Oh, Canada (film)

Last updated

Oh, Canada
Oh, Canada poster.jpg
Release poster
Directed by Paul Schrader
Screenplay byPaul Schrader
Based onForegone
by Russell Banks
Produced by
  • Tiffany Boyle
  • David Gonzales
  • Meghan Hanlon
  • Scott LaStaiti
  • Luisa Law
Starring
CinematographyAndrew Wonder
Edited byBenjamin Rodriguez Jr.
Music by Phosphorescent
Production
companies
  • Foregone Film PSC
  • Fit Via Vi Film Productions
  • Lucky 13 Productions
  • Ottocento Films
  • SIPUR
  • Vested Interest
Release date
  • May 17, 2024 (2024-05-17)(Cannes)
Running time
91 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Oh, Canada is a 2024 American drama film written and directed by Paul Schrader, based on the 2021 novel Foregone by Russell Banks. It stars Richard Gere, Uma Thurman, Michael Imperioli, Jacob Elordi, Victoria Hill, and Kristine Froseth. [1] This marked the second collaboration between Gere and Schrader after American Gigolo as well as Schrader's second adaptation of a novel by Banks after 1997's Affliction .

Contents

The film had its world premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2024. [2]

Premise

The story delves into the life of a tormented writer on the brink of death, a Canadian-American leftist who fled to Canada to avoid the Vietnam War draft. [3]

Leonard Fife (Richard Gere in the modern day, Jacob Elordi in flashbacks) is a terminally ill writer and filmmaker who has agreed to have his final testament of his life filmed by documentary filmmakers Malcolm (Michael Imperioli) and Diana (Victoria Hill), but proves to be an unreliable narrator due to his failing and distorted memory. [4]

Cast

Production

The production received a SAG-AFTRA exemption and began filming in New York City in September 2023. It wrapped production three weeks later in October. [5] [6] In December 2023, it was announced Kristine Froseth, Michael Imperioli, and Uma Thurman had joined the cast of the film. [7] [8] [9] Robert De Niro turned down Gere's part due to the low salary. [10] Arclight Films, after producing Schrader's First Reformed , agreed to finance and represent sales of the movie at the European Film Market. [11]

Reception

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes , 64% of 14 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.8/10. [12]

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References

  1. Thompson, Anne (May 9, 2023). "Paul Schrader on the 'Explicit' Script He Gave to Elisabeth Moss: 'I'm an Old Male. How Am I Going to Direct This?'". IndieWire. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  2. "The Screenings Guide of the 77th Festival de Cannes". Festival de Cannes. May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  3. Barfield, Charles. "'Oh, Canada': Paul Schrader Confirms New Film Will Star Richard Gere & Jacob Elordi". The Playlist. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  4. Jonathan Romney, "‘Oh, Canada’: Cannes Review". Screen Daily , May 17, 2024.
  5. Ruimy, Jordan (August 19, 2019). "Paul Schrader's 'Oh, Canada' Starts Production in NYC". World of Reel. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  6. "Paul Schrader's 'Oh' Canada' Wraps Production". Orange County Film Office. October 12, 2023. Archived from the original on October 28, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  7. Grobar, Matt (December 5, 2023). "Kristine Froseth Joins Richard Gere, Jacob Elordi In Paul Schrader Pic 'Oh, Canada'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  8. Grobar, Matt (December 8, 2023). "Michael Imperioli Boards Paul Schrader's 'Oh, Canada". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  9. Grobar, Matt (December 12, 2023). "Uma Thurman Confirmed To Join Richard Gere, Jacob Elordi In 'Oh, Canada'". Deadline. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  10. Paul Schrader in Cannes: “Every Time I’m Getting Ready to Die, I Have a New Idea”
  11. Keslassy, Elsa (February 8, 2024). "Arclight Films Boards Paul Schrader's 'Oh, Canada' Starring Jacob Elordi, Richard Gere (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  12. "Oh, Canada". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango Media . Retrieved May 20, 2024.