The Saddest Music in the World (2003)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Guy Maddin

Writers:

Kazuo Ishiguro (original screenplay)
George Toles (written by) ...

Release Date:

1 September 2005 (Greece)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Fantasy | Music | Musical | Romance

Tagline:

"If you're sad, and like beer, I'm your lady."

Plot:

A sort-of musical set in Winnipeg during the Great Depression, where a beer baroness organizes a contest to find the saddest music in the world. Musicians from around the world descend on the city to try and win first place - a $25,000 prize.

Plot Keywords:

Winnipeg | Beer | Musician | Car Accident | 1930s

Awards:

6 wins & 5 nominations

Cast

Mark McKinney	...	Chester Kent
Isabella Rossellini	...	Lady Helen Port-Huntley
Maria de Medeiros	...	Narcissa
David Fox	...	Fyodor Kent
Ross McMillan	...	Roderick Kent / Gravillo the Great
Louis Negin	...	Blind Seer
Darcy Fehr	...	Teddy
Claude Dorge	...	Duncan Elksworth
Talia Pura	...	Mary
Jeff Sutton	...	Young Chester
Graeme Valentin	...	Young Roderick
Maggie Nagle	...	Chester's Mother
Victor Cowie	...	Man in Bar
Jessica Burleson	...	Lady's Secretary
Wayne Nicklas	...	Boardmember

MPAA:

Rated R for some sexuality and violent images.

Runtime:

100 min

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Australia:M | Hong Kong:IIB | France:U | Portugal:M/12 | Argentina:13 | Canada:PG | Finland:K-15 | Singapore:NC-16 | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Manitoba Production Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Company:

Rhombus Media

Trivia:

Mark McKinney's character 'Chester Kent' is named after the main character in the musical Footlight Parade (1933).

Quotes:

Mary: No one can beat the Siamese when it comes to dignity, cats, or twins.

Movie Connections:

References Footlight Parade (1933)

Soundtrack:

The Song Is You - Narcissa's Foxtrot Version

Visually fascinating, but somewhat empty.

I had always been told that director Guy Maddin did nothing conventionally, and so I approached The Saddest Music in the World with anticipation and hesitation. I am a great fan of Isabella Rossellini and Maria de Medeiros, both of whom do well in this picture. Maddin delivers a picture that is quite beautiful visually; all in black and white, and edited in such a way as to recall something resurrected from the 1930s. There are a few occasions when colour is allowed in, and those moments dazzle. One of the most striking images I have seen all year is Isabella Rossellini posing in Technicolour standing on glass legs filled with beer. It's something that has to be seen to be believed. However, once you get past the visuals, the film is rather empty and lacks heart. I do recommend it, though, because everyone should see something new and different (and for Isabella and Maria).