Acclaimed filmmaker Paul Schrader has recently completed his latest project, 'Oh Canada,' a film that delves into the last days of documentary filmmaker Leonard Fife. The movie, based on Russell Banks' novel 'Foregone,' explores themes of mortality and self-reflection. Schrader's journey in creating this film was marked by personal and health challenges, as he grappled with the specter of death.
Schrader, a longtime friend of Banks, had been corresponding with the author until his passing in January 2023. During this time, Schrader's own health took a turn for the worse as he contracted COVID-19 and faced subsequent respiratory issues that required hospitalization. Both he and Banks were confronting their mortality, a theme that resonates strongly in 'Oh Canada.'
The film centers around Leonard Fife, an enigmatic American who sought refuge in Canada during the Vietnam War. Fife's life is built on a creation myth that is revealed to be largely false, leading him to confront his own identity and the lies he has lived. Schrader describes Fife as a character who is dying and grappling with the realization that his entire existence has been based on falsehoods.
Schrader's previous trilogy of films, including 'First Reformed,' 'The Card Counter,' and 'Master Gardener,' have focused on middle-aged men battling their inner demons. In each film, Schrader has stripped down the performances of his actors, creating raw and intense portrayals. While he insists that 'Oh Canada' is not a continuation of this trilogy, he sought an experienced actor who could deliver a quiet yet powerful performance. Richard Gere, a longtime collaborator of Schrader's since their work on 'American Gigolo,' was chosen for the role of Leonard Fife. Gere's performance is described as his most compelling in recent memory, as Schrader once again stripped away any movie star tics to create a nuanced portrayal.
To complement Gere's performance, Schrader needed an actor who could embody the younger Fife in flashbacks to his twenties. Australian actor Jacob Elordi was selected for the role, bringing a quiet charisma and skill to the character. Coincidentally, Elordi's career took off during the filming of 'Oh Canada,' with notable roles in 'Priscilla' and 'Saltburn,' culminating in him hosting 'Saturday Night Live.'
While 'Oh Canada' may not have a happy ending, Schrader's own trajectory has taken a positive turn. His health has significantly improved since completing the screenplay, allowing him to reflect on his film about confronting death and look forward to new projects. With its exploration of mortality and powerful performances, 'Oh Canada' promises to be another thought-provoking addition to Schrader's impressive filmography.
