In the turbulent political era in which we live, it’s important to keep a level head. After all, our politicians know what’s going on… right?
Rumours follows the seven leaders of the world’s wealthiest democracies in the annual meeting of the G7 conference. Sitting around the dinner table, world leaders from Germany, the United States, Japan, France, Italy, the UK and, of course, Canada have gathered to draft a provisional statement to help guide the world into the future. However, as the end of the world unravels quickly around them, these ‘bold’ men and women are left scrambling to find a solution, provided they can find their way out of the forest first.
Written and directed by Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson and Galen Johnson, Rumours is an insightful and often hilarious exploration of global politics in a time of unrest. Here, Maddin and company cut with a satirical edge. Funny and bizarre, Rumours is absolutely bonkers in some moments while carving out the heart of the political world in others. Even in moments when the visuals are most wild, the dialogue is sharp and incisive.
(In some ways, the film feels like a one-act play, especially when the action remains centered around the dinner table.) Fusing furious political gestures amidst a zombie apocalypse creates a blend of humour and horror that feels entirely unique.
Oh, and there’s a gigantic brain.
While the humour won’t be for everyone, Rumours truly sparkles with silliness as each nation attempts to lead without actually having anything of value to offer. Maddin and the Johnsons attempt to keep the focus on the conversations, even as the world is spiraling quickly around them. To these political figureheads, what matters most is the ‘statement’. No matter how vague, they believe firmly that a grand proclamation of unity is the best way to instill confidence in a world that feels lost. Together, they believe that they can keep the world together. While fears and tensions rise, there’s a certain sense of optimism between them, as long as they can keep their focus on the image that they portray to the world. Their inability to deal with the issues directly may keep them from any actual progress yet they remain undeterred.
Interestingly, each of these characters seem to be built on the back of the stereotypes based on the perceptions of others. America remains ready to take drastic actions, if necessary (and it often seems necessary). Germany seems strong yet vulnerable. Canada seems emotional and, at times, unable to make bold decisions. Each world leader has their own distinct voice yet seems limited by their differences.
But, in the midst of it all, lies Maxime, prime minister of Canada. In a film about the G7, it seems odd that the central voice remains the representative from the Great White North. However, Rumours lets Canada (somewhat) take centre stage. In a hilarious twist to the global political arena, many of the conversations seem to circle around ‘what does Canada think’ yet even our prime minister seems unaware of any proper course of action. In this regard, one can’t help think that Rumours becomes an inquest into our role in the world of politics. Are we supposed to lead the way? Or support others? A blend of both? Even so, Rumours seems unsure of its answers (which, ironically, seems the most Canadian of all.)
Much of the success here is due to a delightful performance by Roy Dupuis as Maxime, a man who carries his political agenda as a heavy burden. While everyone here holds their own, it’s Dupuis who is the standout. At all times, he is both funny and earnest, attempting to seek the future while holding himself together.
And, in the end, that’s the true joy of Rumours. Like Canada itself, Maddin and the Johnsons are asking big questions and wondering from where the answers will come. In this post-apocalyptic vision, the world is (literally) on fire yet no one seems to have a bucket of water. Instead, what we have are hollow promises that offer little more than empty hope. But Rumours understands that working together goes beyond ‘provisional statements’ and requires action, compassion and, most of all, global co-operation.
Rumours is available in theatres on Friday, October 18th, 2024.
