Wat-Not Staff
Paul Schrader’s upcoming film Oh, Canada brings together Jacob Elordi and Richard Gere, playing younger and older versions of the same man. Based on Russell Banks’ novel Foregone, the film dives into the complex life of filmmaker Leonard Fife, who faces his past in his final days.
Gere portrays Fife in his later years, while Elordi embodies his younger self. This layered storytelling unfolds as Leonard, portrayed by Gere, recounts his tumultuous past to a documentary crew, highlighting his triumphs and missteps.
Gere and Elordi’s roles span different life stages, with Elordi taking viewers back to Leonard’s youth in the turbulent 1960s.
Throughout the film, parallels are drawn between the two, presenting the character’s memories, relationships, and regrets as a single interwoven narrative. Schrader’s intimate storytelling, combined with Gere’s reflective portrayal, captures a man struggling to make peace with his life.
This marks a notable reunion for Schrader and Gere, who first worked together on American Gigolo. As Oh, Canada approaches its December 6 release, the film’s star-studded cast has heightened anticipation for Schrader’s latest drama.
The Complex Story of Leonard Fife: A Man Divided
In Oh, Canada, Leonard Fife, a renowned filmmaker, is determined to share his story before he dies. Gere’s Leonard, desperate for connection, invites his former student, Malcolm (Michael Imperioli), to record his life story. Fife’s memories span decades, from his early days as a draft refugee in Canada to his rise in the film industry.
The film blurs lines between fact and memory, as Leonard recounts his younger days with Emma (Uma Thurman), his wife, at his side.
As Leonard navigates his personal history, he reflects on his creative successes and the painful memories he cannot ignore. Thurman, who expressed admiration for Schrader, called working with the director a “real privilege” during a New York Film Festival panel.
Elordi’s portrayal of young Leonard offers a vivid counterpoint to Gere’s ageing filmmaker. Together, their performances illuminate Fife’s journey from idealism to remorse.
An All-Star Cast in a Powerful New Drama
Oh, Canada boasts a celebrated cast under Schrader’s direction. Elordi, known for Euphoria, brings intensity to his role, while Gere revisits his roots in complex drama. Schrader’s ability to draw raw performances is evident, as Thurman, Elordi, and Imperioli each add layers to Leonard’s story.
The film’s U.S. premiere at the New York Film Festival received praise, especially for Schrader’s unique narrative style. Known for First Reformed and Light Sleeper, Schrader has a reputation for challenging characters, and Oh, Canada follows this legacy.
Adapted from Banks’ Foregone, the story speaks to the power of memory and reconciliation.
Audiences can expect Oh, Canada in theatres on December 6. The film promises an emotional experience, exploring one man’s desire to confront his past, with Schrader guiding a stellar cast through a journey of self-discovery.
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