29/35
Based on the novel ‘Foregone’ by Russell Banks
Narrative
Leonard Fife, one of the sixty thousand draft dodgers and deserters who fled to Canada to avoid service in Vietnam, shares all his secrets in an effort to demythologize his mythological life. This is the second time Paul Schrader has directed one of Banks’ novels for the screen, following his adaptation of ‘Affliction’ (1997).
I saw this at Cannes, during the film’s premiere
Featured on the Movie Junk Podcast: Episode 961: In a Violent Nature + TIFF 2024 (2024). Oh, CANADA is a very original film by one of the masters of cinema, a true work of art.
It has great cinematography and great production design
The film is beautifully crafted with a strong visual look. The acting is strong, especially Richard Gere who plays the title character.
He gives a wonderful and memorable performance as Jack Nicholson in FIVE EASY PIECES – a complex, not always sympathetic, but compelling character
It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I think it’s one of Paul Schrader’s greatest achievements and a gift to film lovers. Recommended.