31/48

Based on the novel 'Foregone' by Russell Banks

Scenario

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.. This marks the second time that Paul Schrader has directed one of Banks’ novels for the screen, following his adaptation of Affliction (1997)..

I watched this at Cannes, at the film’s premiere

Referenced in Film Junk Podcast: Episode 961: In a Violent Nature + TIFF 2024 (2024). OH, CANADA is a highly original film by one of the masters of cinema, a real work of art.

It features beautiful cinematography and great production design

The film is beautifully made with a strong visual look. 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 39;s greatest achievements, and a gift to cinema lovers. Recommended.