This film is recommended.
Michael and Diane were two very different people who fell in love. Both actors, Michael was quiet and introspective, a private person, while Diane was loud and out-going, always the life of the party. They met, married, and raised a family. Their life story is on public display in Stories We Tell, a fascinating examination of family dynamics written and directed by their actress/director daughter, Sarah Polley. This investigative documentary uses the various viewpoints of family members and friends and their clouded memories of real events to create a cinematic tapestry of a dysfunctional family trying to come to terms with the actual truth of their family history.
Through home movies that contrast the former images of the two lovers and candid interviews by their off-springs, Stories We Tell hones in on the life and death of their mother and the direct effect on all of its' family members. Diane's past transgressions and erratic decisions seemed to complicate everyone's life before and after her death, making many of the brothers and sisters question their own relationships with their parents. As with time, memory and reality blurs and the truth remains elusive. The past and present ultimately collide in this documentary of hidden affairs, divorce, and questionable paternity issues. As the filmmaker delves into her mother's mysterious past to find clear-cut answers, it takes a toll on each family member.
Stories We Tell gets to be almost too personal in its message, relying on conjecture and here- say to form its narrative structure. The subject matter is always interesting but too limited in scope. On one hand, one almost feels voyeuristic in experiencing this film. Yet, the filmmaking is expertly assembled and must have been cathartic for some of the family and seen as an embarrassment by others.
That said, Ms. Polley has made a well-crafted film with strong editing techniques, effectively blending the footage of the interviewees speaking movingly about the emotional damage cast upon them with the many happier family images that haunt their recollections. (Particularly ironic is the inclusion of a segment with Diane singing Ain't Misbehavin'.) Stories We Tell tells its story very well. Whether you are interested in hearing it may be another story in itself. GRADE: B
Visit my blog at: www.dearmoviegoer.com
ANY COMMENTS: Please contact me at: jadepietro@rcn.com
Michael and Diane were two very different people who fell in love. Both actors, Michael was quiet and introspective, a private person, while Diane was loud and out-going, always the life of the party. They met, married, and raised a family. Their life story is on public display in Stories We Tell, a fascinating examination of family dynamics written and directed by their actress/director daughter, Sarah Polley. This investigative documentary uses the various viewpoints of family members and friends and their clouded memories of real events to create a cinematic tapestry of a dysfunctional family trying to come to terms with the actual truth of their family history.
Through home movies that contrast the former images of the two lovers and candid interviews by their off-springs, Stories We Tell hones in on the life and death of their mother and the direct effect on all of its' family members. Diane's past transgressions and erratic decisions seemed to complicate everyone's life before and after her death, making many of the brothers and sisters question their own relationships with their parents. As with time, memory and reality blurs and the truth remains elusive. The past and present ultimately collide in this documentary of hidden affairs, divorce, and questionable paternity issues. As the filmmaker delves into her mother's mysterious past to find clear-cut answers, it takes a toll on each family member.
Stories We Tell gets to be almost too personal in its message, relying on conjecture and here- say to form its narrative structure. The subject matter is always interesting but too limited in scope. On one hand, one almost feels voyeuristic in experiencing this film. Yet, the filmmaking is expertly assembled and must have been cathartic for some of the family and seen as an embarrassment by others.
That said, Ms. Polley has made a well-crafted film with strong editing techniques, effectively blending the footage of the interviewees speaking movingly about the emotional damage cast upon them with the many happier family images that haunt their recollections. (Particularly ironic is the inclusion of a segment with Diane singing Ain't Misbehavin'.) Stories We Tell tells its story very well. Whether you are interested in hearing it may be another story in itself. GRADE: B
Visit my blog at: www.dearmoviegoer.com
ANY COMMENTS: Please contact me at: jadepietro@rcn.com