Review of The Saddest Music in the World (2003) by William O — 20 May 2004
Yes, not only does it touch my heart that this film takes place in my hometown but I was actually on set one day during filming.
Isabella was there (out of makeup) and the crew were setting a scene. Guy Maddin himself approached me in an unsual manner.
"not another f**king communist" he said walking to me. (he would explain that he said this because I was wearing a Che Guevera sweater.
Anyhow. This film is quite masterful. It has a surreal set (in a similar spirit of "The Cabinet OF Dr.Caligari) and extrenely odd characters.
The story brings in representatives from various countries to play what they feal is the saddest music. The prize is $25,000 (this is during the depression mind you).
The music that is played (in battles it would seem) is brilliant.
The characters are hard to except in times. Maddin creates scenes that almost become parodies of themselves (in the artsy sense) but they fit very well in the unbelievable world that Maddin weaved.
MacKinney is great as the sleazy ex-canadian come to represent America. His brother an emotional wreck, his g/f a submissive Amnesic (the actress playing her is best known as the g/f of "Butch" in Pulp Fiction), his father an obsessed ex-doctor, and his former love (Isabella Rosellini) a legless beer baroness.
The entire environment is meant to raise unusual emotions, and other components...are up for interpretation.
The style of this film can understandably put off some viewers, but those that love unique cinema will REALLY appreciate Maddin's efforts.
This review of The Saddest Music in the World (2003) was written by William O on 20 May 2004.
The Saddest Music in the World has generally received positive reviews.
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