Yellowknife

This is the kind of movie that grows on you. I wasn't too sure of how I felt about this movie after just having watched it, but as I later reflected on the film, I found myself looking forward to the opportunity of when I could see it again. It appears to be ladened with overtones, so a second watch is probably a good idea anyway. I particularly liked Sebastien Huberdeau's performance, and look forward to seeing him again in future films. All the characters are rather intriguing, and it was great seeing Patsy Gallant, especially hearing that wonderful voice of hers. The director's subtle presentation of incest and other abnormal forms of sexuality also deserves a mention, along with the out-of-the-ordinary ending that will surely please viewers looking for an out-of-the-ordinary film.

Sure, there where a few holes in the plot.. but, all in all, I was entertained. I also really liked the way it was shot... it had a gritty and real feeling the whole way through... a little more character development, and a few establishing scenes and this movie could of gone all the way...

Pretty compelling flick that reveals Canada's kinkier side...no longer content to be America's Hat, these Acadians are up to all sorts of hijinks and I for one could not look away! Keep an eye out for the actress who looks like Tanith Belbin...she is an asset for sure! I"m surprised more directors haven't recognized her talents but she has the potential to be a future star...the film reminds me a little of Happiness and Some Kind of Awful, with some very disturbing scenes you might not want to watch with more conservative members of your family. These Acadians rival their brethren in New Orleans for deviant devilry. I enjoyed it from start to finish, especially the stark contrast between the beauty of New Brunswick and the dark shenanigans of the characters.

Yellowknife is a shockingly bad film. The plot makes little sense, the characters behaviour and choices make no sense and the dramatic resolution comes out of nowhere and also follows no logic.

Billed as a thriller, it does manage to create some moments of suspense when the lead characters face jeopardy but that tension dissipates in nonsensical payoffs that are just too easy. The film seems to strive for some connection to noir tradition but it only captures a vague resemblance to noir successes or David Lynch-like weirdness.

Its unfortunate because the film wastes the talents of Hélène Florent who has some very moving moments when she's allowed to break out of what appear to be the director's preconceived idea of what a depressive character is supposed to be like. Glen Gould also does well in his role. Patsy Gallant is a really nice surprise as a has-been nomadic night club singer. Unfortunately, the lead Sébastien Huberdeau is sacrificed on the alter of directorial concept and never really cuts loose.

The film does manage to achieve a spooky sense of mood with some good cinematography, interesting locations and a decent but not stellar sound track by Robert Lepage. Unfortunately mood carries Yellowknife only so far because the story breaks down almost from the beginning and the characters are cardboard cutouts and walking clichés.

This is an OK film, acting was OK, story was OK. I will admit I tuned in because of the name, but I had to force myself to watch the whole thing. Patsy Gallant was the best part of the movie - we should see more of her. But ... it has absolutely nothing to do with Yellowknife, except it is their intended destination. When they finally get there, they town the portray is not even close to what it's like in Yellowknife. Want to see Yellowknife? Watch "Frostfire".