Paul Schrader’s adaptation of Russell Banks’s novel sees him reunited with Richard Gere more than 40 years after American Gigolo, and together they deliver a moving and deeply personal take on this story of an artist reflecting on a lifetime of storytelling.
Aging filmmaker Leonard Fife (Gere), still fiery despite his battle with illness, wants to tell his life story, unfiltered, before it’s too late. As the director of acclaimed documentary exposés, he has much to be proud of, but his Vietnam War draft-dodging and his past relationships harbor thorny truths. Leonard sits for an extended interview with his former student Malcolm (Michael Imperioli), relating candid stories about his younger self (Jacob Elordi) in the tumultuous 1960s and beyond. At Leonard’s insistence, his wife and indispensable artistic partner, Emma (Uma Thurman), bears witness to it all. His successes are held up against his failings and, as the man is cleansed of the myth, Leonard must confront what is left.
Cannes Film Festival – Nominated: Palme d’Or
New York Film Festival – Official Selection
Toronto International Film Festival – Official Selection
AFI Fest – Official Selection
Schrader bravely forsakes the narrative fastidiousness of his recent work and takes on grand themes of memory, mortality, and artistic self-reckoning, to formally ragged but sincerely moving effect. -New Yorker
There’s much to like here, particularly in Gere’s vulnerable performance and just how openly Schrader is expressing what feels like his own concerns about aging, regret, and reputation. -Rogerebert.com
Gere gives his best performance in years, evoking Philip Baker Hall in the similarly confessional Secret Honour, at once defiant, uncertain and just the slightest bit frightened. -Little White Lies
There’s a sense here of Paul Schrader wanting to pare back his customary aesthetic even further than it’s already been parred over the last several films and speak plainly, with as little scrim between the audience and himself as possible. -Slant
Oh, Canada feels like a deeply personal reflection on death. With sincerity and style, Schrader offers a thoughtful film about life and legacy. -Screen Rant
‘NR’ 95min
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