Public Domain

I caught "Public Domain" one afternoon, and I was not disappointed. Although I am a fan of indie Canadian films, this one was particularly good.

It is an accurate depiction of our reality-TV obsessed society.

Public Domain is a game show. A game show that follows the lives of various people. These people have no idea they are being filmed, which, of course, makes it more "real". Surveillance cameras have been set up around their houses so that every aspect of their lives is on TV. The winner of "Public Domain" receives $50 000 in "cold, hard cash" for simply having the most miserable life. The contestants are selected completely at random. They are then screened to see if they are appropriate for the show. The criteria that allows them to be part of the show includes: blighted hope, misery, anguish, futility, desolation, mortification, fear, doubt, and loathing. The three finalists fit these criteria quite well. The first is Bonnie (Nicole De Boer). She is a 35-year old teenager. She is stuck in the past, and she has alienated herself from society, and her own son. Her son is very damaged, but she fails to see that. The second finalist is Peter (Mike Beaver), who is agoraphobic. He is too afraid to leave his house, but he desperately seeks company. The third, and possibly worst in my opinion, is Terry (Nadia Litz). She is a seventeen-year old private school girl who lives in misery. Her mother is confined to her bed, and she constantly criticizes her. Still, Terry's not an innocent victim. She pimps her friends out in order to get drugs.

Sad, aren't they?

The acting in Public Domain is quite good. The whole premise is incredibly interesting to watch. The films cuts between the lives of the three characters. As their lives get worse and worse, the amount of viewer votes increases. The seedier they are, the more popular they become. The film also shows the hosts and viewers on the street commenting on the characters' behaviour.

What is so striking about "Public Domain" is the fact that it is so similar to our society. Everyone watches reality TV, whether they like to admit it or not. It's addictive. The more horrific the concept, the better the ratings. "Public Domain" is an incredibly witty, and darkly funny film. It is truly a perfect satire, and it has a very edgy, dark feel to it. Like reality TV, you get sucked into the lives of the characters, and you can't help but watch. Things get progressively worse when the "winner" is declared. The tag line describes the film perfectly: "Some of you might think that we've gone too far, but after you see their lives, you'll be glad it's not yours!!"

9/10

saw it at anthology film archives, where one of the actors spoke, who is now with or was with the jon stewart team.

though dark in some ways at heart, the initial humor beguiles a profound take on contemporary pop culture, alienation and fame. was ahead of its time in that it took the "reality"show concept to an absurd extreme, before the craze took off to occupy so much of people's time anti-brechtian reality show hosts address the audience providing narrative continuity, while the distressingly funny script and acting make one laugh despite the widespread malaise that is addressed overall can be seen on a multitude of levels, as surface comedy or striking commentary

I thought this movie was a terribly dark and funny look at the media. Though it is not a movie for everyone, I do encourage cinephiles to seek it out. It is a brave movie, with absolutely addictive characters. Don McKellar gives one of his best performances as a dry humored, sleazy, but lovable- reminiscent of Peter Sellers. Nicole De Bouer is the quintessential eighties new wave girl- she nails her performance right down to the dancing. Nadia Litz is shockingly good (I had seen her in Love That Boy- she is 100% different in this movie- like a petite Jennifer Connolly). All in all, I am surprised that this film did not get more attention. Though perhaps people found it too disturbing and bleak- which it is- but also funny as hell. I loved it and recommend it to people who like to laugh at humanities darker side. The film maker Kris Lefcoe should be one to watch.

I saw "Public Domain" at a screening during South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin. I loved this movie, it was one of my top picks.

The editing was very good with lots of cutting-edge and innovative techniques. The premise is not necessarily new - though other movies like "Truman Show" have explored this idea, "Public Domain" takes it in a whole nother direction and in an entirely different way. The movie is funny, well-acted, had a great cast and crew, and is thoroughly enjoyable. I would strongly recommend seeing it if you get a chance.

The movie also has a great website that is just as bitingly funny as the movie.