ELEPHANT SONG (2014)

Directed By: Charles Biname 
Written By: Nicolas Billon 
Cinematography: Pierre Gill 
Editor: Dominique Fortin  

Cast: Bruce Greenwood, Xavier Dolan, Catherine Keener, Carrie Anne-Moss, Colm Feore 


A psychiatrist is drawn into a complex mind game when he questions a disturbed patient about the disappearance of a colleague.

This film is based on a play with the same title, written by the same writer, Nicolas Billon.

For a film with such a strong cast. This film is ultimately a disappointment.

As you expect a powerful psychological thriller and it keeps coming up lightweight. As the central mystery is barely interesting and the film keeps trying to add layers and revelations that are supposed to make it more exciting. Though never quite rises to the occasion.

As the film goes along. You realize that it must be based on a play as most of the action takes place in a single room. Sometimes the film chooses to leave that room, but feels like both a relief. Yet unnecessary.

The film is supposed to ah e us on the edge of our seats. As we watch the patient get inside the doctors head more and more. So that really the excitement of the film is more in getting into the doctor's past and problems. More Thant the patients. As he is allowed to remain a mystery somewhat due to his being a patient in a mental hospital and untrustworthy.

Though also for a lot of subjects and revelations that are revealed and treated heavily by the end they come off as unnecessary. More of a distraction to keep the audience guessing and on their toes.

What happens is that the viewer comes expecting more of a mystery in this thriller, but it comes off more as a drama. A slow one.

The film has no excitement until the last act and even that feels more contrived than natural. As all is revealed.

Xavier Dolan the young noted actor and director. Is only an actor here and it is obvious why he took a role in this film. As it is rather flashy and flamboyant yet important and he is good in the role. In fact he is the most exciting thing in the movie.

By the end you just feel like him and the other actors could be transported to a better and more important movie than this. As throughout it's running time the film feels like it stalls whenever it is about it get started.

As it is a film You keep hoping will get better and you want to root for, but by the end. It feels all for nothing and like a time waster overall.


Grade: D+