21/49
Leonard Fife, one of sixty thousand draft evaders and deserters who fled to Canada to avoid serving in Vietnam, shares all his secrets to de-mythologize his mythologized life.. Based on the novel 'Foregone' by Russell Banks. This marks the second time that Paul Schrader has directed one of Banks' novels for the screen, following his adaptation of Prywatne piekło (1997).. Referenced in Film Junk Podcast: Episode 961: In a Violent Nature + TIFF 2024 (2024). I watched this at Cannes, at the film's premiere.OH, CANADA is a highly original film by one of the masters of cinema, a real work of art. The film is beautifully made with a strong visual look. It features beautiful cinematography and great production design. The acting is strong, especially Richard Gere who plays the protagonist. He gives a terrific and memorable performance in the vein of Jack Nicholson in FIVE EASY PIECES- a complicated, not always likable but compelling character.It may not be everyone's cup of tea but I think it is one of Paul Schrader's greatest achievements, and a gift to cinema lovers. Recommended.