36/42
Based on the novel ‘Foregone’ by Russell Banks
Story
Leonard Fife, one of the sixty thousand draft dodgers and deserters who fled to Canada to avoid serving in Vietnam, shares all his secrets to demystify his mythologized life. This is the second time Paul Schrader has directed one of Banks’ novels for the screen, following his adaptation of Verijäljet (1997).
I saw it in Cannes, at the film premiere
Referenced in Film Junk Podcast: Episode 961: In a Violent Nature + TIFF 2024 (2024). OH, CANADA is a very original film from one of the masters of cinema, a true work of art.
It features beautiful cinematography and great production design
The film is beautifully made with a strong visual look. The performances are strong, especially Richard Gere who plays the protagonist.
It may not be to everyone’s taste, but I think it’s one of Paul Schrader’s greatest achievements, and a treat for film lovers
He gives a terrific and memorable performance in the vein of Jack Nicholson in FIVE EASY PIECES: a complicated, not always likeable but compelling character. Recommended.