suchaprettything
...perhaps in a first year film school nightmare??... I'm not really sure where to start with this one. Perhaps I should talk about why I think this 90 min+ miracle of Canadian cinema could have easily been condensed to a 10 min (that's even pushing it) mediocre short film. Or, perhaps I should talk about the the character of Emerson and my fascination as to why people think this kid gave a great performance. Yes, that'll do. This was a TV movie, a lesser episode of Degrassi Junior High (sorry Degrassi for making this comparison, I still love you), an After School Special. This was not fresh , this was not original, and this in no way gave me confidence in my Defending Canadian Cinema argument I sometimes bring out when there's an awkward silence at parties. All I can say is don't see it, don't waste your time, and strive to expect more from us Canadian filmmakers. We need less praise for our mediocre achievements (Sarah Polly anyone?) and more accountability for our government funded mistakes. Enough said. ps. Daniel MacIvor, you did your best and played your role with heart, for this I thank you...but then again you also wrote it, so I'm still upset.
Carlos Martinez Escalona
The elements that were designed to visually encompass this film, are absolutely great! From the house, the clothing (or lack of) of Aaron's character family to the lighting schemes in every situation, Whole New Thing is exactly what Hollywood should tackle: a good story that resonates with real life situations, and a treatment where twists and turns, not manipulation, lead to a very convincing film.The textures of every small detail were almost handcrafted, especially the music. This is one of the reasons why Canadian films are important: they are a counterweight to American films, (though I still believe that Canadians, as Chileans, Mexicans and all of America's peoples are American).I'm proud of this film and the way it explores (maybe not in depth, because it was not its purpose) a really difficult issue to which we all close our eyes and ears, and think as impossible and weird. My hat off too for the co-writer and actor Daniel McIvor.Maybe you'll love to see this film over and over again just to discover how well done it is!
Howard Schumann
Canadian director Amnon Buchbinder's coming of age comedy Whole New Thing is an engaging look at an intellectually precocious 13-year old boy who develops a crush on his gay English instructor. Set in rural Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, newcomer Aaron Webber is outstanding as the quirky Emerson Thorsen whose attraction to his teacher Don Grant (Daniel McIvor) threatens to create serious problems for the teacher, the school, and his clueless parents. While the film delves into unconventional subject matter such as nocturnal emissions and causal sex in washrooms, Buchbinder deals with these topics in a matter of fact way without taking any narrative or stylistic risks.Rather than continue with home schooling where he seems deficient in key subjects, Emerson's free-spirited parents Kaya (Rebecca Jenkins) and Rog (Robert Joy), enroll their gifted son in the local high school. Emerson has written what looks like a 500-page Hobbit novel and has knowledge far beyond the reach of his rural classmates but is lacking in social and emotional maturity. Looking sexually androgynous with hair coming down his face and a touch of lipstick, he is bullied by his classmates and sneered at when he proposes that the teacher throw away the book they are reading (Snowboard Snowjob) in favor of Shakespeare.He naively pursues his teacher Don, a gay man, but seems to have no understanding of how his actions are putting his teacher in jeopardy. Buchbinder throws in some undeveloped subplots about Kaya having an affair with a local worker and Don thinking about reconciling with a former lover but the characters are paper-thin and the stories do not come to life. Though Whole New Thing brings some insight into the confusion of an adolescent waking up to sexual ambiguity, I found the relationships unpersuasive and lacking in reality. Aaron Webber, however, is definitely a talent to watch and the haunting score by David Buchbinder, the director's brother, using Arabic, Celtic, African, and rock melodies, played on a group of exotic instruments, is worth the price of admission.
dennisthemennis
Whole New Thing is just the kind of movie missing from popular cinema these days. It's unabashedly breaches touchy subjects that make most audiences squirm in their seats with a grace and artistry that pulls you in from the opening shot. Then again, if you're a homophobe or even a conservative, to generalize, then Whole New Thing might be a little TOO new for you. But then , so are most indie movies. With a beautifully written script wrought with humor that doesn't shy away from...well anything, and fantastic acting from an amazing cast, the best part of this movie is Aaron Webber as Emerson Thorsen, the main character. He fits this character without a single flaw, and it's very hard not to fall in love with him. Daniel McIvor also delivers a wonderful performance as Don Grant, Emmerson's English teacher at his first public school, after being home schooled all his life by his parents in the wilderness of good ol' Nova Scotia. As Emmerson learns that he is gay, and develops a crush on Don, who is still hanging in the closet, he has to deal with his other students' preconceived notions towards the gay population, namely in being bullied. Eventually, it becomes Don who has to come to terms with Emmersons crush, and his own homosexuality. Whole New Thing is just that; an entirely new thing, unlike any film out there today, and it does a miraculous job of it too. The sad thing is its indie status. Most people won't ever see this, or even hear of it. My fingers are crossed for a DVD release. If it's possible, go see it NOW.
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