edward g
Incredible film. I am partially in love. Egoyan's talent cannot be denied. Calendar and Exotica are the two of his films that stood out most to me.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Armenian-Canadian director Atom Egoyan (known for Exotica, 1994, and The Sweet Hereafter, 1997) here explores ethnic identity in the context of interpersonal relationships but he does it very obliquely, to be sure. Egoyan himself plays a photographer hired to shoot a calendars worth of pictures of ancient churches in Armenia. He brings his Armenian wife along to translate (for he, himself, has assimilated to Canadian culture and cant speak the native tongue). Their driver (Ashot Adamyan), cum guide, an Armenian national, interacts exclusively with the wife (Arsinée Khanjian, Egoyans real wife). This sets up a certain tension between husband and wife, as Egoyan begins to get jealous and petulant (offscreen). But the scenes of the calendar shoot in Armenia are interspersed with videotape, presumably shot on the trip, being rewatched by Egoyan at some future point (and sometimes rewound or fast forwarded), always with Arsinée as the main focus. Some answering machine messages start to piece together what this future entails husband and wife are separated with Arsinée still in Armenia, possibly with their guide. Another sequence of shots shows Egoyan eating dinner with a succession of beautiful ethnic women who each abruptly ask to use the telephone, leaving Egoyan at the table, drinking wine and eventually writing letters to his wife. The answering machine again reveals that these women may be actresses auditioning for Egoyan rather than dates. So, this is largely an experimental feature (at only 73 minutes) with some cognition required to uncover its themes and meaning. To the extent that Armenian identity is what joins and separates the three main characters, this is a very modern and relevant film. What does it mean to be from somewhere, if you have never learned (or at least not maintained) that places language, norms, or culture? At a base level, this seems inauthentic. Yet, others may still treat you as a member of that cultural group, for better or for worse. Egoyans film only scratches the surface of these complexities, although its mysteries may reward further scrutiny.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/04/23
Full Review
bill t
I remember going to the theatre to see this. The Starlight theatre on Denman! Why? Who knows. I think I was still stunned by The Adjuster that I wanted to see what Egoyan would put out next. I'm pretty sure I was underwhelmed by this. This is OK, about a couple breaking apart while he's shooting ancient churches in Armenia, and there's flash forward of his life in present day when he's trying to date. Has none of the flash typical Egoyan films have, which may or may not be a warning.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
03/30/23
Full Review
Audience Member
this could be the earliest atom egoyan flick to date and it initially felt a lil rough around the edges; took some ruminating to appreciate and like it more after.
interesting way of constructing the disintegration of this couple's relationship during a sorta work trip. the ending was kinda poignant, sad.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
01/19/23
Full Review
Audience Member
A simple & honest film that blends the fictional and autobiographical of director Atom Egoyan. Using a variety of mixed media, such as home movie, film, and still photography, CALENDAR questions what you see in front of your eyes ultimately makes you miss what surrounds you. A powerful journey of self exploration by both the director and his real-life wife. A must see.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
01/17/23
Full Review
Audience Member
A beautifully sad film
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
02/10/23
Full Review
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