The story Sarah Polley tells exposes her family history, in particular the legacy of her mother, in a way that is heartfelt, funny and very very smart. For what does it really expose? What is true? What is truth?
Polley's film is ostensibly a documentary, but the truths it reveals are often somewhat subjective. Which are the truest? There are different points of view presented here and the film's conclusion draws attention to the importance of subjectivity in storytelling. And while this is an interesting point to ponder, I found the conclusion somewhat forced. Yes, the stories told are subjective. But, together I found they painted a very clear picture. For Polley's angle to work, I felt there ought to have been greater contradictions on offer. As it was, the few contradictions were so minor that they did not provide the necessary weight for such a grand conclusion. And anyway, pointing out that stories tell us as much about the storyteller as the subjects is...kind of obvious.
This film, though, is quite remarkable. I loved the way in which the pieces slowly fall into place. Polley leads us along a path just open enough to keep us guessing. Her timing is perfect as sets up the clues one by one before surprising us with the answers. Her story is a fascinating one that endears the viewer to her. Then, revealing that her "documentary" is partly (wholly?) scripted and performed by actors...that is a great way to mess with minds.
See this film for the unique experience of a genre that has not yet been named. I loved the film and enjoyed its style, but found its message rather basic and less enlightening than I had hoped.
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