"A nobody-country always has the politicians, priests and terrorists it deserves."

After finding The Decline (2020-also reviewed) a fun,slick Thriller,I decided to let it snow,and check other films from Canada I've had for ages,but have yet to play. Intrigued from learning about the impact this title had,I got set to meet my love Q-Bec.

Note:Some spoilers in review.

View on the film:

Causing the 1974 Canadian Film Awards to be cancelled after the 1973 event was protested against by fellow film makers angry about the Ontario Censor Board demanding explicit content in this title to be cut, leading to the 1973 Film Awards event being slimmed down to just a press conference where the winners names were read, writer/director Jean Pierre Lefebvre & cinematographer set off a whirlwind of surrealist dark Comedy spun in French New Wave-inspired stylisation, all wrapped up in Quebec nationalism.

Split into various disconnected sketches, Lefebvre smoothly blends different comedic styles together to express the belief of Quebec being a country, from personifications of (Uncle) Sam "Washington" and Peter "Ottawa" barking orders at Q-Bec like cartoon generals as they move toy guns and tanks over Q-Bec's naked body, (the toys making a mockery of Washington's macho mumbling)and discussions of posters of Canadian politicians lining the wall, which is sliced down to satirical maps making it look like all the areas surrounding Quebec are adversary.

Opening with cryptic voice over against credits and phrases put together by lettering from newspapers,Lefebvre launches an anarchic Punk atmosphere of FNW- style whip-pans, jump-cuts and stark, surrealist hard cuts to Q-Bec (played by a enticing Anne Lauriault in her lone film credit) being a starkly naked and free Q-Bec.

French-language cinema, whether in France, Québec, or other Francophone regions, explores cultural identity, social change, and the tension between the individual and society. French cinema is not only celebrated for its intellectual experimentation and auteur traditions, but also its success in mainstream comedy, romance, and commercial entertainment. In Québec, films often focus on questions of language, belonging, and community within a distinct cultural landscape.

Jean-Pierre Léaud in The 400 Blows (1959)

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

Will Ferrell, Angela Grillo, and Lap-Gei Cheung in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

The romance genre features the theme of romantic relationships and emotional connections between characters. These stories focus on the development of love, desire, and intimacy between protagonists, often exploring the challenges, conflicts, and triumphs that arise in their relationships.

Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (1942)

In this satire of sexuality in the entertainment industry and voyeurism, a woman maintains 3 romantic relationships simultaneously: with her husband, with her boss, and with her lover.

Anne Lauriault in Un succès commercial (1970)

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

See which big screen releases you can watch from the comfort of your couch.

Theatrical Releases Coming to Streaming

See who dazzled on the red carpet and took home gold at the 78th Primetime Creative Emmy Awards.

Primetime Creative Arts Emmys: Photos We Love

Laurence Leboeuf and Karine Gonthier-Hyndman in Two Women (2025)

Un succès commercial

Photos

Top Cast7

User reviews1

More like this

Related interests

Storyline

Top picks

Details

Box office

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed