Godin’s Artistic Vision Shines in Eccentric Tale

Read Time:2 Minute, 59 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Irlande Cahier Bleu
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Genre: Drama, Comedy, Fantasy, Science-Fiction, Romance
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 23m
Director(s): Olivier Godin
Writer(s): Olivier Godin
Cast: Florence Blain-Mbaye, Stéphane Crête, Ève Duranceau, Emery Habwineza, Étienne Pilon
Language: French with English subtitles
Where To Watch: Fantasia 2023 Film Festival – World Premiere July 28, 2023; for more information visit www.fantasiafestival.com

RAVING REVIEW: In IRLANDE CAHIER BLEU, director Olivier Godin again captures our attention with his keen storytelling. This time, he guides us into the peculiar world of Ducarmel, a firefighter played with exuberance by Emery Habwineza. Ducarmel’s character is far from the everyday fireman; he is a poetry enthusiast, a culinary artist with a unique love for soups, and an active participant in a community basketball league. The adventures of Ducarmel take an exciting turn as he works through the struggles of finding a perfect caretaker for his child and indulging in his fantastical daydreams, fuelled by the mindless flickering of the television.

His dreams usher Ducarmel into a future where he is forced to confront his alcohol-related issues. This future realm is bizarre, filled with anti-gravity basketball matches and love that tantalizingly seems to hang just out of reach. In this extraordinary world, Ducarmel unexpectedly transforms into a preeminent athlete, dominating the basketball courts of the cosmos.

Godin’s latest cinematic spectacle, IRLANDE CAHIER BLEU, is a product of Godin's unparalleled artistic vision, portrayed beautifully through a 16mm camera lens. The film comes alive with an exceptional cast that includes the likes of Florence Blain-Mbaye, Stéphane Crête, and Ève Duranceau. Known for his significant contributions to Quebec’s film industry, Godin presents a captivating narrative laden with humorous wit and fanciful drama, effectively juxtaposing a firefighter's routine life against the glamour of sports. He delves into the psyche of his characters, exploring dreams of triumph that lay dormant in daylight but come alive in the stillness of the night.

The essence of this film lies in Godin's imaginative prowess, Habwineza's eccentric performance, and tactile realism. The movie presents a complex language structure, rich with intellectual discourse, but delivered in a refreshing and relatable manner. I appreciate Ducarmel and the world of IRLANDE CAHIER BLEU. Godin's films, laced with elements of poetry and humor, take us on a journey into a universe where questions lose their logical sense. Instead, they engage us with their soothing rhythm.

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[photo courtesy of OLIVIER GODIN]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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