The National Parks Project

At first I was a bit annoyed that IMDb is forcing me to give this movie a 1/10, because I thought it deserved a zero, but then I remembered that one of the thirteen vignettes was actually good, so let's round up and say that 1/10 is about right. That vignette was Mystic Morning, which was set at Kouchibouguac National Park. It was interesting, piqued emotions, integrated music into the landscape of the film, and on a whole was rather enjoyable. It was an art film, but it was an art film done properly. The other 12 vignettes, however, were pretty much universally bad. There was the odd moment where beautiful shots of Canadian wilderness were allowed their moment on screen, but the majority of the films were aesthetically unappealing. I want to stress this point because of how ludicrous it is. Anyone who has visited a national park in Canada will be quick to explain that their primary characteristic is their overwhelming beauty. The fact that these films were able to go to these places, and yet find a way to not make them beautiful is itself an impressive deed, however one that does not lend itself to quality film making. I saw this film at Hot Docs, but was misled, as this film is in no way a documentary. Rather it is a series of poorly constructed art films that does little to highlight the enormity or beauty of Canada's national parks. Additionally, the musical aspects of the project felt rather disjointed and incongruous with the surrounding landscape. A tremendous failure.

Some fantastic talents working on this film: definitely worth checking out. It features one segment for a National Park in each province or territory, each by a different director and musical team accompanying, usually composing and recording live on location.

Scott Smith's BC segment is outstanding, probably contains the best image: a gorgeous scarlet sunset over a tranquil, pristine tree-lined bay is captured from a boat - looks like a signature shot for the entire film - and then a whale surfaces just in front of the boat. Magical.

Peter Lynch's AB segment is ambitious and arguably the best of the bunch: stylized, distinctive and interesting historical perspective on the park in relation to the Blackfoot nation, hordes of tourists, buffalo extinction, all rendered with artistry. Gorgeously shot, kinetic, rhythmic (great editing): really enjoyed this one.

Zacharius Kunuk's work is always interesting, so was a pleasure to see his Nunavut segment. I enjoyed all of the northern segments: Louise Archambault's Yukon film inventively shows vast arctic landscapes, particularly mountains and glaciers, with memorable panoramic aerial shots. And the NWT segment was another standout - great shots (and sounds) of white water rafting, grizzly bears and thunderous waterfalls. As much as any other segment, it made me want to visit the place, and made me feel like I was there. Plus, it featured music by Besnard Lakes: yes, please!