The Opening Gala yesterday kicked off the Whistler Film Festival with one of the most engaging Canadian films I’ve seen in a while: The Trotsky. The red-carpet event attracted the who’s who of the film industry, including the film’s director, Jacob Tierney, who was present to celebrate the film’s debut at the film’s Western Canadian premiere.
The Trotsky is a film about a young Montreal teenager who is adamant that he is a reincarnation of Leon Trotsky and vows to live his life in the exact same timeline as his idol – including the exile and later assassination. Starring Jay Baruchel – the tall-lanky character actor of Knocked Up and Tropic of Thunder fame – The Trotsky’s characters are rich with human depth, entertaining idiosyncrasies and offbeat humour. From an ex-hippie turned professor, who still smokes weed to a neurotic lead character with a passion for social revolution, I found myself getting pulled into this quirky world and even learning a lesson or two about standing up for what you believe in.
I’ve never heard anyone described as a “demonic concubine,” but I would have to say the scene where Trotsky called one of his teachers that very thing was my favourite part of the entire movie. In fact, the entire movie is rife with humorous gems and lead to a few great bouts of laughter from the audience.
Preceding the feature film was the annual Whistler Stories short film series. The Turning Season In Whistler took viewers on a journey through Whistler’s mountain biking culture; while When Hugh Met Joe told the story of when Hugh Smythe met Joe Houssain, leading to the now united company of Whistler Blackcomb. I have to give a shout out to my friend, director Jim Budge, who did a great job of telling that historical tale.
I’m off to the VIP lounge for charity blogging and tweeting and will be enjoying several films this evening.
You can also check out more photos and our live blogs on Whistler 24 during the Whistler Film Festival.
