From Quebec-based experimental filmmaker Denis Côté ("Les États Nordiques"), "Our Private Lives" appears to be a straightforward romantic drama with an austere aesthetic. Yet it puts more emphasis on character development and intimacy, where differences eventually break down idealized notions and bring out sinister secrets. This cult Canadian film is a brief but interesting reflection on privacy, and especially the masks we forge for ourselves in the digital world.
Carcasses
For his fourth feature-length film, Quebecois experimental director Denis Côté (‘Our Private Lives’) crafted a movie that straddles the line between fiction and documentary, eventually selected for Cannes Film Festival in 2009. The docufiction ‘Carcasses’ focuses on a real-life character, Jean-Paul Colmor, to tell a story with some elements of truth and several others that are fictitious, stemming from his interactions with a group of disabled teenagers. The movie is, at least in part, an invitation to reflect on how little we truly need to live, and how much we waste in our conventional lifestyles.
Bestiaire
The seventh feature film by the Quebec experimental filmmaker Denis Côté ("Drifting States," "Carcasses"), which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was screened at other prestigious festivals such as Berlin and Toronto, "Bestiario" is an experimental, contemplative documentary that through its images and minimal words invites us to reflect on the dichotomy between humans and animals, in which the former usually proclaims itself master and lord of the latter. Is this really the natural order of things? The approach of the movie may be challenging, but it is certainly a question worth reflecting on.
Curling
From Quebec-born experimental filmmaker Denis Côté ("Drifting States," "Carcasses"), "Curling" is a strange family drama about an overprotective father and his daughter, which highlights its apparent banality and tedium with its naturalistic photography. With its increasingly disturbing ambiguous plot, it conveys a feeling of unease—a strange mystery in the style of "Fargo" or even "Psycho" that unfolds slowly, which will surely test the patience of many. Winner of the Best Director and Best Actor awards at the 2010 Locarno Film Festival.
Ghost Town Anthology
"Ghost Town Anthology" is a haunting and thought-provoking drama/mystery film directed by Denis Côté. Set in a small and isolated town, the story revolves around the death of Simon Dubé in a car accident and the stunned townspeople's reluctance to discuss the circumstances of the tragedy. As time loses all meaning, and days stretch on without end, strangers start to appear, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the film. The film takes a subdued and slowly absorbing approach to its supernatural themes, leaving audiences with a uniquely haunting experience. The cast delivers a powerful performance, with Jean-Michel Anctil, Normand Carrière, and Larissa Corriveau standing out. The film's cinematography and direction are exceptional, creating an unsettling and eerie ambiance throughout the film. "Ghost Town Anthology" is a must-watch for fans of slow-burning and atmospheric films that leave a lasting impression.
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