Based upon a play that I have never heard of, but then I've never heard of this film either that is now 8 years old. What I find most surprising about that length of time is that I have not heard of what seems like a major talent named Xavier Dolan who is mesmerizing in this from start to finish. The only thing I've ever even seen him is Boy Erased of which I have no memory of him, but by the credit listing here, he must not be a major participant. This is always very, very interesting, but it has a stagey sort of feel to it at times for obvious reasons. It's mostly takes place in one room, a doctor's office, and it is not flawlessly written, but it's shortcomings in logic are minor compared to its rewards, While Dolan, as a very clever mentally damaged patient, is the focal point, this cat and mouse game between doctor and patient has another major character and that is of course the doctor played very well by Bruce Greenwood in one of his best performances. Catherine Keener is also good in a smaller, though prominent, role, bur Carrie-Anne Moss has little to do as a character I'm not sure is even really needed in this piece. I'm not sure why this isn't more well known or if it was even released in this country, but it is indeed something to watch in my opinion.
Review of Elephant Song
