Review - Everything is Fine (Tout Est Parfait)

Everything is Fine (Tout Est Parfait)

February 26th 2009 21:53

‘Possible Worlds’ the Canadian annual film festival’s closing film, ‘Everything is Fine’ personifies a morose, introspective and atmospheric account of troubled adolescence with a fine craft. I am (extremely) behind with my write-up (and my blog in general), but I would still like to thank Mathieu Ravier, the artistic director of the festival for the chance to see his film and to meet him in person.

Josh, aged seventeen, wakes to discover his four closest friends have suicided simultaneously overnight, without explanation. Josh is a typical teenager in Quebec, who enjoys doing the usual things, partying, drinking, smoking spliffs, girls, ignoring his parents and relishing music. His family and friends constantly ask him if he knew why his friends chose to suicide, finding it hard to believe that he couldn’t know anything of their decisions. Josh vehemently denies knowing anything about their pact and consequently disconnects himself from his surroundings. His only connections to his lost friends are Henri, Thomas’s father, and Mia, the ex-girlfriend of Sasha.

Josh immerses himself in his insular, safe relationship with Mia. Having had a furtive brief encounter previously, the strong attraction between them already exists. Now, his relationship with Mia provides him with an enraptured space where he doesn’t have to answer questions or comply with how society thinks he should be behaving. Their sphere is the only environment where they can be free and close without scrutiny and concern.

Josh and Mia - Maxime Dumontier and Chloé Bourgeois

Josh’s friendships are portrayed through flashbacks and recalled memories. Through this method, he traces the seeds of his friends' discontent. As we see more of Josh, we see that he is also a suicide concern. He is darkly depressed with some distressing thoughts. His parents try various ways to provide comfort but he blocks all attempts. Understandably, they are fearful he will do the same as his friends.

This calm, poignant film never stoops to becoming simplistic or trite. It decides not to provide blunt answers but instead to focus on the intricate human path. It deftly deals with the societal taboo of suicide with both compassion and insight.

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Posted By: Tracy - Category: Previews

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Comments

25 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by JohnDoe

February 26th 2009 23:11

Film & TV on DVD

Sounds like the sort of film experience that I could appreciate,

I have been out of the cinema loop for close to 6 months now...but it is time to get back into my regular cinema visits. This one is on the list, if it comes to my out of the way movie house.

Comment by Cibbuano

February 27th 2009 02:39

Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak

I saw this one, too, Tracy, and I was just thinking about it this week. A powerful, simple movie, one that casts no judgement, but still hits you with the full force of the event.

Comment by Lilla

February 27th 2009 03:54

From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop

Oh gosh Tracy,

Another brilliant film I just know my local video store (the usual hated franchise crap) is not going to be able to provide.

*screaming into my pillow*

..erghm ..Do any one one of you film guru's per chance know of a good second hand (or new) DVD store in Brisbane that actually stocks these non Hollywood films .. even one in Sydney or Melbourne, who does mail ordeers perhaps?

I would really appreciate the address.

Tracy as always your review is awesome and I love that there are flashbacks to tell part of the story here... one of my favourite methods.. just recounting The Premonition as the last one I really enjoyed.

Lilla ...

Comment by Janet Collins

February 28th 2009 00:42

Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog

No wonder they welcome you into these festivals Tracy. I wouldn't have even thought to see this one prior to reading your review....and it is a good one.

Comment by Tracy

February 28th 2009 22:10

Movies and Life

Hi JD

It's great to see you. Hope all is going well in your snowy part of the world.

Six months without fulfilling your cinematic love? Ouch, that must be hard. Hope you can get back into it soon.

I'd definitely recommend a look at this one when you have a chance.

Byee

Comment by Tracy

February 28th 2009 22:12

Movies and Life

Hi Cib

How funny that you were thinking of it this week too. I remember your review (which was far more punctual than mine). It quietly stays with you doesn't it?

Thanks for dropping in,

Tracy

Comment by Tracy

March 3rd 2009 22:02

Movies and Life

Hello Lilla

I wish I could help but I don’t have any film connections in your sunny part of the world. I will have a think and will try to come up with something useful..and then I’ll send you a message.

Thank-you for your compliments, I’m glad you enjoyed my thoughts. I’d really like to see this one again, it’s one that I could digest a couple of times.

Good to see you,

Trace

PS I don't like those video shop franchises either. I much prefer little independant ones that are willing to take a film risk.

Comment by Tracy

March 3rd 2009 22:06

Movies and Life

Why, thank-you for your kind words, Janet

It is always an honour to attend and share my views.

Byee

Comment by Lara M

March 5th 2009 04:55

Love Speaks
Food Slate

It's on my to-watch list -- thanks for that Tracy.

p/s...I too prefer these supposedly *rental risks*

Comment by Tracy

March 5th 2009 20:25

Movies and Life

Great to see you, Lara. Hope you and your tootsies are well.

Trace

Comment by Lilla

March 6th 2009 08:15

From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop

Thanks .. muchly appreciate anything you can come up with and whislt on the subject (and unable to find previous post on Into the Wild)... just wanted to say that I finally got to track it down and watch it last night.

I said I woudl let you know and I LOVED IT... SO MUCH... Truly an AWESOME film again through flashback storytelling... and boy what a story... so sad. Personally, I think it was killing the moose that started his spiral of bad luck, even as he was aiming at it, I was screaming, NO NO NO, dont! It just felt so wrong : not necessary.

A film that will stay with me for a very long time.

Again thanks for your earlier review, I would have probably passed it buy without having read your thoughts on it.

Lilla ...

Comment by May

March 9th 2009 02:41

Music Dime

I am intrigued by all the good reviews this movie has had. It is not one i would generally watch, given my affinity for anything with a sunny disposition, but i might try and catch this one.

Just watching the trailer, and the man who screams: "Life sucks way more than you think". That line really stood out for me.

Comment by Tracy

March 18th 2009 05:32

Movies and Life

Hello Lilla

Thanks for coming back, sorry it’s taken me so long to reply. I wasn’t getting my notifications and then a massive wad came all in one go...yikes.

After I read your comment, I reread what I wrote and felt which re-stirred my thoughts which I love, so I must thank you too. It really is a film that resonates isn’t it? And so did the scenery.

Thanks for reminding me to stop and revisit.

Always good to see you,

Trace

Comment by Tracy

March 18th 2009 05:34

Movies and Life

Hi May

Thanks for popping in. I'd be curious to hear what you thought if you ever did see it.

That line and sentiment does stand out...most definitely.

Tracy

Comment by Michaelie

April 15th 2009 06:16

Flick Wit

Beautiful review, Trace. I get the feeling that despite the themes it's not depressing as such..?

Cute boy - exactly my type when I was a teen girl.

Mich

Comment by Tracy

May 14th 2009 21:07

Movies and Life

Thanks, Mich.

I've just discovered that my blog has been given away. I haven't been able to log in for about a week now and now someone else has taken over my blog. I am horrified. All without me knowing.

Yes (to Jon and Orble), I haven't been posting for a while now, but that's no reason to do this without my permission and at least the decency of letting me know and the chance to do something.

I thought Orble contacted people who haven't posted in a while instead of just giving their blog away. Why wasn't I contacted so that I could do something?

Comment by Jake 5

May 14th 2009 22:57

Tracy,
Hey, I'm Jake. I took it over. I thought it was strange myself because it seems like it is not inactive. But when I was offered a chance to have my own blog this was one of the choices. I would be glad to work something out with everyone. I'm not a blog stealing jerk... haha. Feel free to email me with a solution. I would feel bad too.

Plus I'm sure my review are much different then yours.

Jake

Comment by Anonymous

May 15th 2009 00:37

Hi Tracy,

This sucks!!! I have also been unable to log in to post on ANY OF MY BLOGS for over a week and now must worry that my blogs will also be stolen, to have something *worked out* OMG??? This is just too much!!!

I wish you every success in getting back your blog . . please keep us posted as to what is going on...

Lilla

Comment by Michaelie

May 16th 2009 04:32

Flick Wit

Tracy and Lilla, Fog just told me what happened! This is terrible. I can't believe this has happened. And to have done this to you already Trace? When you have been here so long and have so many faithful fans?

I am astonished and upset, and unsure what to do with my own blog just now.

Lilla - I couldn't log in today either, and I know I was using the right password, so I reset it and it worked. I don't know if it's the same thing but maybe worth a try?

Michaelie