Review of Polytechnique (2009) by Richard O — 10 Apr 2011

Denis Villeneuve has a way with words. The script of Polytechnique is bare bones to say the least, but he makes every word and every sound count, from the book ending voice overs, to the white noise of the cafeteria to click of the empty rifle firing, with so much silence, every sound is given an elevated meaning.

What makes this film so spectacular, however, is Villeneuve's way with images. The black and white gives the film a stark, haunting quality and the over all style is a disturbing meditation. The major strength of this film is that Villeneuve doesn't try to aesthetisise the violence, it's dirty and disturbing chaos.

The film doesn't make an attempt to explain the motives behind the Montreal Massacre, it's neither supportive or against the shooter, instead its sympathies lie with the victims, everyone who was in the Polytechnique school, it salutes those who made in through the massacre and were strong enough to survive the aftermath and it morns those who didn't.

Although difficult, it represents some of the finest film making this country has to offer.