Year of Release: 2012
Director: Xavier Dolan
Starring: Melvil Poupaud, Suzanne Clément, Nathalie Baye, Monia Chokri, Susan Almgren, Yves Jacques, Sophie Faucher, Catherine Bégin, Jaques Lavallée, David Savard
Genre: Drama
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 6
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Synopsis and Review:
Actor/Writer/Producer/Director Xavier Dolan made a splash with his debut, "I Killed My Mother", which he quickly followed with "Heartbeats". "Laurence Anyways" is his third film, and made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival of 2012. The film follows the story of Laurence Alia, a literature teacher who has been in a relationship with Fred for quite a few years. They're both clearly enamored of each other, but Laurence carries a heavy burden. He actually confesses to Fred that he has always wanted to transition and become a woman. That is his real self, and that this life he leads as a man, doesn't make him happy. Fred initially is taken aback by the situation, but comes to terms with it, and is supportive as Laurence starts the transition. As the transition starts occurring some unexpected events occur in Laurence's life, namely she loses her job, and her family, with whom she always had a somewhat erratic relationship with, is further strained. Fred also finds herself unable to continue in the relationship, even if the love for Laurence is there. Following a split, Fred marries someone, and has a child, whereas Laurence becomes a published author. A few years pass, and once they reconnect, the passion is still there, and they briefly have an affair, that only reinforces the differences in their paths.
"Laurence Anyways" is as much of a narrative on the transition of Laurence in becoming her true self, as is the examination of a relationship that is undone by expectations and pressures from the lovers themselves and others that are in their circle of relationships. It's a film that details the evolution of Laurence as a person, her progressive confidence as she finds her own voice, and as life presents challenges and hurdles, it all makes a contribution to her resilience and of course her art. It's also a love story between these two individuals who are deeply infatuated and in love with each other, but who ultimately can't make it work due to choices and what they want out of life. This mix of love, lust and ultimately realizing where they want to be and who they want to be, is what drives them apart. The film has touches and flourishes of visual poetry that is truly fantastic, but on the other hand is also marred by an artificial tone, alongside some cliches, that remove some of its powerful statement and message. The performances are uniformly great, in particular Melvil Poupaud, Suzanne Clément and Nathalie Baye. The film also features a great and eclectic soundtrack (featuring Craig Armstrong, Moderat among others), not to mention the beautiful cinematography from Yves Bélanger. It's not an entirely arresting journey, but one worth witnessing nonetheless.
"Laurence Anyways" is as much of a narrative on the transition of Laurence in becoming her true self, as is the examination of a relationship that is undone by expectations and pressures from the lovers themselves and others that are in their circle of relationships. It's a film that details the evolution of Laurence as a person, her progressive confidence as she finds her own voice, and as life presents challenges and hurdles, it all makes a contribution to her resilience and of course her art. It's also a love story between these two individuals who are deeply infatuated and in love with each other, but who ultimately can't make it work due to choices and what they want out of life. This mix of love, lust and ultimately realizing where they want to be and who they want to be, is what drives them apart. The film has touches and flourishes of visual poetry that is truly fantastic, but on the other hand is also marred by an artificial tone, alongside some cliches, that remove some of its powerful statement and message. The performances are uniformly great, in particular Melvil Poupaud, Suzanne Clément and Nathalie Baye. The film also features a great and eclectic soundtrack (featuring Craig Armstrong, Moderat among others), not to mention the beautiful cinematography from Yves Bélanger. It's not an entirely arresting journey, but one worth witnessing nonetheless.
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