Wilby Wonderful on TMN

Last night I caught Wilby Wonderful on TMN, and finally got over my disappointment (yes, I'm the only one) in the it'll-make-you-cry Oscar contender Brokeback Mountain, which I saw on Wednesday.

The film is one of those that I want to describe as 'quintessentially Canadian' - as if that means anything, so let me be more specific. The actors are the loyal Cans who stay here and make our films as well as picking up a bigger paycheck down south - Paul Gross, Sandra Oh, Callum Keith Rennie, et al. All give subtle and touching performances in a story that carries all the drama of small-town life without falling into overt melodrama or being so tame it becomes pedestrian.

And the whole Brokeback thing - apologies to the excellent Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger, who definitely throw down some impressive performances - but it just didn't get me. James Allodi and Callum Keith Rennie, however, had a beautiful, understated but real connection. Their interaction was not the focus of the film - WW is an ensemble piece - but the tension between them was more palpable than all the roughhousing Jake and Heath managed between cartons of cigs and booze.

So, if you find yourself short 12$, stay at home, zap some popcorn, and rekindle your faith in Canadian filmmakers.