I have always appreciated movies that make a point to acknowledge their setting. In English speaking Canada, some movies seem to always eschew the fact that they are filmed in Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, so on so forth.
Instead they present some kind of vague, anonymous city, which could be ANY city (the reason I know for example if a movie is shot in Toronto, is by the colour of the streetcars or buses, or a badly disguised landmark, as was the case with the recently released flick "Repo Men" with Jude Law). Many other times Canadians cities are made to pass as American cities. While in some movies the setting/background is left vague on purpose, according to the script, storyline etc., that is alright, but other movies that go out of their way, the saddest of which are some Canadian movies/TV series themselves, to disguise the fact that they are shot in Canadian locations, is just infuriating and stupid. If it is an American production making a Canadian city pass for an American one, that is fine, they have to do that, but Canadian productions doing that is wrong.
That is not the case with Quebec. The Quebecois are proud (maybe too proud) of their culture, and they don't shy away from showcasing it. They don't disguise their cities. Case in point, this movie.
As much as it is a funny, quirky and introspective boy-to-man/coming-of-age tale, make no mistake, "The Trotsky" is also an ode to Montreal in particular and Canada in general. Anybody familiar with Montreal will instantly recognize the passionate homage paid to the city not only by the movie and its protagonist, Jay Baruchel, but also the entire look, feel and atmosphere. It is not an in your face, hammer over the head thing, but a succinct and implied tribute to the city and culture.
The movie itself was an original and refreshing relief from the incessant wave of mediocrity washing constantly upon people's brains, waves generated by the current pop-corn summer blockbusters. The film is touching and introspective at times, but also funny and fun to watch throughout. Jay Baruchel manages to once again project that hapless, but doggedly determined, sweet, vulnerable, smart and in his own way, brave persona. He also did it in the "She Is Out Of My League" a good and decent comedic effort that came out earlier this year.
If you want to have a good time, learn something, laugh and forget about your trouble for awhile, then this movie is one to see! I got to admit that at times Jay Baruchel does bear some resemblance with Trotsky himself. Oh and by the way, the interaction between Baruchel and Saul Rubinek (who plays his father in the movie) is just hilarious but also touching! A good viewing in my book!
Instead they present some kind of vague, anonymous city, which could be ANY city (the reason I know for example if a movie is shot in Toronto, is by the colour of the streetcars or buses, or a badly disguised landmark, as was the case with the recently released flick "Repo Men" with Jude Law). Many other times Canadians cities are made to pass as American cities. While in some movies the setting/background is left vague on purpose, according to the script, storyline etc., that is alright, but other movies that go out of their way, the saddest of which are some Canadian movies/TV series themselves, to disguise the fact that they are shot in Canadian locations, is just infuriating and stupid. If it is an American production making a Canadian city pass for an American one, that is fine, they have to do that, but Canadian productions doing that is wrong.
That is not the case with Quebec. The Quebecois are proud (maybe too proud) of their culture, and they don't shy away from showcasing it. They don't disguise their cities. Case in point, this movie.
As much as it is a funny, quirky and introspective boy-to-man/coming-of-age tale, make no mistake, "The Trotsky" is also an ode to Montreal in particular and Canada in general. Anybody familiar with Montreal will instantly recognize the passionate homage paid to the city not only by the movie and its protagonist, Jay Baruchel, but also the entire look, feel and atmosphere. It is not an in your face, hammer over the head thing, but a succinct and implied tribute to the city and culture.
The movie itself was an original and refreshing relief from the incessant wave of mediocrity washing constantly upon people's brains, waves generated by the current pop-corn summer blockbusters. The film is touching and introspective at times, but also funny and fun to watch throughout. Jay Baruchel manages to once again project that hapless, but doggedly determined, sweet, vulnerable, smart and in his own way, brave persona. He also did it in the "She Is Out Of My League" a good and decent comedic effort that came out earlier this year.
If you want to have a good time, learn something, laugh and forget about your trouble for awhile, then this movie is one to see! I got to admit that at times Jay Baruchel does bear some resemblance with Trotsky himself. Oh and by the way, the interaction between Baruchel and Saul Rubinek (who plays his father in the movie) is just hilarious but also touching! A good viewing in my book!