Snow Cake

 

 

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Portrayal of a sensitive man isn't often given to Alan Rickman, but he surpasses his usual image with mastery in this poignant story. The opening scene of him airborne imparts the persona well - yet he's only sitting there, not even looking out the window. Alex Hughes is a con, who "killed a man". He's accosted by a young woman in a diner claiming he "looks like he needs to talk", something he rejects. It's Northern Ontario in early winter - not the most attractive season but highly fitting. Vivienne is an aspiring writer wanting to know about people. She's cut off in that youth by a semi-truck who sends Alex's car flying into the snow. Beset by guilt, he wends his way to Wawa, an isolated community along the Transcanada Highway to confront Vivienne's mother with unneeded apologies.

Linda [Weaver] greets him with total indifference. Vivienne is gone and there's nothing more to be done. She's autistic, with many of the symptoms portrayed by an actress who's clearly researched the syndrome. Subject to obsessions, given to outbursts over what are mundane circumstances to the rest of us, Weaver performs impeccably in the role. "I don't do garbage", she says, urging him to stay to move the bins to the street on Tuesday. Reluctantly, he agrees, perceiving Linda's state requires no little compassion. She has nobody else to rely on, keeping her distance from her neighbours in town - especially Maggie - "she's a prostitute", says Linda.

There are neither lapses nor "hanging" scenes in this film. Every frame carries the message of a man beset by grief. The prison sentence was from his wreaking vengeance on the man who, while driving drunk, had struck Alex's son, killing him. Rickman carries this film throughout, Weaver, for all her abilities in portraying Linda, remains yet a foil to a man so riven by grief and guilt. Unlike Linda, who must be accommodated, Alex must endure a painful healing process. It has already been long and painful, and there's no assurance that even the meeting of his former wife in distant Winnipeg will relieve him of his woes. That situation keeps the film heavy, but the performances make it more than bearable, it's compelling. Carrie-Anne Moss brings a particular strength in a small town as a woman sexually driven, but is in no way hackneyed in her role as Maggie.

Throughout the film Rickman is the balance point of many forces, his own anguish, Linda's bizarre lapses into her own world and Maggie's need for a man she can respect. A post-accident confrontation with the truck driver brings a turning point - Alex, who has feelings in check is given the opportunity to vent them fully. Does he achieve release? Death, to him, is a very significant presence, yet Linda simply asserts that "We won't see Vivienne again", a more rational approach than being suffused by crippling sadness. All we come to believe about Alex is confronted by his departure "gift" to Linda, a masterful departure from the grim man we've come to know. The film could have been terribly hackneyed, but Marc Evans has managed a low-key masterpiece. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

I decided to see this movie because I live in northern Ontario, not far from Wawa where it was filmed. I am so glad I did!

This is certainly Rickman's film, it's probably his best performance to date even though I loved Truly Madly Deeply, Love Actually and of course his portrayal of Professor Snape in the Harry Potter movies. Sigourney Weaver is also amazing. I read where she injured herself during filming, not surprising as she is so physical in her performance.

This is a film about adults, and the complex ways in which emotions and lives intertwine. These are real people, flaws and all, and I laughed outright at the start when Rickman's character tries to get in the passenger side of the vehicle he has rented in Timmins, Ontario thinking it's the driver's side (of course it is, in Britain). His disgusted expression says it all!

There is joy, tragedy (be prepared for the tragedy) and redemption, just like life. And near the very end, you discover what a Snow Cake is...

Thank goodness they still make movies like this.

This is a movie I think most people can enjoy. It is very touching!
This is also a good price for it (if it is still around 31/32 dollars). I have seen it being sold for as much as $40 in stores.

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3.0 out of 5 stars Recommended for Alan Rickman fans
Alan Rickman stars as Alex, a dour Brit driving through Canada. He picks up a chatty young hitchhiker but she is accidentally killed. Read more

Published on May 6 2010 by Kona

4.0 out of 5 stars fresh
Recently released from prison, Alex Hughes (Alan Rickman) picks up Vivienne Freeman (Emily Hampshire) along the road. Read more

Published on Aug 5 2007 by Francesca Jourdan

5.0 out of 5 stars No icing needed for this sweet treat
Sigourney Weaver takes a huge leap with her portrayal of an autistic adult. It's too bad Dustin Hoffman couldn't have seen this before attempting "Rain Man. Read more

Published on Aug 1 2007 by Tony Cross

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