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Kino Lorber acquires North American rights to Paul Schrader’s ‘Oh, Canada’
A new chapter for Paul Schrader and Richard Gere
In an exciting development for cinema enthusiasts, Kino Lorber has secured the North American rights to Paul Schrader’s latest drama, Oh, Canada. This film, starring Richard Gere and Jacob Elordi, is set to make waves during the awards season with a theatrical release planned for December. Following its theatrical run, the film will be available on home video and digital platforms, although the exact release date remains under wraps.
A journey from Cannes to North America
Oh, Canada made its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival and is slated to continue its festival circuit with appearances at both the Toronto and New York film festivals this fall. Schrader, known for his meticulous storytelling and deep character studies, expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Kino Lorber family, a company he has admired for years.
A tale of memory and mortality
Adapted from Russell Banks’ 2021 novel Foregone, Oh, Canada marks a reunion between Schrader and Gere, who last collaborated on the 1980 classic American Gigolo. In this film, Gere portrays a terminally ill writer and filmmaker who sits down for a final interview to reveal the unvarnished facts of his life. However, his failing memory makes him an unreliable narrator, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. Jacob Elordi plays Gere’s character in flashbacks, with Uma Thurman and Michael Imperioli rounding out the cast.
For more details, you can watch the trailer for Oh, Canada.
Critical reception and thematic depth
The film has garnered mostly positive reviews since its Cannes debut. Critics have praised Schrader’s bold approach to grand themes such as memory, mortality, and artistic self-reckoning. While some have noted the film’s occasional clunkiness and awkward performances, the overall reception highlights its fascinating match of director and actor. One critic described the film as a “poignant, formally daring rumination on aging, memory, and mortality anchored by a commanding performance from Richard Gere.”
The deal and future prospects
The acquisition deal for Oh, Canada was negotiated by Kino Lorber’s head of theatrical acquisitions and distribution, Lisa Schwartz, along with David Gonzales and WME Independent on behalf of the filmmakers. Schwartz lauded the film as a stunning artistic achievement, emphasizing the significance of the reunion between Schrader and Gere, two icons of American cinema.
Personal reflections for cinema enthusiasts
As a long-time admirer of Schrader’s work, I find Oh, Canada to be a compelling addition to his filmography. Schrader’s ability to delve into the human psyche and explore complex themes has always set him apart. This film, with its focus on memory and mortality, promises to be a deeply moving experience. Gere’s portrayal of a terminally ill writer adds a layer of authenticity and emotional depth that is sure to resonate with audiences.
For those who appreciate films that challenge conventional narratives and delve into the intricacies of the human condition, Oh, Canada is a must-watch. The collaboration between Schrader and Gere, combined with the film’s thematic richness, makes it a standout in this year’s cinematic offerings.
A broader context for TV series and music enthusiasts
While Oh, Canada is a significant highlight in the world of cinema, it’s also worth noting the broader context of storytelling across different mediums. TV series and music have similarly embraced themes of memory, mortality, and self-reckoning. For instance, TV series like The Leftovers and BoJack Horseman have explored these themes with remarkable depth and nuance.
In the realm of music, albums like David Bowie’s Blackstar and Nick Cave’s Ghosteen have poignantly addressed mortality and the passage of time. These works, much like Schrader’s film, invite audiences to reflect on their own lives and the transient nature of existence.
For music enthusiasts, you can explore these themes further by listening to Blackstar and Ghosteen on Spotify.
Final thoughts
In a world where storytelling continues to evolve, Oh, Canada stands as a testament to the enduring power of cinema to explore profound human experiences. Schrader’s latest film, with its rich thematic content and stellar performances, is poised to leave a lasting impact on audiences. As we await its release, the anticipation only grows for what promises to be a deeply moving and thought-provoking cinematic journey.
