Home | Movies By Year | Movies from 2000
The Perfect Son
Buy The Perfect Son now from AmazonFirst, read the Wikipedia article. Then, scroll down to see what other TopShelfReviews readers thought about the movie. And once you've experienced the movie, tell everyone what you thought about it.
Wikipedia article
'The Perfect Son' is a 2000 Canadian drama film written and directed by Leonard Farlinger.Stephen Cole, "O brother, how art thou?". 'National Post', February 2, 2001. The film centres on Ryan (Colm Feore) and Theo (David Cubitt) Taylor, estranged brothers reunited by their father's death. Growing up, Ryan was the "perfect son" and Theo was the "black sheep" who struggled with drug addiction. When Ryan reveals that he is dying of AIDS, however, the brothers attempt to repair their relationship while Theo simultaneously tries to win back his ex-girlfriend Sarah (Chandra West).John Griffin, "A crisis in need of drama: Gay-themed family story doesn't get its hands dirty enough". 'Montreal Gazette', February 2, 2001.
The film premiered on September 14, 2000 in the Perspectives Canada stream at the Toronto International Film Festival.Geoff Pevere, "Canadian reflections ; Perspective Canada sparks search for meaningful metaphors of national identity". 'Toronto Star', September 8, 2000.
Production
The film was Farlinger's feature directorial debut. He wrote the script based on his own relationship with his older brother Brian Farlinger, who died of AIDS in 1995. He stated that he chose to cast Feore and Cubitt in part because their significantly different performance styles as actors helped to illuminate the film's themes of familial conflict.Pam Swedko, [http://playbackonline.ca/1999/08/23/26451-19990823/ "On set: The Perfect Son"]. 'Playback', August 23, 1999.
The film was shot in Toronto in 1999, as the first film produced by Jennifer Jonas's New Real Films.
Critical response
Peter Howell of the 'Toronto Star' wrote that the movie was weak, but salvaged by Feore's and Cubitt's performances,Peter Howell, "Poignant acting saves Perfect Son". 'Toronto Star', February 2, 2001. while Katrina Onstad of the 'National Post' called the film frustratingly slow-moving, but wrote that "just when I'd given up on this film -- I felt drowsy -- the final act of The Perfect Son kicked in, honest and emotional (a woman I was sitting near full- body sobbed)."Katrina Onstad, "From zero to emotional in 93 minutes". 'National Post', September 13, 2000.
Marke Andrews of the 'Vancouver Sun' reviewed the film more favourably, writing that although the film was not without problems, Farlinger and the lead actors had successfully rescued it from turning into the dreadful TV movie that a film with this premise could have become.Marke Andrews, "An imperfect but worthwhile drama: First-time effort by director Leonard Farlinger a compelling look at how families cope with death". 'Vancouver Sun', February 2, 2001.
Awards and nominations
Both Feore and Cubitt received Genie Award nominations for Best Actor at the 21st Genie Awards,John McKay, "Maelstrom up for 10 Genies". 'Waterloo Region Record', December 13, 2000. although neither won.
References
Buy The Perfect Son now from Amazon
<-- Return to movies from 2000