"You know, they say, that every guilty person is his own hangman. They also say that tomorrow will be a better day." Bruce (Church) is a snowplow operator in the cold desolate Quebec woods. He spends his nights alone with a bottle. One night when the two mixed he winds up accidentally killing someone. Rather then do what is right he decides to do what he can to cover it up. While he thinks of ways to hide what he did he begins to remember the man he killed and the events leading up to the tragedy. This is a hard movie to review and explain. The movie is good and Church is great in it but on the other hand it is pretty slow moving and not much happens. The movie reminded me a lot of A Single Shot which came out a few months ago. Both deal with accidental killings and the lengths these loners will go to to cover up what they did from the world but are unable to run away from it mentally. If you liked the Single Shot movie you will enjoy this. For everyone else it is one you will either like or one you may not be able to finish. Give it a chance though you may be surprised. Overall, good acting and Church does such a great job that it's almost worth watching just for him. I give this a B-.
23 Reviews
Could Have Been Really Good, But . . .
catsklgd14 October 2014
Warning: Spoilers
This is a film that has everything going for it - except a credible script. There are numerous aspects of the film that strain credulity, including the premise that a man would actually attempt suicide by attaching a hose to the tailpipe of his car, and then park it across the street from a grocery store (probably the only one in town, no less). The idea that a man with no outdoor survival skills could actually make it, day after day, week after week, and ultimately, year after year in the wilds of the Quebec wilderness is absurd. The concept of Church's character slowly disintegrating due to the guilt he feels because of the "accidental" killing of a newly made acquaintance, and the technique of using flashbacks to explain what is happening is really imaginative, but not new. Most of the acting is just adequate, with the exception of Church, who essentially carries the film on his back, despite a script that leaves a lot to be desired. He is perfectly cast, but the other actors are forgettable and really not very good. The music is a plus, as is the cinematography, which is really quite good. Bottom line: I'd love to see a remake of this film with more attention paid to details, something this version sorely lacked. If you like films involving intense psychological overtones, you might enjoy this one. But be warned: it's hardly perfect.
Calling this a thriller is a bit of a stretch
ten-thousand-marbles16 February 2020
Thomas Haden Church has made some decent films. This one falls short. The script and performances are decent, but the pace is slow. The story is played out flashback style and has some good moments, but never gains momentum. It centers on Church hiding out in the wintery woods, and spending a lot of time wandering around. The end resolves nothing. It's worth a watch, but is nothing special.
It's a film with very limited appeal
planktonrules16 April 2014
Whitewash is the first full-length film from Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais. Because he is not that experienced with writing and directing, I feel I should be gentle with this review, as I do not want to discourage Emanuel—he shows some definite promise with this film. Whitewash has many qualities that show he's on the right track with his career and he should definitely keep working at improving his craft. The problem, however, is that the movie has very, very, very limited appeal and I cannot see it being a commercial success.
The film stars the familiar actor, Thomas Hayden Church and it was quite the coup getting him for this project. You'll probably know him from such TV shows as Ned and Stacy and Wings but he also has been in quite a few films—including the critically acclaimed Sideways.
The story is set in Canada and most everyone, other than Church's character, speaks French. It begins with him driving his snow plow down the road during a bad storm and running over a guy who is standing in the road! Inexplicably, instead of contacting the police, since it appears to be just an accident, he buries the body in the wilderness. Soon after this, he wrecks his plow and is stuck—and it might just be because he's drunk though you really aren't sure. Why he doesn't just go for help is difficult to fathom initially and slowly during the course of the film you realize that there's more to the story.
This film is told through a very familiar method in recent years—telling the story out of sequence. It seems like the story was chopped up and pieces of the beginning middle and end are all mixed together. I have liked this style in some films, though I must say that perhaps this style is a bit overused and it makes the film a bit confusing. This is not the only reason that I think that the film is for a very select audience. I say this also because Church is pretty much THE star of the film and he is in all the scenes in the film. Much of the time, he's all alone and talks to himself while hiding out in the woods—and this sort of film is certainly not one to appeal to anyone wanting action or traditional story telling. Additionally, he's not a particularly sympathetic character in the film—further lessening the film's appeal. Now none of this is to say it's a bad film—it isn't. It is unique and may appeal to some people who feel like they've seen it all and want something different. As for me, I respect the project—but I also didn't particularly enjoy it nor could I see myself recommending it to friends. Instead, I say let's see what else Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais can do in the future, as his directing style seems solid—I just think the story was one that doesn't have widespread appeal.
A very curious film, that's for sure and I can easily say that I've never seen anything like it. Considering that I've written over 16,000 reviews (mostly on IMDb), this is saying a lot.
The film stars the familiar actor, Thomas Hayden Church and it was quite the coup getting him for this project. You'll probably know him from such TV shows as Ned and Stacy and Wings but he also has been in quite a few films—including the critically acclaimed Sideways.
The story is set in Canada and most everyone, other than Church's character, speaks French. It begins with him driving his snow plow down the road during a bad storm and running over a guy who is standing in the road! Inexplicably, instead of contacting the police, since it appears to be just an accident, he buries the body in the wilderness. Soon after this, he wrecks his plow and is stuck—and it might just be because he's drunk though you really aren't sure. Why he doesn't just go for help is difficult to fathom initially and slowly during the course of the film you realize that there's more to the story.
This film is told through a very familiar method in recent years—telling the story out of sequence. It seems like the story was chopped up and pieces of the beginning middle and end are all mixed together. I have liked this style in some films, though I must say that perhaps this style is a bit overused and it makes the film a bit confusing. This is not the only reason that I think that the film is for a very select audience. I say this also because Church is pretty much THE star of the film and he is in all the scenes in the film. Much of the time, he's all alone and talks to himself while hiding out in the woods—and this sort of film is certainly not one to appeal to anyone wanting action or traditional story telling. Additionally, he's not a particularly sympathetic character in the film—further lessening the film's appeal. Now none of this is to say it's a bad film—it isn't. It is unique and may appeal to some people who feel like they've seen it all and want something different. As for me, I respect the project—but I also didn't particularly enjoy it nor could I see myself recommending it to friends. Instead, I say let's see what else Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais can do in the future, as his directing style seems solid—I just think the story was one that doesn't have widespread appeal.
A very curious film, that's for sure and I can easily say that I've never seen anything like it. Considering that I've written over 16,000 reviews (mostly on IMDb), this is saying a lot.
Unexceptional but quirky, small-town crime-drama
danieljfarthing3 April 2023
Director Emanuel Hoss-Demaris & writer Marc Tulin have only made two films: both of which are unexceptional but quirky. Prior to 2018 dramedy "Birthmarked" they co-wrote 2013 Canadian small-town crime-drama "Whitewash" in which Thomas Haden Church (solid) hits & kills Marc Labrèche with his little snow-plow, hides the body, then careers off into the surrounding woods where he's trapped / hides out. The men's brief history is revealed via flashbacks, as Haden Church it seems goes rather mad - but those expecting a clear cut conclusion will be disappointed. Hoss-Demaris & Tulin are an off-centre duo indeed... what might they produce next?
A struggle against inner and outer dangers
que_no_me_toque_un_alto_delante9 December 2015
The script is the best feature of the film. It has details of personality. Could have made a better movie with it. Haden Church achieves a commendable performance, even throughout the movie, but without big moments. Good intentions are seen in the feature film debut of the director, but it doesn't go all the way. It could have been a much more intense film. With inevitables reference to "Fargo", especially the snow as the big star and a crime as a starting point. Very interesting as the plot unfolds, fragments, and it will illuminate the reasons why the protagonist is in the situation he is. We can also highlight the ethical problem: good action, evil deed, guilt and punishment. This director can be to follow. The rhythm is a little slow. The best scene are the final 15 seconds.
Sympathetic fugitive tale
shakercoola21 October 2018
A Canadian drama; Set in snowy rural Quebec, it tells the story of a man who makes himself prisoner following a tragic accident. The main theme of this tale is a good deed that turns bad does not go unpunished. It's well acted, with Haden Church bringing some humour and an impressive monologue to what is a tragic development for his character. It's a small film but it does have some impact as a crime and punishment story.
Good performance from THC but no rooting interest
SnoopyStyle22 May 2015
In rural Quebec, drunken Bruce (Thomas Haden Church) accidentally kills a man during a snowstorm with his snowplow. He hides the body and drives away into the woods. He wakes up to discover his machine is stuck in the snow. As he tries to get his machine out, the paranoia and his guilt starts to drive him mad. Flashbacks reveal that the dead man was Bruce's house guest Paul (Marc Labrècheas). Paul tried to commit suicide and keeps trying to take advantage of Bruce's generosity. It becomes obvious that this is more than a simple accident.
It's an interesting performance from Thomas Haden Church. Paul is an off-putting character and Marc Labrècheas is good. It is still a tiring movie where everything is so serious. The movie grinds down the audience. I have no particular rooting interest in Bruce. His struggle is not compelling and his 'friendship' with Marc is questionable. I guess a drunk is likely to make stupid decisions.
It's an interesting performance from Thomas Haden Church. Paul is an off-putting character and Marc Labrècheas is good. It is still a tiring movie where everything is so serious. The movie grinds down the audience. I have no particular rooting interest in Bruce. His struggle is not compelling and his 'friendship' with Marc is questionable. I guess a drunk is likely to make stupid decisions.
"And you know what I say? Goddamn, it's freezing."
jan_kalina5 July 2013
I had the pleasure of seeing Whitewash at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival or KVIFF for short. I went to see this film while knowing nothing about it because that is sometimes the way you see films at KVIFF. You buy a ticket and go see a film that you know nothing about. I strongly recommend going into a movie which you know nothing about because that way you can enjoy it much more.
A snow plow operator accidentally runs over with his mini-plow a man walking on the street during a blizzard. That's all you need to know about this film's plot. What ensues after this accident is a the perfect blend of drama and black comedy. Surprisingly Thomas Haden Church's Bruce spends most of the movie hiding in his snow plow and trying to figure out what to do next.
Thomas Hadden Church gives here the best performance of his life. Very minimalistic though but very gripping and funny. The film shows how physically demanding Bruce's survival is. (The story is set in Quebec, so the winter there is very harsh) Thomas Haden Church portrays a man who is unwilling to die even though he is doubting if living is worth the struggle. But all this can be told with a lot of humor, even if the situation wouldn't be funny in real life.
After the screening there was a short Q&A session with the director Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais. He said that although the winter looks very harsh, during the time of the shoot the winter was very wimpy so they had to help themselves with a few special effects. After the Q&A session ended I went up to the director and asked him for an autograph and asked him if the Coen brothers was an influence on this film. The answer was: Of course! The guy seemed like a very sympathetic fellow and I look forward to seeing more of his work.
A snow plow operator accidentally runs over with his mini-plow a man walking on the street during a blizzard. That's all you need to know about this film's plot. What ensues after this accident is a the perfect blend of drama and black comedy. Surprisingly Thomas Haden Church's Bruce spends most of the movie hiding in his snow plow and trying to figure out what to do next.
Thomas Hadden Church gives here the best performance of his life. Very minimalistic though but very gripping and funny. The film shows how physically demanding Bruce's survival is. (The story is set in Quebec, so the winter there is very harsh) Thomas Haden Church portrays a man who is unwilling to die even though he is doubting if living is worth the struggle. But all this can be told with a lot of humor, even if the situation wouldn't be funny in real life.
After the screening there was a short Q&A session with the director Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais. He said that although the winter looks very harsh, during the time of the shoot the winter was very wimpy so they had to help themselves with a few special effects. After the Q&A session ended I went up to the director and asked him for an autograph and asked him if the Coen brothers was an influence on this film. The answer was: Of course! The guy seemed like a very sympathetic fellow and I look forward to seeing more of his work.
Hell can be a cold dark place...aka...this movie
stripesnd6 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Why are all these reviews tip toeing around the fact that this is a bad movie? Anyone who has lived even one season in the winter here would know about several fallacies of winter existence. I just kept praying that Darwinian justice would take out this man. Who falls asleep in a blizzard, outside, and wakes up the next day with nothing more than a little cough? Who hides out in a small detached garage, with no heat, instead of just waiting on the porch for the family to come home? For that matter, what fool would store glass bottles of beer in an unheated garage for a whole season? What character would attempt suicide, in front of a store, by running a hose from the exhaust to the inside of a car? That was blatantly stupid for three reasons; 1.) Newer model cars just don't poison like they used to. Look it up. Oh, that's right, apparently there are no fact checkers anywhere near this script. 2.) What suicidal person would park themselves in front of a supermarket, and choose this rather obvious method to kill themselves? 3.) The easiest, and least painful way to kill yourself in winter is...in the freaking snow. Hypothermia is then your friend. (This is also a problem with the main character's brilliant idea to torch himself later on in the movie...it just doesn't jibe with the location. Let's face it, self immolation is a pretty grand suicidal gesture, usually done in front of people, to bring commentary on the cause they're trying to promote!) The main character also doesn't have a fundamental grasp of basic survival skills in the beginning of the movie (like... how to build a lean to when trapped outside, or, how to use ice and snow to your advantage by sliding bulky items - like three large gas cans, along behind you as opposed to throwing them in front of you, or, how hiding out in your house is probably a better idea than tramping through the snow. So, he goes from being this idiot one day to building himself a snow cave the next, (man height, with only a snow shoe to dig with. Yeah right, he's going to be able to dig down four feet in the dead of winter, with a snow shoe, when he doesn't even have the sense God gave a goat) the next. Even when he is a "1000 miles away from the nearest human" he manages a walk to the café to store up on two burgers, brew, and gas. Finally, driving away in the murder victim's car, when he knows he's a suspect after reading a newspaper article about it? This movie just really doesn't work. You can make excuses all you want (oh, it's really just a black comedy, or, it's an existentialist movie, whatever). Really, it's just what it looks like; a bad movie, based on bad "facts".
Not without merit, but unsatisfying in the end
Wizard-89 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I usually avoid Canadian movies funded with taxpayers' funds since they are almost always big bores. But I decided to take a chance on this movie because the description on the DVD box sounded intriguing - plus the fact that I could watch the DVD for free by taking it out from my local library. After watching it, I could understand why the distributor didn't give this much of a theatrical release (if any). First, I think I should admit that there were some things I liked about it. It's a pretty good looking movie, with good cinematography and scenic locations; this is one Canadian movie that had something of a budget and good care taken with it. Also, the direction by Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais does capture the feel of a Quebec winter very well - you really feel the cold and uncomfortable feel of it. And it was nice to see a Canadian movie that actually admits that it's taking place in Canada.
Unfortunately, despite the merit I reported above, the movie in the end fails to work as a whole. Most of the blame can be placed on one thing: the script. First, there's a big problem with the Thomas Hayden Church character - we never get a real feel to what makes him tick, nor do we learn much about his past. I didn't know what to make of this character or feel about him. Church does try hard to make the character come alive, but even his great efforts can't make his role a fleshed out enough character. Another problem with the script is that there are some really unbelievable things that happen. (Would someone try to commit suicide right in a public parking lot? Why did the cops not take Church's friend's car in for evidence after discovering he was missing? Wouldn't the various people who spotted Church committing crimes in the wilderness reported him to the cops?) The most unbelievable thing in the movie, however, is the ending. I won't say what happens, except to report that it's not only unbelievable, it concludes things in a very unsatisfying manner that feels way unfinished. As the credits unfolded, I was saying to myself, "That's IT???"
Canadian movies may now look good, but you'll see from this movie that more often than not they still need work in the script department.
Unfortunately, despite the merit I reported above, the movie in the end fails to work as a whole. Most of the blame can be placed on one thing: the script. First, there's a big problem with the Thomas Hayden Church character - we never get a real feel to what makes him tick, nor do we learn much about his past. I didn't know what to make of this character or feel about him. Church does try hard to make the character come alive, but even his great efforts can't make his role a fleshed out enough character. Another problem with the script is that there are some really unbelievable things that happen. (Would someone try to commit suicide right in a public parking lot? Why did the cops not take Church's friend's car in for evidence after discovering he was missing? Wouldn't the various people who spotted Church committing crimes in the wilderness reported him to the cops?) The most unbelievable thing in the movie, however, is the ending. I won't say what happens, except to report that it's not only unbelievable, it concludes things in a very unsatisfying manner that feels way unfinished. As the credits unfolded, I was saying to myself, "That's IT???"
Canadian movies may now look good, but you'll see from this movie that more often than not they still need work in the script department.
Very depressing
waynemullen12 January 2020
Although the film is well produced, there is little to see except misery. There are few uplifting moments, no redemption, and no catharsis. If you are depressed you will likely feel more so after watching. You will regret the time spent on a film that offers nothing.
Who do i sue?
teebear81717 August 2020
Who do i sue to get that 90 minutes of my life back? Artsy-fartsy directing. Confusing flashbacks, many of them time filler pointless flashbacks. And the now expected ambiguous ending, because the incompetent writers couldnt give us closure. Watching a scumbag smoke and drink for 90 minutes without resolution. Anyone who pretends the "get this" drivel are phoney. Utter crappola movie.
Whitewash
a_baron22 July 2015
This film might be described as a psychological thriller, if there were any thrills in it. How best then to describe it? Confusing, disjointed, pointless?
Set in the middle of the Canadian winter, it begins with a man driving a snow plough, hitting a man who is walking in the middle of the road, and killing him. At worst this would be causing death by dangerous driving, most probably a tragic accident, but for one caveat, well, two actually, or maybe three, depending how much of this rubbish you decide to watch.
The first is that he is drinking alcohol. The second as we learn later is that he has been banned from driving after a bizarre incident involving a snow plough crash which has left him unable to work, perhaps not simply because he has lost his driving licence. The third is that he knows the man in question, who had actually been crashing at his place on account of his being up to his ears in debt, through gambling, and not having the courage to go home and face his wife.
This man had also been caught stealing from our non-hero, and had fled into the night on that account. There is no doubt his death was an accident, but understandably the authorities might be more than a little skeptical. Which leaves us where? Well, it leaves him carrying out a series of acts pointless and bizarre in equal measure, not to mention incriminating, and no, that does not mean simply driving his car.
Set in the middle of the Canadian winter, it begins with a man driving a snow plough, hitting a man who is walking in the middle of the road, and killing him. At worst this would be causing death by dangerous driving, most probably a tragic accident, but for one caveat, well, two actually, or maybe three, depending how much of this rubbish you decide to watch.
The first is that he is drinking alcohol. The second as we learn later is that he has been banned from driving after a bizarre incident involving a snow plough crash which has left him unable to work, perhaps not simply because he has lost his driving licence. The third is that he knows the man in question, who had actually been crashing at his place on account of his being up to his ears in debt, through gambling, and not having the courage to go home and face his wife.
This man had also been caught stealing from our non-hero, and had fled into the night on that account. There is no doubt his death was an accident, but understandably the authorities might be more than a little skeptical. Which leaves us where? Well, it leaves him carrying out a series of acts pointless and bizarre in equal measure, not to mention incriminating, and no, that does not mean simply driving his car.
Thomas Haden Church dives head first into the suspenseful tale about redemption and survival...
ClaytonDavis24 April 2013
Since his first entry into the realm of Oscar-lovers and voters, Thomas Haden Church seemed like a one-trick pony. His newest effort in Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais' film Whitewash has the actor delivering his finest work yet. Telling the story of Bruce, a man heavy on the bottle, who after he hits a man with his bulldozer during a snowstorm, ventures out into the cold Canadian woods to hide for survival.
As the narrative travels in and out of present and past time, writers Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais and Marc Tulin manage to keep the subdued aura of the film while still keeping it interesting and inventive. Many choices in storytelling and shooting will remind many of the underrated film from Joe Carnahan, The Grey (2012), but the characters here felt much more accessible, both in flaws and pros. The dreary and intimate portrait captured by Cinematographer André Turpin is what encourages the film to go to another place cinematically. His choices along with Hoss- Desmarais' direction keep the story and the audience close and working together to get to our resolution.
Thomas Haden Church really manages to outdo himself as an actor and for the first time, becomes something bigger than he probably though of himself to be. In a tale of survival, in both the physical and criminal sense, Church lays out of an agenda that is both demanding of himself and philosophically sound. He walks the line of composure and is absolutely hypnotic. His performance is both poetic and visceral and becomes the first authentically genuine and raw male performance of the film year. He has never been better. What Whitewash also manages is an introduction to actor Marc Labrèche, who is simply fantastic in his role of Paul, a mysterious figure that will bring you on an emotional roller coaster to his defying finale.
The film is surely a risky endeavor and while the film utilizes the audience's imagination and requirement to let certain laws of physics go, the bridge from the film to the resounding mind of film-lovers is clearly passionate and aptly brutal. It's vividly melancholic in execution and could be one of the best films of the year. Small yet larger than itself, Whitewash is a tranquil message of survival and redemption.
As the narrative travels in and out of present and past time, writers Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais and Marc Tulin manage to keep the subdued aura of the film while still keeping it interesting and inventive. Many choices in storytelling and shooting will remind many of the underrated film from Joe Carnahan, The Grey (2012), but the characters here felt much more accessible, both in flaws and pros. The dreary and intimate portrait captured by Cinematographer André Turpin is what encourages the film to go to another place cinematically. His choices along with Hoss- Desmarais' direction keep the story and the audience close and working together to get to our resolution.
Thomas Haden Church really manages to outdo himself as an actor and for the first time, becomes something bigger than he probably though of himself to be. In a tale of survival, in both the physical and criminal sense, Church lays out of an agenda that is both demanding of himself and philosophically sound. He walks the line of composure and is absolutely hypnotic. His performance is both poetic and visceral and becomes the first authentically genuine and raw male performance of the film year. He has never been better. What Whitewash also manages is an introduction to actor Marc Labrèche, who is simply fantastic in his role of Paul, a mysterious figure that will bring you on an emotional roller coaster to his defying finale.
The film is surely a risky endeavor and while the film utilizes the audience's imagination and requirement to let certain laws of physics go, the bridge from the film to the resounding mind of film-lovers is clearly passionate and aptly brutal. It's vividly melancholic in execution and could be one of the best films of the year. Small yet larger than itself, Whitewash is a tranquil message of survival and redemption.
Make sure you have a blanket when you watch
craigwbahrbarian19 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
A tiny plot with poor acting. What a way to start a review.
Main character is "deep" in the Canadian woods - but only about 50 yards from the nearest house. He builds fires, starts an engine, and yells. But, he is never detected.
It ends without an ending. Just like they ran out of film and money.
A one man show that is captivating and thoroughly engrossing
trublu21527 January 2015
Whitewash on paper sounds like the most boring film ever made but as a film, Whitewash is an excellent story of survival as Bruce, Thomas Haden Church, a local snow plow driver and a drunk in a rural Quebec town who accidentally kills a man while driving his plow on a stormy evening. Out of a drunken paranoia, he hides out in the wilderness during a severe storm. In the time that he is by himself, he reflects back on the events that got him where he is. This film is absolutely fantastic. It is paced beautifully and gives the audience just enough, minute by minute to keep the audience interested. Writer/Director Emanuel Hoss- Desamaris proves he is one hell of a director. Equal parts psychological thriller and survival drama, Desamaris does a wonderful job blending these genres, filling the void with a clever voice-over from Bruce. Thomas Haden Church is absolutely phenomenal here, flawless in his performance. To be able to take a film and carry it from start to finish is no easy feat for an actor and for Church to be able to pull it off effortlessly really makes you question why this guy isn't in more stuff because he is truly mesmerizing here. Cinematographer André Turpin does an amazing job here as well, chronicling the harsh environment Bruce is in all while delivering extreme suspense in certain scenes, it is really well done and with the added snow merely intensifies his imagery here. It is very close to Roger Deakins and Conrad Hall's work. Another highlight with this film is the score by Serge Nakauchi Peletier. It is a beautiful piece of music that fit the film perfectly and if the cinematography or the acting doesn't cut it for you, the score sure as hell will. Out of the box and absolutely triumphant, Whitewash is a relentless psychological drama that uses ever minute of its runtime wisely and has Thomas Haden Church in a career best performance.
"The Northern Lights have seen queer sights . . . "
oowawa9 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
"It's the cursèd cold, and it's got right hold till I'm chilled clean through to the bone" and yet, like the main character in "The Cremation of Sam McGee," the protagonist of "Whitewash" plods on, putting one foot in front of the other, stumbling from misadventure to misadventure, somehow managing to sustain the dim glow of life that really has no basis to exist in the midst of all this freezing indifference: (again from 'Sam McGee'): "The trail was bad, and I felt half mad, but I swore I would not give in." The human spirit strives on, perhaps pointlessly. As Hamlet asks, "What should such fellows as I do crawling between heaven and earth?" In "Whitewash," the meaningless response is: freeze our butts off, that's what. Or, a fellow can build an igloo and sit in the middle of it and talk to himself, explaining his guilt and victimization to the uncaring frost vapor in front of his face. The only way "out" is death, but perhaps that's a "cop-out," a betrayal of the spirit. After "saving" him from suicide, Bruce later "helps" the dishonorable Paul find that "out," and Paul's smiling corpse attests to the macabre victory of his release: "I could swear to God he was smiling," which is reminiscent of Sam McGee: "And he wore a smile you could see a mile . . . "
This is one of those movies that starts out with a bizarre incident and then, by means of a series of flashbacks interspersed through the narrative, explains how that critical mishap came-to-pass. This always confuses me at first, until I realize what's going on. In this case, the narrative tapestry develops into a solid work of art. The threads in this tapestry are grounded by a brilliant and unusual soundtrack, much of it original to the film, credited to Serge Nakauchi Pelletier. Indeed, it is so unique that it at times seems to be defining its own genre: "arctic ambient." The "whitewash" cinematography is so cold and relentless that the mood gradually permeates the bones. Brrrrrrrrrrrr! And what pitch-perfect understated acting! Thomas Haden Church's lonely monotone soliloquies keep himself meager company throughout the film, and his deadpan delivery is perfect for the role.
I cannot find any fault in this film. It's lean and mean and doesn't waste any strokes. It stands by itself in its essential cinematic niche. It's "classic," in a word. Hooray for director Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais and everyone involved.
This is one of those movies that starts out with a bizarre incident and then, by means of a series of flashbacks interspersed through the narrative, explains how that critical mishap came-to-pass. This always confuses me at first, until I realize what's going on. In this case, the narrative tapestry develops into a solid work of art. The threads in this tapestry are grounded by a brilliant and unusual soundtrack, much of it original to the film, credited to Serge Nakauchi Pelletier. Indeed, it is so unique that it at times seems to be defining its own genre: "arctic ambient." The "whitewash" cinematography is so cold and relentless that the mood gradually permeates the bones. Brrrrrrrrrrrr! And what pitch-perfect understated acting! Thomas Haden Church's lonely monotone soliloquies keep himself meager company throughout the film, and his deadpan delivery is perfect for the role.
I cannot find any fault in this film. It's lean and mean and doesn't waste any strokes. It stands by itself in its essential cinematic niche. It's "classic," in a word. Hooray for director Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais and everyone involved.
Whitewash, a new movie directed by Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais and co-written by Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais & Marc Tulin, not to be missed!
a-b-664-57885020 April 2013
Whitewash, directed by Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais and co-written by Emanuel Hoss- Desmarais & Marc Tulin, is a dark comedy infused with the rigorous purity and deep character analysis that sustains the enduring artistry of cinema's masterworks.
As in John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, this tale is about a man and the regrettable killing he is responsible for while drunk. The two main characters (played by Thomas Haden Church and Marc Labrèche) plough forward as killer and victim become entangled in an increasingly hopeless predicament plagued with widespread wretchedness and despondency.
The film is shot in the isolated forests of Quebec during the harsh of winter. The ideologically charged backdrop offers a feral setting in which the main characters, one French speaking and the other English speaking, seem to simply exist on screen. Their exchanges are simple and pure, dignified with an honest humor that inspires great sympathy for each of them and for the human condition at large.
The movie ends with a climatic joke looking forward into an unwritten fourth act.
As in John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, this tale is about a man and the regrettable killing he is responsible for while drunk. The two main characters (played by Thomas Haden Church and Marc Labrèche) plough forward as killer and victim become entangled in an increasingly hopeless predicament plagued with widespread wretchedness and despondency.
The film is shot in the isolated forests of Quebec during the harsh of winter. The ideologically charged backdrop offers a feral setting in which the main characters, one French speaking and the other English speaking, seem to simply exist on screen. Their exchanges are simple and pure, dignified with an honest humor that inspires great sympathy for each of them and for the human condition at large.
The movie ends with a climatic joke looking forward into an unwritten fourth act.
Sure deserves more then 5.8
deadbull-951715 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This is Tom Church in the sort of role he does so well. I saw him recently in Cardboard Boxer and when it comes to playing guys on the edge...he's the guy to cast. I just saw the title of the first review here...which is more then I usually read...and yes...this is not an action flick. It is a deeply introspective dark look at
a very troubled lonely isolated tormented guy....stuck in an awful situation and flashing on what brought him to that point. It is exactly what is supposed to be.
Those of us that can relate to TROUBLE, and feeling alone and isolated with it, are not gonna be bored at all. I give it 9 stars, not 10, only in the sense that I suppose, theoretically , anything can usually be improved in some way or other.
I think the editing and speed of action are pretty close to being exactly what they should be. It's a thoughtful dark movie....and like other work I have seen this actor in.......Less is More.......and the more i like a movie , the less time I spend analyzing it and just sit back and go for the ride. that is the case here...It coulda been twice as long moving at the same pace and since it's a meditative sort of piece....that would have been fine with me. Not appropriate to a meth smoking 14 year old on a skateboard and a backwards baseball hat into CGI cartoons about AI machines etc...........Highly recommended to thoughtful people.
Do you like movies?
martinvonmartian7 September 2021
Then watch this and ignore all the bs reviews.
The story is pretty depressing, yet makes you laugh at the misfortune.
It is great and at times exhillerating.
Even when you finally figure out what's going on it might still surprise you.
Go watch it, it's entertaining.
( not a party movie )
The story is pretty depressing, yet makes you laugh at the misfortune.
It is great and at times exhillerating.
Even when you finally figure out what's going on it might still surprise you.
Go watch it, it's entertaining.
( not a party movie )
Criminally underlooked, fantastically human, intimately bizarre, darkly hilarious
CadenCotard21 November 2020
What a unique film. "Whitewash" is one of those rare spectacles that transcends it's budget, it's flaws, and shortcomings to be something that it truly fantastic. Its probably on paper more like a 7/10, but it was all I could do not to rate it a full 10. I guess I had to take one star off for some of the more extreme 'plot holes' if they're to be called that.
I'd imagine it to be a galvanizing film one way or another, some of the lower ratings offer fair clique, but at risk of sound pretentious I think many of them got bogged down on some of the larger plot flaws you have to overlook when enjoying to story. It's also one of those films where no details should really be given away before hand, it's best to go in blind. Ordinarily I'll admit I am one to nitpick, but one thing you can give whitewash credit for is that it doesn't seem to take itself to seriously even though it has some very serious moments and themes. It's a return to traditional black comedy, something more akin a hybrid of Fargo meets the tell tale heart...written by a less depressive David mamet than Shaun of the dead.
In my opinion it's sad to see this not get the love it deserves, it's really well written piece with solid performances all around. Simple settings and deeply introspective in ways you might not imagine from the tone. Quite literally laughing hard out loud one moment, thinking solemnly 5 seconds later. More people should see this.
I'd imagine it to be a galvanizing film one way or another, some of the lower ratings offer fair clique, but at risk of sound pretentious I think many of them got bogged down on some of the larger plot flaws you have to overlook when enjoying to story. It's also one of those films where no details should really be given away before hand, it's best to go in blind. Ordinarily I'll admit I am one to nitpick, but one thing you can give whitewash credit for is that it doesn't seem to take itself to seriously even though it has some very serious moments and themes. It's a return to traditional black comedy, something more akin a hybrid of Fargo meets the tell tale heart...written by a less depressive David mamet than Shaun of the dead.
In my opinion it's sad to see this not get the love it deserves, it's really well written piece with solid performances all around. Simple settings and deeply introspective in ways you might not imagine from the tone. Quite literally laughing hard out loud one moment, thinking solemnly 5 seconds later. More people should see this.
Brilliant
mark-270510 January 2023
I'm sure i am in a minority but this is one of my fave films. I've watched it countless times. Every scene oozes skill and perfection. Thomas Haden Church shines as the hapless and clueless Bruce Landry, a man struggling with the slowly emerging sadness of a life destroyed by recent events. He meets Paul Blackburn, small time gambler, thief and chancer and offers him a lifeline when he is attempting suicide. This chance meeting results in tragedy and causes Bruce to have to hide out in the harsh freezing, Canadian widerness while he thinks over his life, recent events and contemplates his future. What makes this movie brilliant is the way the characters are fleshed out so totally with the absolute minimum of information or dialogue. So naive and innocent in his potrayal, Thomas Church really brings home in a sometimes comical fashion just how absolutely luckless his character is. Life really has kicked him in the teeth and it comes out in an oustandingly subtle and immaculately acted way. I recommend this film, but do be prepared for a slow burner of a black comedy. No guns, car chases or relentless blood letting to be seen here.
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