Elephant Song

In spite of its few plot holes, this really is an important movie -- if well digested - especially by some parents.

Beyond the engrossing encounter between a young patient and a psychiatrist, full of cat and mouth verbal games and twists, this movie demonstrates how crucial to be present in our children’s lives, especially during their younger years.

The acting is great, mainly by two of the threesome of actors : Bruce Greenwood is full of kind and sincere empathy and the leonine Catherine Keener is magnificent as the exemplary head nurse.

As for Xavier Dolan, he tries hard in the demanding role of a disturbed young man with many secrets – some true and deep, others fantasized and perverse. I could never totally believe in his character as I kept seeing Dolan the famous actor/director/writer behind the mask of his acting. This was perhaps due to the fact that he’s been seen too often during the past five years in his own movies, in too many interviews on TV and elsewhere, in video clips, etc. Seasoned director Charles Binamé did an efficient, discreet job.

You shall enjoy it provided you don’t expect answers to some of this movie’s mysteries : you may have to find them out yourselves.