What attracted me to see this movie was the memory of thinking that surely someone else was really my mother, someone taller, a world traveller, a movie star, someone I would grow up to be. I knew from the title that this would be a similar, imaginative, funny and deep story, much like those that my students whispered and drew about. Actually, when they were five, the stories were presented in a confident, matter of fact way, whereas the older kids confided quietly but hopefully. There is always that search for where we came from and where we are going.
The title takes me right to the heart of the movie: the ups and downs of the mother- adaughter relationship, the development of the daughter and the examination of the mother, whether birth or adoptive parent, as a nurturer, educator and role-model and the intensity of the search for what is real, meaningful and achievable in the shaping of identity and family. The time period of one year is a snapshot of the exploration of a 'what if' in a child's life. However painful this may be for both the child and the parent, it seems necessary for Elizabeth on her swift journey to become that someone special she will be.
I loved the 1970's setting and clothing for this movie. The wood panneling, the kitchen radio, the huge station wagon, the rural, small town Manitoba - yes Canadian scenes - a contrast between the safe, predictable home and the 'I can see forever' roads stretching from Canada to the USA and who knows from there? The same can be said for the contrast between the usual little girl dresses and the jean jacket and frothy, layered outfit Elizabeth wears as she takes off on a bicycle road trip to meet Dolly Parton. Then, there is the vast audience one expects to find at a Dolly concert contrasted with the surprising sea of wigs and outrageous outfits of those, who like Elizabeth, are also looking to get closer to 'Dollyness'. But Dolly is herself; she is a writer, a singer, and an accomplished businesswoman. Beyond the appearance, she is real and although she tells Elizabeth that she is not her mother, is nurturing enough to tell her that if she did have a daughter, she would like her to be special like Elizabeth is. Loved that Dolly Parton, who is such an advocate for children, supported this movie with her songs and her strong message about being the best you can be.
This is a movie of firsts: director Tara Johns' first full length movie, lead 13 year old Julia Stone first lead role and perhaps a first for a Canadian partnership with Dolly Parton. Lucky enough to win a contest, I saw it on opening night, the first night it showed in Vancouver. Very much enjoyed the movie, (You must see it!) and meeting Tara and Julia through a Q and A after the show. An after party at District 319 was a pleasant way to meet the cast and crew, see clips from the movie and movie making and to receive the cd of the motion picture soundtrack. Also got 2 more tickets to see the show again. So many songs reflect the nature of this fabulous movie: "Love is Like a Butterfly", "Crossing Borders", "The Seeker", and "Little Sparrow" to list a few. I thank everyone for the chance to be 11 again and to laugh, cry and sing like Dolly. (no where near as good) Will see this one over and over!
4 comments:
Wow Colleen! Lovely post. So nice to meet you at the screening. Now that we're at Tinseltown until at least April 21st (fingers crossed to go over Easter!) you CAN go see it again!
I will definitely go to see this treasure again. Really uplifting and very Canadian.
I'm desperate to see this film. Thanks for sharing your impressions!
After seeing the movie a second time was once again struck by the clothing and hair styles of the 70's. Also realized that Elizabeth's poetry was actually her mom's song that she sang to the child. Still, the beginnings of writing are always important. Elizabeth's relationships are so deep - hurts when friends don't feel quite the same way. Mom's relationship though, always enduring.
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