Vic And Flo Saw A Bear
a horror love story
The world stage premiere of Denis Côté’s award-winning film
By Byron Toben
Talisman Theatre’s mission is to translate Quebec French language plays into English. It has an enviable record of having done so since its establishment in 2005. The current presentation, translated and directed by Michael Mackenzie, is an adaption by him from the original screenplay by Denis Côté of his Vic + Flo ont vu un ours, which won an award at the Berlin Film Festival.
The current presentation… is an adaption… from the original screenplay by Denis Côté of his “Vic + Flo ont vu un ours”, which won an award at the Berlin Film Festival.
Having recently seen the ultra fast paced The 39 Steps across the hall at the Centaur, I must admit that the leisurely artistic pace of the first third of Vic And Flo seemed somewhat achingly slow, but it was paced beautifully to match the unfolding developments.
Well cast to boot. Popular Julie Tamika Manning plays Vic (for Victoria), newly on parole after years in jail for murder. She is able to get away from it all in her dying uncle’s sugar shack deep in the heart of the Quebec’s woods. She is then joined there by Flo (Nicole Liconti) her prison lover, who would otherwise prefer life in the big city. The only visitor is Daniel (Alexandre Levigne), Vic’s parole officer. Finally, Jackie (Leslie Baker, fresh from her META awards, including best actress, for the charmingly entitled Fuck You, You Fucking Pervert) stumbles upon the secluded abode, ostensibly a surveyor for the county.
Things unravel. Suffice it to say that all does not end well. I do not want to give away the ending lest I get caught in a bear trap for my sins.
A suggestion to producers out there: in addition to Vic And Flo, Ms. Manning has had a run of meaty parts of late, which she is good at (Pig Girl, Butcher). However, she also has a nice light and comedic touch. What would be a good silly frilly vehicle for her? Send your suggestions here.
Vic and Flo Saw a Bear continues at the Centaur until December 2.
514 288-6813
en.talisman-theatre.comImages: Maxime Côté
Read also: The 39 Steps lead to a fun-packed outing
Byron Toben is the immediate past-president of the Montreal Press Club.
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