Director Paul Schrader has reunited with actor Richard Gere after 44 years since their collaboration on American Gigolo for the film 'Oh Canada.' The movie, making its North American premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, follows Gere's character, Leonard Fife, a draft dodger and documentary filmmaker facing terminal cancer. Fife decides to set the record straight on his life through a final interview captured on camera.
Schrader expressed his admiration for Gere's portrayal of Fife, highlighting the depth of the character and the impact it could have on audiences. To complement Gere's performance, Jacob Elordi was cast as a younger version of Fife, showcasing his talent before his breakout roles in Euphoria and Sofia Coppola's Priscilla biopic.
'Oh Canada' delves into themes of mortality, memory, and truth, drawing inspiration from Russell Banks' novel 'Foregone.' Schrader's decision to adapt the novel was influenced by Banks' own battle with terminal cancer, providing a poignant backdrop to the film's narrative.
The film's exploration of legacy and introspection resonated with Schrader, who faced his mortality during health scares amid the pandemic. Surviving multiple hospitalizations, Schrader found solace in his creative pursuits, reflecting on life's uncertainties and the desire to leave a lasting impact.
In 'Oh Canada,' Fife's introspective journey is captured through a deathbed interview conducted by former students, played by Michael Imperioli and Caroline Dhavernas. Uma Thurman portrays Fife's younger wife, Emma, adding depth to the character's reflections on life and relationships.
The film's poignant narrative is underscored by Banks' personal connection to the story, as he shared insights with Schrader during the adaptation process. Banks' passing before the completion of the screenplay added a layer of poignancy to the project, emphasizing the themes of redemption and self-reflection.
'Oh Canada' will premiere at Roy Thomson Hall, offering audiences a glimpse into Fife's journey of self-discovery and reconciliation. Through compelling performances and a heartfelt narrative, the film promises to resonate with viewers as they contemplate life's complexities and the pursuit of truth.
