CIFF Reviews: Cloudburst
by Janine St. Jean
Cloudburst screened with the Calgary International Film Festival on Sept 24 and will encore on Fri Sept 30 (9:30pm @ the Globe)
cloud·burst
noun /ˈkloudˌbərst/
cloudbursts, plural
1. A sudden, violent rainstorm
2. A cloudburst is an extreme form of precipitation, sometimes with hail and thunder, which normally lasts no longer than a few minutes but is capable of creating flood conditions.
I feel that there are two types of films: one for entertainment, and one for art. It seems that the two types are constantly at odds with each other, that compromising one is the only way to subsist the other. Yet somehow, Cloudburst is both entertaining and art. On the surface, with it’s scenic imagery of beautiful sunsets and natural wonders, I was enchanted by the lush surroundings the cinematographer had painstakingly composed for the viewer. Then I met the characters Stella and Dot. Brash, crude, vulgar, outspoken, independent, opinionated Stella got under my skin. While Dot was gullible, meek, trusting, naive, and so very dependant due to her blindness. I didn’t think I could get though this film. Throw into the mix a lesbian love story and I suddenly thought this was going to be entertaining! Be it old lesbians (back to the art film. This is nothing like the hot lesbians in the “L” word.) that constantly bicker (the needle is now pointing at entertainment) as they struggle with life’s tribulations.
With most films, the plot is the fundamental crux that drives a piece forward. I don’t want to talk about the plot in this film. See it for yourself. The characters are what got my attention. They were so amazingly developed. The balance that Stella and Dot provide for each other is the film! (My needle is pointing to art, again.) Each character on their own was painful to watch. But together, they were hilarious! It’s like a “you had to be there” moment, which was filled with humour, wit and agony! (Entertainment!)
Shot entirely in Nova Scotia, this film was an enduring and memorable experience with a brilliant name! I was suddenly overwhelmed, and in an instant it was over.
A testament to what defines love and the obstacles that a couple will go through (just to be married like “normal”people); this was a genuine glimpse of the perseverance in the name of love.
