CanLit on Film – Volume 6
This is my final post on film adaptations of Canadian literature, and it is the one I was most looking forward to. The National Film Board (NFB) is known for its amazing animated shorts; the three below, all based on Canadian literary classics, are now iconic and are a real cornerstone of Canadian cultural history. Rather than discussing them, I am simply posting them with a link to their respective NFB site – the videos will speak for themselves.
The Sweater (Based on The Hockey Sweater by Roch Carrier)
My Financial Career (Based on the story by Stephen Leacock)
The Street (based on the story by Mordecai Richler)
And that is the end of my six post series on CanLit on film. My point with these posts was to simply imform my readers that many great adaptations of our national literature, be it movies, TV, or shorts, have been made. I’m sure there are dozens of titles I have left off, but I’m sure I’ve introduced you to a few new ones you haven’t heard of. For the whole series of posts, click here.
CanLit on Film – Volume 5
There have not been a great many TV shows based on Canadian books. Here are a few that I could think of; feel free to add somemore in the comments.
JPod
I haven’t read this Douglas Coupland novel, but it is on my to-read list (I loved Microserfs, and JPod is apparently an unrelated “sequel”). This show was very funny; in a way, it is a Canadian version of The Office. The show focuses on a group of video game programmers who work in JPod – thus named because all of their surnames all begin with the letter J. This show has a great mix of intellectual, low-brow, and awkward humour. Unfortunately, the show only lasted for one-13 episode season in 2008 before it was cancelled due to low ratings by the CBC (who stuck it in the Friday night death slot). | IMDB | DVD
Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures
This is based on Vincent Lam’s fantastic Giller Prize winning short story collection. I have not yet seen this show, but from what I’ve heard, it is well written, acted, and faithful to the source. This 2010 series was produced by TMN and ran for 10 episodes. It is not yet available on DVD, but it is available on many “on-demand” services. | IMDB
Jake and the Kid
There have been a variety of TV series adaptations of this W.O. Mitchell classic over the years. In fact, prior to TV productions, the CBC produced several radio adaptations between 1949 and 1954. The first, and probably best known, adaptation was a single, 13 episode, season produced by CBC in 1961. This show contains all of the warming hallmarks of 1960s family television. There was also a longer running adaptation that debuted in 1995, but this one is so poorly done that it is not even worth discussing. None of the series are available on DVD, but likely can easily be found online. | IMDB
Emily of New Moon
I really really don’t like this show. Everyone on Earth has seen this and its sister show Road to Avonlea. I’m just going to leave it at that. | IMDB | DVD
CanLit on Film – Volume 4
Here is the second half of made-for-TV movies and miniseries based on CanLit:
The Robber Bride
This 2007 CBC adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s bestselling novel does an adequate job in telling this bizarre story. The movie has a decent cast, starring Mary-Louise Parker and Shawn Doyle in the leading roles. The Robber Bride hasn’t been released on DVD, but that is no great loss to civilization. If it is on TV or is streaming online somewhere it might be worth a watch, but I wouldn’t trip over myself or spend money to watch this. | Trailer | IMDB
Anne of Green Gables
This behemoth, 1985, made for TV epic of Anne with an E was a joint production between CBC and PBS. Everyone in North America has seen this and has been enchanted by Megan Follows’ portrayal of everyone’s favorite redheaded child. There were a few sequels to this miniseries, but unfortunately they didn’t measure up to the original. (Also, I just want to point out that Anne was not from the Island, she was originally from Nova Scotia – take that, tourists). | Part 1 on YouTube | IMDB | DVD
Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town
In 2012, CBC adapted Stephen Leacock’s best known book into a 1 hour TV movie. I am not sure how they managed to squeeze it in. I am honestly not a huge fan of this book – I much prefer Leacock’s Literary Lapses or Nonsense Novels to this collection. I recorded this on my DVR when it first came out but returned my cable box before I bothered to watch it. It looked like it was well made and starred Gorden Pinsent (who is AWESOME), so I’m sure it was ok. If I get an Indigo or Amazon gift card and I have nothing else to buy I might order this, but honestly I have no driving urge to see it. | Commercial | IMDB | DVD
Last of the Curlews
Fred Bosworth’s short novel The Last of the Curlews is one of my all-time favorite works of Canadian literature. It is heartbreaking on many levels, extremely well written, and has a moral without being even slightly preachy. This 1972 animated adaptation was done by none other than Hannah Barbera (The Jetsons, The Flintstones, Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, etc) and has the honour of being the first in the long running series of ABC Afterschool Specials. The animation is filled with that 1970s Saturday morning charm and is very close to the original story. My one problem with this adaptation is the narrator; he falls into the trap of being a snotty didactic preacher. But, I suppose since this is an afterschool special, whose job it was to teach, this can be excused. The whole special is on YouTube and definitely worth the watch. | Part 1 on YouTube | IMDB
The Diviners
Of all of the movies and miniseries I have mentioned in these last four blog posts, the 1993 CBC adaptation of Margaret Laurence’s magnum opus The Diviners is, without question, my favorite CanLit film. The casting is spot on (especially Sonja Smits in the role of Morag), the writing is phenomenal, the pacing is fantastic, and it is quite close to the book (there are a few omissions, but it is a massive novel). One of the great crimes against humanity is that this movie has not been released on DVD; it was released on VHS but is only ever available at academic libraries – and is usually in poor shape. I first saw this on Showcase in 2003 when I was getting ready to read the novel for a Canadian fiction course; it excited me so much that I ripped through the 500 page book in 3 days. In 2007, Bravo broadcast this movie and I recorded it on my DVR and then watched it at least once a month until I returned my cable box a few weeks ago. Losing this movie was one of the great heartbreaks I have suffered in my 30 years of existence. | IMDB
Coming in the next few days are posts on TV shows and animated shorts based on CanLit.
CanLit on Film – Volume 3
Canadian TV, especially the CBC, has produced numerous TV movies and mini-series based on Canadian writing. It would take forever to list them all, so I have chosen ten highlights (5 today and 5 tomorrow). These are adaptations that either I have seen or were very popular.
Lives of the Saints
Based on Nino Ricci’s first novel, this CTV miniseries is a very power adaptation of this Governor-General Award winning contemporary Canadian classic. The miniseries has a run time of over 3 hours, so the viewer becomes immersed in the world of this Italian family. This adaptation has a strong cast that is on top of its game, with Sophia Loren in the lead role of Teresa Innocente. It is certainly worth watching and is widely available on DVD. | Trailer | IMDB | DVD
Elizabeth Rex
I saw this TV movie on Bravo about 3 years ago, but I think it was originally produced by CBC. This adaptation of Timothy Findley’s award winning play translated very well onto the small screen, likely because the source is a high-production value stage play. The cast is solid, it is very faithful to Findley’s book, and the movie is, above all, entertaining. | IMDB | DVD
Billy Bishop Goes to War
This 2010 TV movie was one of CBC’s best CanLit adaptations in recent years. It stars the playwrights – John Gray and Eric Peterson – and sticks to the original source script and score. The actors, while getting on in years, can still elevate Canada’s first war hero, Billy Bishop, like no one else. CBC also made an adaptation in 1982, but I have yet to see it. Unfortunately, this has not yet been released on DVD. | Trailer | IMDB
St. Urbain’s Horseman
This 2007 three hour miniseries adaptation of my favorite Mordecai Richler book is an absolute delight to watch. I bought this for myself as a Christmas present last year and have watched it at least once a month since. The casting is perfect (they all have their names above the title on the DVD box, but I haven’t heard of any of them), the pacing is spot-on, and the right amount of liberties are taken to effectively adapt this goliath of a novel for the small screen. If you have a free Saturday and feel like wrapping yourself in the warm sardonic blanket of Mordecai Richler’s wit, watch Duddy Kravitz, this movie, and Barney’s Version (and if you are lucky enough, watch Joshua Then and Now as well). Of the various Richler adaptations, I think this is my favorite. | IMDB | DVD
The Englishman’s Boy
Produced by CBC in 2008 and starring Bob Hoskins (yes, Mario himself), this mini-series adapts Guy Vanderhaeghe’s Governor-General Award winning historical novel. I forgot this existed until I started these CanLit film posts. I have ordered the DVD and will report back once I watch it (it does look quite good). | Trailer | IMDB | DVD
CanLit on Film – Volume 2
Here is part two of my series of posts on the various adaptations that have been made of Canadian literature. These are the final few theatrical films that I could think of; if I missed any, please feel free to comment (I intentionally excluded Water for Elephants as I have neither seen the movie nor read the book).
The Handmaid’s Tale
The 1990 Volker Schlöndorff adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel was a fantastic film, in my opinion. The screenplay was written by Nobel Prize winning playwright Harold Pinter and the cast is very strong: Robert Duvall, Natasha Richardson, Faye Dunaway, and Aidan Quinn, to name a few. The movie is very faithful to the book and it captures the themes perfectly. I strongly recommend taking this movie in. | Trailer | IMDB | DVD
Field of Dreams
Most random people on the street are shocked when I walk up to them and say “hey, did you know Field of Dreams was based on a Canadian book?” And I understand their shock; it is a very surprising thing to hear. This film was based on the Canadian novel Shoeless Joe by Alberta author W. P. Kinsella and won the then named Books in Canada First Novel Award. This movie is a modern classic and I really have nothing else to add. | Trailer | IMDB | DVD
The Stone Angel
This 2007 adaptation of Margaret Laurence’s first Manawaka novel, penned and directed by Kari Skogland, is an absolute masterpiece of Canadian cinema. Ellen Burstyn becomes Hagar. The film stays reasonably close to the book (the novel is a very “big” story). I was very excited when this was released and I was not disappointed. This was the third adaptation of a Margaret Laurence novel; The Fire-Dwellers is the only Manawaka novel left to be done. Even if you are not familiar with Laurence, you will love this movie. It takes the viewer on an emotional roller coaster, the characters are very well developed, and the acting is phenomenal. | Trailer | IMDB | DVD
Rachel, Rachel
Paul Newman’s 1968 adaptation of Margaret Laurence’s A Jest of God is, I think, the first Hollywood film based on a Canadian book. This movie is marvelous and is one of my all-time favorites. Joanne Woodward masterfully takes on the tragically complex character of Rachel Cameron. Newman crafted a subtle, heartbreaking, and artistic film that is universal, yet very of its time. This was the first film based on a Canadian book to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars (as well as Best Adapted Screenplay and for both leading and supporting actresses). | Trailer | IMDB | DVD
The Favorite Game
I saw this adaptation of Leonard Cohen’s autobiographical novel once on TMN in 2004, the year after its limited theatrical release, and have not been able to find it since. This 2003 Canadian film takes today’s award for the most obscure. I cannot find a trailer, cannot find a DVD copy for sale, and cannot find it online. The film is very well done, the acting is well done, and the spirit and themes of the original source are captured. I happened across this film by luck and, honestly, will likely never see it again. It is a pity because it was quite a good movie. If anyone knows where I could obtain a copy, please comment below. | IMDB |
The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz
The quintessential classic of Canadian cinema! This is one of my favorite movies. Ted Kotcheff’s 1974 film, starring a young Richard Dreyfuss, is a very faithful adaptation of the Mordecai Richler classic. This film is fast paced, hilarious, and filled with memorable characters. This is a movie that anyone will enjoy. Go watch it (it’s on Netflix). | Trailer | IMDB | DVD
Next post will discuss made-for-TV movies and mini-series based on CanLit
CanLit on Film – Volume 1
This is the first in what will likely be a six part series over the next two weeks on film/television adaptations that have been made of Canadian literature. This first entry is one of two posts on theatrically released films. Some are well known (The English Patient, Life of Pi), while some are unbelievably obscure. These are in no particular order, other than the order that I came across them on my book shelf.
Barney’s Version
The 2010 adaptation of Mordecai Richler’s magnum opus requires no introduction. A critical and commercial success, the film earned major award nominations; Paul Giamatti won a Golden Globe for his performance of the title character and Dustin Hoffman was widely praised for his role. This is a fantastic, five-star, film that captures the spirit of the novel and nails the book’s most memorable scenes. | Trailer | IMDB | DVD
Away from Her
Perhaps one of the most heart-breaking movies I have ever seen. Sarah Polley’s 2006 adaptation of Alice Munro’s “The Bear Came Over the Mountain” received two Oscar nominations (Best Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay). The film takes a few liberties with the story but keeps the themes and characters intact. No matter how cold-hearted you may think you are, this story of a husband coming to terms with his wife’s Alzheimer’s will make you cry. | Trailer | IMDB | DVD
Life of Pi
Ang Lee’s 2012 adaptation of Yann Martel’s Booker Prize winning novel was a huge critical success, winning four Oscars and 42 other assorted awards. I have not yet seen this, but everyone I know who has watched it told me that it was one of the most visually stunning films they have seen. This is the third movie based on a Canadian book that has been nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. | Trailer | IMDB | DVD
Margaret’s Museum
Angus, early in the film, says “I’ve been sober too long, Margaret; it’s kept me from thinking straight.” And so begins this tragic tale of the Cape Breton coal mines. Mort Ransen’s 1995 film is adapted from Sheldon Currie’s well-known novel The Glace Bay Miner’s Museum and casts Helena Bonham Carter in the lead role. I saw this movie many years ago and remember it as being watchable, but not great, although I know my wife really enjoyed it. Almost 10 years have passed between the time I saw the movie and finally read the book, so I can’t remember off the top of my head how faithful it was. As I was getting my links for the trailer, I saw that you can rent this on YouTube (that’s a thing now?) for $2.99 | Trailer | IMDB | DVD
The English Patient
The second film based on a Canadian book that was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards and the only one to win the prize. Anthony Minghella wrote and directed this 1996 adaptation of the Governor General and Booker Prize winning Michael Ondaatje novel. The novel is told in a very non-linear fashion and much of the book is dedicated to getting into the heads of the various characters. This film was a huge critical and commercial success. I thought this film was ok, not great, but Minghella did a good job compressing this massive story into a 3 hour film. The book is a far more satisfying experience in this case. | Trailer | IMDB | DVD
Joshua Then and Now
This 1985 adaption, with a screenplay written by Mordecai Richler himself, has been on my list to-watch for years but it has to be one of the hardest films I’ve ever tried to find. Directed by longtime Richler friend Ted Kotcheff (who also directed Duddy Kravitz and wrote the NCL afterword to The Acrobats), this film has a strong cast, including James Woods and Alan Arkin. The novel is often seen as the most autobiographical of Richler’s novels, and, from what I’ve heard from the two people I know who have seen this, Woods takes on many of Richler’s mannerisms and idioms in his portrayal of Joshua Shapiro. As far as I can find, this movie has not been released on DVD, can only be found used on VHS on Amazon and is nowhere to be found online. Unfortunately, I don’t have a VCR anymore and my university’s library doesn’t have this title, so I guess it will be a while before I see this. | Trailer | IMDB | VHS
Surfacing
This is about an obscure movie as you can get. This 1981 Canadian film, directed by Claude Jutra, is an adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s second novel. Surfacing is one of my favorite books, certainly my favorite Atwood book. The film had a good sized budget for the time and place it was produced, $2,250,000. Unfortunately, the story didn’t translate well to film. The novel, about a group of campers on remote Canadian lake looking for one of the party’s missing father, is very psychological and difficult to capture in a dramatic fashion. It was interesting for me as a fan of the novel, but for someone watching it cold, it will likely be disappointing and quite dull. Of course, it is impossible to find, even more so than Joshua Then and Now. I saw it at my university’s library 7 years ago on a then 25 year old VHS tape (but I think they have manually copied it to a DVD since then); the only copy for sale is a VHS tape on Amazon…for $163.90 (try explaining that purchase to your wife). Don’t worry though, you really aren’t missing much. | Trailer (Cannot be found anywhere) | IMDB | VHS
The final six films in this category will be posted in the next couple days.
The Canadian Book Review 