Review of Polytechnique (2009) by Kal X. A — 05 Feb 2016

One of the harshest, unforgiving, but interesting more independent films i've seen in the past five years. Polytechnique isn't so much of a film about the tragic 1989 Montreal Polytechnique shooting as it is a bleak look into the event itself and the struggle young women faced in the late 80s and early 90s; a battle with equal rights and feminism on one side, and oppression and chauvinism on the other.

The film itself is unendingly bleak; filmed in black-and-white and in every sense completely focused on the lead up, occurrence, and aftermath of the horrific shooting, whilst painting somewhat of a picture about what it was like being a university student in late 80s Montreal (loud student centres, Siouxsie and the Banshees and all.) The opening lead up in the film is beautifully filmed, but also slow and boring. However when the unnamed shooter played well by Maxime Gaudette storms into the classroom and orders the student to separate, you will find that the film takes an even bleaker turn, even after the gunfire ceases.

This is definitely not a film for young eyes or the squeamish; the production that went into the massacre segment is shockingly realistic, and the violence and bloodshed does not stop till the very end of the film. However, for those able to stomach such violence and for lack of a better word, warfare, one might be able to see a surprisingly good indie film.