I find it interesting that the last five movies I saw (see left for list) were four self-proclaimed documentaries and one true story adapted for the big screen (Shattered Glass). It’s clear that after the mainstream success of hits like Spellbound, The Fog of War and of course, Bowling for Columbine, more and more filmmakers are following the money.

And, like any good thing that becomes a bandwagon, the documentary genre is being done justice in some ways and perverted in others. To explain, here are some of my (spoiler-free) thoughts about these films.

Capturing the Friedmans
Caught this one for a whopping 15$ in London. It tells the story of a suburban family that seems extremely normal, except that Dad has been accused of a very deranged crime. But did he do it? Did the cops fabricate the story? The wonderful thing about this film is that the family’s three highly intelligent sons were in the habit of filming absolutely everything (including family disputes) when this happened, and so there is some very candid footage of the family’s reactions to the accusations.

Super Size Me
Morgan Spurlock decides to see what will happen if he eats only McDonald’s food for a month. I thought this might be quite dull, as I couldn’t see myself learning anything new. What’s so revolutionary about the fact that junk food is bad? Yet, Spurlock demonstrates this is a very funny and entertaining manner.

The Corporation
Same setup for this movie: it too is making a point that we’re already aware of, that is that corporations are evil. However, it doesn’t work. It calls itself a documentary in the opening credits, yet at the very beginning the narrator’s cold, scientific (”yes we’re objective because we speak this way”) voice says something like “we will demonstrate how evil companies really are”. The tone is very condescending and the film ends up being way too long. Sad, because it makes an important point and includes interviews with some great thinkers like Noam Chomsky and Naomi Klein.

Shattered Glass
Entertaining dramatization of the case of the New Republic reporter who made up many of the stories he published in the influential magazine. Sounds dull, but it was very enjoyable and thought provoking, and it includes some interesting information about how the “facts” we read in the media are checked for accuracy. My only complaint (but I guess it’s a doozie): the main character is played by Hayden Christensen, whom I discovered is a horrible actor even without the help of George Lucas.

Fahrenheit 9/11
You know what this is about. You’ve probably seen it. For all its partisanship, 9/11 didn’t bother me as much as The Corporation, probably because it doesn’t even try to come off sounding objective. Like Martine said, its message is so important that it warrants forgiving its minor flaws.

So taking stock, I suppose the genre isn’t doing too badly, seeing as I can easily recommend three of the four documentaries above, as well as the dramatization. Let’s hope the trend continues.

Ever have those moments where something you say gets taken out of context? Ever have those moments where everyone in a conversation goes quiet and something you say to one ends up being heard by all? Ever have those two things combined?

Last night at ultimate a good friend of mine managed to say, completely seriously: “Aie pas peur de fesser juste parce que c’t'une fille!” (don’t worry about hitting just because it’s a woman). This was promptly followed by a multitude of perplexed looks.

I challenge you to figure out what he actually meant.

My backache is back. Arg, I think it’s official, I’m a chronic back pain sufferer.

Like a good citizen, I call Info-Santé and ask for a few clinics in my area. I call them all.

#1 doesn’t make appointments, you have to go and wait. During working hours only, please.

#2 doesn’t take new patients. If this is your first time being sick, you’re out of luck.

#3 gives me an appointment. For July 20th.

Thank God I had some left over prescription drugs from last time (where I saw someone right away, in Ontario).

Who do I have to vote for to get drugs in a timely fashion? Back pain really sucks.

Being a staunch anti-separatist, living in Duceppe’s own riding, and going to vote anyway.

For NDP.

Top ten reasons not to vote Harper.

(Hey, I figure I may as well do my bit)

One: dogs aren’t allowed in any of Quebec’s national parks. Isn’t that a little excessive? Every park in the province? Oh, restaurants, shopping malls, even banks I get, but that I can’t bring my dog… what, outside? is beyond me. I thought she’d enjoy a walk in the woods. You know, on a leash. With a muzzle. And me with my little plastic bag behind of course. But noooooo.

Two: the fact that I only found this out after an hour-long drive to Oka national park.

And then on the way back we stopped at Domaine Vert in Mirabel. Only to find out dogs aren’t allowed there either. Now, this is a park where they offer dog-pulled sleigh rides in winter!

Then we gave up and decided to simply go visit T’s dad in Laval, as Comet could get a walk in the municipal park behind the house.

We get there, and, you guessed it, no dogs are allowed. Exasperated and hungry for our picnic lunch, we went ahead anyway. And found that about one out of every three parties was accompanied by a canine.

Dog owners pay taxes too, dammit!

Is it me, or is the word “REMAX” written in the eyes of Shrek 2’s Puss? (Just left of the blue dot)

Before going on the trip, I cleaned out my inbox as much as possible, lest it get full and messages start bouncing. In the end, during the trip it never went above 40% of its capacity.

Then on Tuesday morning, I logged in first thing in the morning, as usual, and found out that for no other reason than just providing good service, Yahoo! had increased my mail capacity from 6 MB to… not 10 or 20 MB, but 100MB! I’m truly impressed.

I don’t understand how Hotmail can just go on not reacting. The basic service with Yahoo! provides 100MB of storage and allows you to send files of up to 10MB. The same level of service with Hotmail costs 79.99$ a year! Comparatively, Yahoo!’s premium service costs 19.99$ a year and gives you… 2 GB of storage.

I’m amazed with Yahoo!’s great service, it has to be said. I just don’t understand what is up with Hotmail.

Glasgow…
is the friendliest town I’ve ever visited. People come up to you and offer help without you even asking. In fact, without you even needing it. Plus, they speak in a wonderful, musical way which I find absolutely irresistible (if very often unintelligible).

On the first night there, we ate in a pub which then turned into a Karaoke bar. I enjoyed watching people sing so we stayed. People came and sat with us, and pints and scotch kept appearing on our table. By the end of the night all the people in the bar were friends. It was a wonderful welcome.

Edinburgh…
Not to be outdone, is about the prettiest town I’ve ever seen, with its truly dramatic landscape. The Old City is built on the flanks of a mountain which is topped by an imposing castle. Oh, and it’s flanked by sea on two sides. We met up with Paul who showed us around, and we had a very good time. Pints on me in September, mate.

The highlands…
Are like a green version of Norway. I simply have to get back out there.

Tuesday:
Took a walk along the South Bank of the Thames. Westminster Bridge, London Eye (no, didn’t spend the 30$ on a ride), used book fair under Waterloo Bridge, Tate Modern, London Bridge and back over beautiful Tower Bridge. Walked all the way back in the rain. All attractions free!

Yesterday:
Buckingham and grounds, Harrods, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Hyde Park. Again, the only price to pay is sore feet.

Yesterday evening:
Much Ado about Nothing at Shakespeare’s own Globe Theatre. Very authentic, including the fact that you stand in the courtyard watching the play, under the stars. More sore feet.

Today:
Brunch in Soho, walk all the way to Shoreditch, “the Plateau of London”. I prefer the Plateau. Sore, sore, blistered feet. Feeling wonderfully tired.

Two nights until Scotland!