I've Heard the Mermaids Singing is what people would call a quiet Canadian film. But like a lot of cool Canadian films, there is so much behind that quiet exterior.
Polly is a woman who hasn’t figured out a lot in life. Relationships and jobs are a struggle for Polly.
Then she becomes a part-time secretary in an art gallery. Polly uses this opportunity to try and be more worldly than she is.
The one talent Polly knows and likes photography. She takes in the world through the lens of a camera. The camera allows her to experience the world by hiding behind the lens.
The film explores voyeurism through photos, a TV camera (as part of art), and simple snooping. Polly also talks to the camera quite a bit, as if we are snooping in her life even if she is insistent that we watch her.
Writer/director Patricia Rozema weaves in the admiration and eventual love Polly has for Gabrielle, the art gallery owner. Polly is in love but not in a kissing kind of way with Gabrielle. The film has a few lesbian overtones, rather cool given the film came out in 1987.
Sheila McCarthy is delightful as Polly, an open free spirit trying to find her place in the world. She is an introvert in an extrovert world.
CanadianCrossing.com film reviews
CanadianCrossing.com film coverage
The Toronto International Film Festival ranked this film #9 of the top 10 Canadian films of all time. Patricia Rozema won the Prix de la jeunesse [youth prize] at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival.
Sheila McCarthy won the Genie Award for best actress. Paule Baillargeo, who played gallery owner Gabrielle St. Peres, won the Genie for best supporting actress.
Canadian film review: Into the Forest
Canadian film review: When Night Is Falling
Rozema’s career really took off after this film. We reviewed When Night is Falling and you should also know Rozema from Into the Forest with Ellen Page and Evan Rachel Wood.
video credit: YouTube/AFISilverTheatre
photo credit: I've Heard the Mermaids Singing
Comments