Patricia Rozema is a Canadian director who I have only recently discovered. As much as I think I know about Canadian film, I realize I have so much more to learn.
"When Night Is Falling" was a good entry into Rozema's world.
Pascale Bussières plays Camille Baker, a university professor at a very religious college. Camille meets Petra, a free-spirit circus performer. Camille wrestles with her sexual interest in Petra (Rachael Crawford) versus the world of her job and her fiance.
The film is very powerful in showing us Camille honestly being torn between the worlds and the unspoken passion the two women share. Camille is turned on and repulsed almost in split seconds apart.
Don McKellar and his long-time real-life partner, Tracy Wright, have smaller very-funny roles as the people who run the circus.
I recognized Bussières for her work in the Canadian film "The Five Senses" and the French film "Girls Can't Swim." I don't know if I've seen Crawford in anything else, but is perfectly cast as the woman who is on the aggressive in this relationship.
The film is not overt in displaying the female couple. There is classy nudity so if any of that offends, you have been advised.
The film was shot in and takes place in Toronto. The 1995 drama played at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Based on this film, I want to see more Rozema films. The way she handled this story in such a mature and classy fashion makes me want to see more.
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This is part of a new series here at CanadianCrossing.com. We think Canadian film is a tremendous gateway for other cultures to learn more about Canada and Canadians.
We are spotlighting Canadian films that have a reasonable chance of being found in the States. If you have a film you would like to see us profile, even if you might not find it outside Canada, please let us know in the comments section.
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video credit: YouTube/BuskFilms
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