Five Great Canadian Music Movies

With an increasing focus on Canadian content I’ve learned, with some consternation, we don’t necessarily do all genres equally well . . . at least not yet.

Fortunately, there are some things I’ve found we do exceptionally: comedy, documentary, drama and — wait for it — most things musical.

Whether music plays a significant role to the characters or the production, I believe we have a gift for a synergy which doesn’t “break the world” the way I’ve found conventional musicals do.

Of course, that belief is a matter of opinion which others may not share. You can’t convince a Rocky Horror lover to un-love it for the sake of reason.

With that in mind, I humbly propose the following five selections, the best (so far) in CanCon music movies, an overture to the coming festivities.

C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005)
by Hacker Renders on 2011/07/10

In his teenaged years, Zac explores various interests — girls, drugs, and karate — but is drawn into a music-centric life. He has lucid daydreams and can only escape his confinement with the sound of Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and the Cure. The strongest through-line follows the quest for a rare Patsy Cline record.

Scott Pilgrim vs the World (2010)
by Grushenka Geusebach on 2010/11/21

Scott Pilgrim vs the World (2010)
by Hacker Renders on 2010/11/14

I’d like to take this opportunity to use the word “dazzling” without irony. With an incredible cast, a great soundtrack, and psychedelic effects, it’s an awesome distillation of geek culture, everything Infinite Playlist could have been, and more.

Shakin’ All Over (2006)
by Hacker Renders on 2012/09/19

There’s an ample amount of variety, ensuring a little something for everyone. Like a tour through the audio equivalent of wine country, Shakin’ All Over’s samplings may leave you slightly unfocused overall. Unless you don’t like music, however, it’s strongly recommended for its many, many highlights.
.

Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould (1993)
by Hacker Renders on 2010/07/30

Based on the life of famed Canadian pianist Glenn Gould, Thirty Two Short Films portrays its subject as an intense, inconsistent (even self-contradictory) eccentric, an egocentrist more likely to veer into gentle whimsy than delusion or threat. Like other modern recluses he comes to rely on technology, because it allows him to live life on his own terms.

Wayne’s World (1992)
by Hacker Renders on 2012/05/25

Wayne’s World 2 (1993)
by Hacker Renders on 2012/11/14

I find I enjoy Wayne’s World now, though I didn’t when it first hit theatres. Then I was an aspiring musician, and none of the guys I played with cared for this comedy. The truth is, in retrospect, it’s eerily familiar, a Bizarro World capsule of sorts.

Honourable Mentions:
Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter (2001) by Hacker Renders on 2012/10/06
Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter (2001) by Grushenka Geusebach on 2010/08/25
Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy (1996) by Hacker Renders on 2011/07/09