Just as we did earlier today with "Take This Waltz," here's another Canadian film we continue to trumpet, although this one is still without U.S. distribution. Xavier Dolan's bold and beautiful "Laurence Anyways" is now starting to roll out overseas after premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in May and opening in Canada not long after. And a new trailer has arrived, with new footage to tantalize those who still have yet to experience the picture.
Like Polley's film, "Laurence Anyways" might be too long and perhaps a bit unwieldy, but the film's ambition and emotional power override those ultimately minor flaws. The story centers on Laurence, who on his 30th birthday decides to finally realize his dream and desire to become a woman. What emerges is a tale that spans a decade, chronicling how this massive change affects his professional life, his relationship with his girlfriend and mother, and of course, his own mental and emotional health. The film is at times breathtaking, wonderfully composed with some utterly gorgeous shots (as you'll see in the trailer) and tells the kind of challenging, unique story that cinema rarely offers up. Not to mention that the performances, particularly from Suzanne Clement and Nathalie Baye — as the girlfriend and mother respectively — are excellent.
You can read our review from Cannes Film Festival right here, and check out the trailer below. "Laurence Anyways" opened in France and Belgium this week. [Cinema Teaser]