It has long been known that Canada is the affordable and naturally friendly alternative to Hollywood. But Canada is not only a popular location for international film productions. Canadian productions are also attracting increasing international public interest. And it makes the perfect place to try out the online casino real money.
Canadian film productions are steadily gaining in importance both nationally and internationally. The secret lies in the Canadian view of the world: their ideas, their openness, and their diversity produce stories that set us apart from others in a positive way. They are also good at making original films on a small budget.
Diversity
Canada’s greatest asset is its diversity at all levels. Like many other countries in the world, Canada is a colorful mosaic of different cultures and identities. And that is what we have been proud of for centuries: men and women from all cultures, each with their own history, have come to Canada to live here. And these people want to see themselves on the screen; they want their stories to be told. In short, the greatest treasure of the Canadian film industry is its cultural diversity, its different voices, perspectives, and stories.
Movies to watch
A History of Violence. David Cronenberg (the Canadian directing icon) has staged a dense drama with Lord of the Rings star Viggo Mortensen about a coffee shop owner who kills two attackers during a robbery and is subsequently celebrated as a hero. With dire consequences. A film that stayed with me for a long time.
Eastern Promises. Once again, David Cronenberg, once again Viggo Mortensen. Theme: organized crime and mafia relations surrounding a patriarch (played sensationally by Armin Mueller-Stahl, by the way). As usual for Cronenberg, the film is not for the squeamish. Without giving too much away, it’s safe to say that the sauna beating scene will stay with you for years. Viggo Mortensen was nominated for an Oscar for this role, and the film won the coveted People’s Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival.
Enemy. This film is not for fans of action-packed shoot-’em-up movies or comic book adaptations. One might assume that the film, which boasts a star-studded cast including Jake Gyllenhall and Isabella Rossellini, falls squarely into this genre. But it doesn’t. However, anyone who appreciates the work of David Cronenberg or, even better, David Lynch will enjoy this film. It is nerve-wracking, confusing, and leaves plenty of room for interpretation. The visual language is outstanding and beautifully shot. In my opinion, it is a truly great work by Canadian director Denis Villeneuve.
Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner. Attention subtitles. This film requires constant attention, as it is the first film in cinema history to be written, shot, and performed in Inuktituk. And that makes sense: the film by Inuit director Zacharias Kunuk tells the legend of Atanarjut, which has been passed down orally among the Inuit for generations. The film not only illustrates a legend of the people, but also reflects the harsh life in the Arctic. It was awarded the Golden Camera at Cannes in 2001 and named the Greatest Canadian Film of All Time. Anyone who, like me, has been to the Arctic may see the film with different eyes. A great work and a part of Canadian film history.
Incidentally, the three top films from Canada (co-productions) since 2000 are:
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind with Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. In Michel Gondry’s (French, by the way) film adaptation of the screenplay “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” written by Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich), Jim Carrey (Canadian, by the way) wants to erase not only his heartbreak, but all memories of Kate Winslet from his mind. A beautiful film that is a must-see.
Blade Runner 2049 starring Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford. – In Blade Runner 2049, the sequel to Ridley Scott’s science fiction classic, replicant hunter Ryan Gosling (also Canadian, by the way) sets out in search of his ex-colleague Harrison Ford, who has been missing for 30 years. It’s fair to say that Ridley Scott fortunately did not direct the sequel, making way for Canadian talent Denis Villeneuve, who has created a wonderful film.
Room with Brie Larson. – In the kidnapping drama Room, Oscar-winning Brie Larson is held captive with her son in a room for years. After their successful escape, the mother and, especially, the son must first adjust to the world. The film is based on a novel by Irish-Canadian writer Emma Donoghue. This gripping drama already won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival.