Festa Mobile screening - review - THE GRAND SEDUCTION by Don McKellar

Don McKellar takes takes us to a tiny Canadian harbour in The Grand Seduction.

The Grand Seduction is the English speaking Canadian remake of a French Canadian film made in 2003. Admittedly, only a few tweaks are made to the original screenplay, but prejudices linked to a polemic about cinema lacking creativity and freshness is out of place in a film that is meant to have that simple feel-good factor. The setting changes to Tickle Head, off Newfoundland, where the people have been living off welfare for years after their fishing industry collapsed. Their only hope of a factory opening its door on the tiny harbour and maintaining its existence lies with a doctor, sent there for a month as punishment, to fulfil one of the requirements. Thus begins a plot to ‘seduce’ him into making the place his home - which implies a fair share of lying, spying and scheming, a situation that sets up some funny situations. 

It’s a rather charming comedy, one in a long line of recent ones that treasure rural lifestyle and the beauty of the simplicity of life. Heightening the appeal of McKellar’s film is its technical competency and its stunning cinematography that takes full advantage of the beauty of its setting. This beauty of the film can be seen from early on, in the film’s introduction, that depicts the departure of fishermen as they sail off to sea in the early hours of the day and look like legendary heroes of old. 

Apart from the quality of the film’s technical values, there is a kind hearted warmth that runs throughout The Grand Seduction. Its portrayal of a close community of simple ordinary country folk is nothing new, yet it never falls tastelessly into cliché is always quite charming. Of course, the star is headed by Brendan Gleeson, whose on-screen presence is imponent. He is the glue that holds all the characters together and with his lovable determination in achieving his goal whatever means necessary makes for some enjoyable set-ups. Furthermore, Taylor Kitsch of Friday Night Lights and John Carter fame is unusually cast, yet fits the boots of Dr. Lewis credibly and well. 

This is an optimist comedy, despite the fact that it shows the great lengths rural lifestyle will go to in order to adapt to a more modern lifestyle whilst remaining faithful to its tradition and heritage. The Grand Seduction is nothing groundbreaking nor very original per sé, but it’s highly enjoyable, charming and gets its fair share of laughs.