I've Heard the Mermaids Singing
by Patricia Rozema
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Ann-Marie MacDonald, John Evans (II), Paule Baillargeon, Richard Monette, Sheila McCarthyDirector: Patricia Rozema
Brand: Unknown
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1
Format: Anamorphic, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.66:1
Running Time: 83 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-01-13
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: Miramax Home Entertainment
Movie Reviews of I've Heard the Mermaids Singing
Movie Review: Mermaids still sing for this film
Summary: 5 Stars
After twenty years and many viewings, I still find solace and amusement in this film, which so sweetly and humorously explores the wisdom of those who, on the surface, are oft times bumbling outcasts and uncool, yet are fully aware of their position and transcend it. Welcome to Patricia Rozema's 1987 Canadian cult film, a poignant and humorous story about a 31-year old, "organizationally impaired" social misfit and photographer named Polly Vandersma.
Those seeking an "art" film that is conceptually complicated or just weird won't enjoy this movie. The story, like Polly, is seemingly simple on the outside but complex upon a closer view.
Although Polly leads a somewhat solitary life in a dumpy apartment with photographs as the only d?cor, she is neither self-absorbed nor bleak, but instead unflappably content in her darkroom and the fantastic visions she finds therein. Things change when she lands a part-time secretarial job in a Toronto art gallery working for the curator Gabrielle, a woman as self-composed and concerned with "important" art as Polly is awkward and unsophisticated. As a foil to Polly's innocent joy in the beautiful minutiae of the ordinary world, the failed artist Gabrielle is desperate to create "just one truly beautiful thing" before she dies. In the cross-hairs of their lives, the film examines the ages old ideas about love and art, talent and worth.
Neatly side-stepping any stereotypes, the honest interpretations by the actors keep the story believable. Polly's foibles are simple and her visions at times juvenile, but Sheila McCarthy's portrayal of Polly is so genuine and so touching that there is no doubt the mermaids sing to her.
In 21st century light this low-budget film is showing its age. However it also takes a closer look at our humanity--in particular our need to be understood--and that is something which is eternal. The film gods were kind to put this movie on DVD, replete with the director's insightful commentary and amusing remarks about mid-1980's attire.
The title of this film is taken from a poem by T.S Eliot, The Lovesong of J. Alfred Prufrock. "I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each. I do not think that they will sing to me."
Summary of I've Heard the Mermaids Singing
No Description Available.Genre: Feature Film-Drama
Rating: R
Release Date: 13-JAN-2004
Media Type: DVD
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