jenni_blog | MOVIE REVIEW

I KILLED MY MOTHER

An autobiographical movie from 2009 written, directed and starring Xavier Dolan, depicting his own life as a gay teenager growing up in Montreal, this is probably the best Canadian film I've ever seen. It won three awards at Cannes where it was first shown, and apparently received an eight-minute long standing ovation. Yes, it's that good. :)

It was Canada's selection for Best Foreign Film at the 2009 Academy Awards.

Xavier himself plays the part of Hubert. His best friend (and lover) is played by none other than Francois Arnaud, who is currently playing the part of Cesare Borgia on 'The Borgias'.

Francois Arnaud

Xavier Dolan

Niels Schneider

Francois Arnaud again

Youtube vids:

Painting scene:

This is a .gif of probably my favourite scene in the movie. :P

The actress who plays Hubert's mother, Anne Dorval, is so believable and despite the film's title, remained alive throughout the movie. Dorval shows her strengths and weaknesses superbly. The emotional moments between mother and son are exceptionally well acted.

Suzanne Clement plays one of Hubert's teachers, with whom he develops a special relationship. She is a young woman somewhat over her head as a teacher, both vulnerable and bewildered as she takes Hubert into her own home after he runs away.

Francois Arnaud is lovely and sympathetic as Hubert's friend and lover. Almost every scene between them is tender and loving, sweet and emotional. (And hot.)

Niels Schneider plays the part of a beautiful boy at the boarding school Hubert is sent to, with whom he develops a sexual relationship.

I don't what else to say. This is a superb movie that took my breath away, partly because it is Canadian and I'm used to Canadian films being rather awful. It opened my eyes to the intimacy of a life I know nothing about, in a very beautiful, emotional and sensitive way. And while there is a little bit of gay bashing in one scene, it is not about the difficulties of being gay.

Canada is a country that accepted gays some time ago in every way, and in this film most people who are aware of Hubert's sexuality are totally accepting. In fact, it is no big deal. The movie deals with Hubert's personal relationship with his mother and others in his life without being in any way judgemental about gays.

Wiki link for 'I Killed My Mother'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%27ai_tu%C3%A9_ma_m%C3%A8re