Elimination Dance

After the very acclaimed, very important Canadian independent film "Roadkill", the somewhat over-praised cult film "Highway 61" (which I still do enjoy on many levels), the memorable "Dance Me Outside", and the classic Canadian sitcom "Twitch City", Don McKellar, who achieved wider exposure with "Last Night" and "The Red Violin" among others, co-wrote one last Bruce McDonald project: this magnificent, magical short film.

Like the other person who wrote an IMDb comment for this, I had only seen this on Bravo several years ago and remembered loving it, and was surprised this morning with a link to it on youtube (it is also available on the Roadkill DVD, which I don't own). Seeing that the quality was high I decided to watch it and was blown away yet again. McKellar's sense of humor is unique and you either get it or you don't, much like, I suppose, "Kids in the Hall" as far as Canadian comedies that seem to turn a lot of people off go, not that the styles of humor in themselves are that similar. This short is a great showcase of the increase in McDonald's technical understanding of the medium, and light years ahead of, say, "Highway 61", and definitely as impressive as "Hard Core Logo". Of course it is only nine minutes long and takes place in a fairly closed setting, but the film is still very, very well-directed in my estimation, the acting is fantastic, and the script is vintage McKellar, loaded with wit, irony, satire, and just the right amount of tastelessness. A magical little short film, and in my relatively limited exposure to Canadian shorts, my favorite of the bunch.

Couples are eliminated from a dance when the Caller describes embarrassing incidents from their past. Will anyone be left standing at the end? A darkly humorous look at love and vulnerability. Based on a great short story by Michael Ondaatje. Fantastic acting by Don McKellar and Tracy Wright. Directed superbly by Bruce McDonald (Highway 61,Roadkill) This is the absolute best Canadian Short Live action film. Ever. I saw it on Bravo one night years ago,and have remembered it to this day. Why more people have not mentioned it is beyond me...Maybe it's a distribution thing.

I also saw the little book after I saw the film it in a small indy bookstore (in Picton?)and have regretted not buying it ever since. Not to be missed.