Episode 5: The Two Solitudes

Cinéfolle Episode 5 (duration 26:13 - MP3 file size 24.0 MB)

(PC Peoples:  right click and choose Save Link As...  / Mac Peoples:  alt and click)

"Let's give up the pretence. We are not a Confederation, after all. We are a constitutionally organized hockey fan base built on the three great principles of, no, it's not peace, order, and good government. The three great principles of more forechecking, stay in the slot, and take out the man. "

Rex Murphy, in his segment for The National:  "Point of View -- Don Cherry for Governor-General", February 21, 2002.

Today's episode is as Canadian as...as...a Tim Horton's Double Double. Canadian Tire Money  and curling.  Okay, I know curling is played elsewhere, but it's particularly popular here.  I suspect that Wikipedia entry was written by a Canadian.

All this is to say that sometimes it's good to see a film that presents what makes us unique as Canadians, that define us as a nation, but that also looks at the things that separate us from our neighbours in the world and even within our own country.  So, in this episode, Bon Cop, Bad Cop, a recently released Canadian film that has burned up the box office records in Quebec.

Take hockey, explosions, car chases, a sexy bad-boy cop, a smooth, suave and debonnaire one as well, throw in a zamboni, Rick Mercer as a mouthy, colourfully dressed hockey commentator (remind you of anyone?), and a whole lot of stereotypes (didn't Winnipeg comic David Steinberg have a routine in which he said that stereotypes come from somewhere?),a lot of things to make you roll your eyes, but an equal number to make you laugh out loud as well.

So don't wait, download the episode, and take off, eh?

Featured Film:

Bon Cop, Bad Cop (2006, directed by Eric Canuel and starring Patrick Huard and Colm Feore)

Featured Music (from the Podsafe Music Network):

"Married to a Frenchman" by the Polysics (Asian Man Records)

"Montreal" by Allison Crowe

Additional Links:

wabisabi (my home blog, where I talk very occasionally about knitting, sometimes about cooking, and the rest of the time about "stuff")

The Chub Creek Dink Dolls (where you can follow the adventures of the dolls on their world tour, read about the places they've visted, and sign up to host them)

Chub Creek (where you can go to find out about sending Dave an audio or email message grovelling to host the dolls -- more information in CC Episode 69 -- or just generally enjoy what Dave serves up every week)

Comments

[Graeme]

Wonderful! A film that plays on the cultural quirks of a nation rather than trying to hide them in the name of "wider audience appeal". Sounds like a real treat. Excellent choice of music as well, bookended the episode perfectly. One to wind us up, one to mellow us out. I want the next episode NOW! Thanks.

[Guenter Wilde]

You got me hooked :)

[k]

A weighty responsibility indeed, Guenter.... :-)

Alas, Graeme, patience is required. I've got the next three planned out, and am writing madly every chance I get to use the computer, which isn't often now that the Tech Guy is home and job-seeking (on which more in an upcoming episode that he suggested).

Next week, perhaps?