A SIMPLE CURVE, 2005, Canada, 94 min.
Language(s): English Genre: Drama
Release Data: November 2006
Selected Recognitions: Leo Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Supporting Actress (Sarah Lind), plus nominated for just about every other category, including Best Picture and Best Director, 2006; Nominated for Directors Guild of Canada Outstanding Feature Film, 2006
Buy Now
Director(s): Aubrey Nealon
What It's About: Caleb is the son of hippie, draft-dodger parents who left the US to go back to the land in British Columbia’s Slocan Valley. His mother has recently died and he and his father, “Hash Oil” Jim have a failing cabinetry business on their hands, because Jim is far better at working with wood than people. Still determined to achieve the paradise he dreamed of as a young man, Jim spends his time contemplating his reverence for woodworking, expounding on geodisic theory, and extolling the benefits of soy milk. At twenty-seven, Caleb is finding the ever-shrinking parameters of small-town life and the pressures of trying to keep the business afloat a bit more than he signed on for and wonders if he should step out on his own. Into this scenario comes Matthew, an old friend – and rival – of his father’s who returned to the US as soon as the draft-dodgers were pardoned and has become rich through eco-tourism. Matt makes Caleb an offer that will save the business but a small deception changes everything and forces Caleb to finally chart his own path.
What to Look For: The first-time director admits the film is largely autobiographical, and the witty script has the outrageous edge that comes from the authenticity of firsthand experience. In particular, note how well he captures the blurring of the traditional parent-child relationship that seems to occur when everyone lives as equals. Shot in his hometown of New Denver (population 609) the cinematography takes full advantage of the majestic mountains, emerald lakes and lush greenery of this Canadian mountain paradise.
Why It Matters: Who will reach maturity first – Caleb or his father? Told with wit and warmth, this film is as meticulously crafted as the chairs Jim labors over in his wood-working shop. (The “simple curve” of the title refers to the lines of a chair Jim is perfecting.) For everyone who remembers the sixties – whether they were there or not. – this is a smart, funny and genuine film that is a personal favourite and deserves a wider audience.
Source(s): USA: www.filmmovement.com
Canada: Sales from: www.asimplecurve.com Nationwide rental from www.videomatica.ca