Guitar Lessons?tells the story of Ray (Corb Lund), a gruff oilfield contractor who once was a relatively famous rock star. Living alone and keeping people at an emotional distance, Ray?s life is turned upside down when he meets Leland (Kaden Noskiye), a 15-year-old Metis boy. Realizing Ray?s past, Leland approaches Ray and asks for guitar lessons. Initially, Ray refuses but this young man?s journey continues to cross his path until, finally, he agrees. As the lessons begin, the two learn what it means to grow up? together.
Directed by Aaron James, Guitar Lessons is an interesting exploration of the male psyche that highlights the changing times. There?s a sense of authenticity to this film that feels very personal. Having grown up nearby the film?s location, James recognizes the challenges of life and uses that to inform his narrative. This is a place where people work to get through the day and attempt to kill the rest of the hours of the day in whatever way possible. Addictions and depression seem to be lying in wait for those who have lost their spark of joy.
While there are moments and characters in Lessons that are funny, life in this area is not.
In his first lead role, this sense of heaviness works well for Lund. With his hulking personality and vocal rasp, Lund does a good job presenting Ray as an intolerable grump who clearly yearns to find some form of hope yet struggles to connect with others. Having said this though, the best performance may come from William Auger who feels like the stabilizing force within the film. As Bruiser, Auger carries a gravitas and wisdom that elevates his scenes and the performances of those around him. His strength brings hope into a difficult land.
What may be most interesting about Guitar Lessons though may be the way that it explores the struggles of modern masculine relationships. As Leland wanders through his own young life, so too does Ray lumber through his own emotional disconnection. However, when the opportunity to offer guitar lessons arrives, it seems like a natural fit. But Ray puts up resistance to mentoring the young man, claiming that he has no responsibilities to do so. There?s an emotional barrier that Ray struggles to see past, preventing Leland (or anyone else) from getting closer to him.
But, though Ray?s relationship with Leland may be the driving force of the film, there are other examples of broken male relationships as well. Ernie approaches Bruiser asking for help with his addictions. Ernie partners with Ray at work. Although each connection is different, Lessons demonstrates how difficult it can be for men to communicate with one another with genuine emotion and vulnerability. Although the relationships here between men are healthy examples, they still struggle to show their brokenness to one another.
Coming at a time when the very nature of masculinity has been called into question (with good reason), Lessons begins to lift the veil on the male voice. In this way, the film begins to ask what it truly means for them to open themselves up and seek help from others so that they can change and grow.
Guitar Lessons is available in theatres on Friday, February 24th, 2023.
