I’ve Heard The Mermaids Singing is a remastered 1987 Canadian comedy-drama that is being re-released in the US this week. It was the first English-language Canadian feature film to win an award at the Cannes Film Festival, and is both a queer and indie cinema cult classic. It’s considered to be one of the top ten Canadian films of all time.
A charming and whimsical story about a daydreamer with artistic aspirations, Patricia Rozema’s fanciful character study follows an amateur photographer Polly (Sheila McCarthy) as she lands a temp job at a Toronto art gallery run by elegant and sophisticated Gabrielle (Paule Baillargeon), who is also a painter. Polly is impressed with Gabrielle’s paintings, but as Polly gets to know Gabrielle’s lover, Mary (Ann-Marie MacDonald), and becomes entangled in their lives, she realizes that Gabrielle isn’t exactly who she appears to be.
The absent-minded, slightly inept temp with spiky orange hair and the polished curator with a gift for gab are like night and day, yet a strong connection builds between these two women through their shared love of art, and their genuine curiosity and need for love.
Polly’s slightly quirky, geeky, eager-to-please nature is very endearing and the reason for the film’s popularity. Clumsy, socially awkward people are often overlooked in film and in society in general, but this film champions Polly, excellently played by established actor/comedian Sheila McCarthy. Polly very effectively narrates some of the story, with direct eye contact to the camera, increasing our connection to her. The humanity of this story – Poly is satisfied with her simple life – is a good message in today’s era of unlimited aspiration. Strong casting, gentle humour plus the vintage late 1980’s sets add to the film’s appeal. Fun viewing.
The 4K restoration from Kino Lorber will open on 3/11 at @metrograph in NY before touring select cities nationwide:Review: Ris Fatah Queerguru Contributing Editor Ris Fatah is a successful fashion/luxury business consultant (when he can be bothered) who divides and wastes his time between London and Ibiza. He is a lover of all things queer, feminist, and human rights in general. @ris.fatah
Labels: 2022, 4K restoration, canadian, comedy. drama
