Humane (Human in French version) is another dystopia that seems to be coming to fruition with each passing day.
“I read the script [de Michael Sparaga] before the pandemic and everything that has happened since makes me fear more for our future, confides Canadian director Caitlin Cronenberg. In the five years since, much has changed for the worse, both environmentally and politically. »
PHOTO GEORGE PIMENTEL, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Caitlin Cronenberg, center, with actors Jay Baruchel and Emily Hampshire on the film’s red carpet Humane in Toronto
In this anticipation thriller, the woman who is also a world-renowned photographer subtly addresses the environment, racism, economic disparities, the measurement of success and other current issues. Despite everything, the first achievement of David Cronenberg’s youngest daughter is not depressing. Its dark humor, its clumsy violence and its entertaining characters make you smile more than cry.
Purge the planet
In a world that looks like ours, the climate crisis is forcing governments to take drastic action. Thus, for several months, a voluntary euthanasia program has been established. The goal is to eliminate 20% of the population. Retired news anchor Charles York (Peter Gallagher) invites his four children home to tell them that he and his second wife (Uni Park) have signed up. When the latter runs away and the Department of Civil Strategy (DOCS) knocks on the door, the family must determine who will accompany the father to the incinerator.
Jay Baruchel (Blackberry, goon), Emily Hampshire (Schitt’s Creek, Cosmopolis), Sebastian Chacon (Daisy Jones & The Six) and Alanna Bale (Cardinal) embody the York children with many faults. While the first two, Jared and Rachel, are smug and contemptuous, Noah carries a heavy past and Ashley has a string of professional failures.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY ELEVATION PICTURES
Caitlin Cronenberg shot Humane in Hamilton, Ontario.
Each of the actors was delighted at the idea of playing a character very different from who they are in life. They’re wonderful, kind, and have strong values, so they had a lot of fun playing despicable people.
Caitlin Cronenberg, director
Despicable, but not completely. Although most of them are loathsome, their fate matters to us. “Once the audience hates a character, it’s not easy for an actor to get them back into their good graces. All the credit goes to my talented actors,” says the director.
Strangely, our compassion is most evident when blood begins to spurt. Between the attacks and the betrayals there are hesitations and questions. This gives rise to scenes that are strong in emotion, but also funny. “I wanted the fights to be awkward, because these people don’t know how to fight. We are not in John Wick, remarks Caitlin Cronenberg, a smile in her voice. They suddenly find themselves with a gun in their hand and say, “Okay, we’re stabbing our brother!” It’s comical, because it’s improbable. And someone getting a miniature baseball bat to the head will always be funny, even in a life or death context. »
Like almost the entire film, the hostilities take place in the Yorks’ sumptuous family home. Ravenscliffe Castle in Hamilton, Ontario, a character in itself, was built in 1881. The Romanesque and Gothic style building houses 12 rooms and 8 foyers on five floors. “It was fantastic to film there,” says the Canadian. Just walking in allows the actors to feel like they are in a real home. The premises came with some challenges, such as creaky floorboards, but this adds character. »
A father present
Fairly early in the story, we learn that Charles York was often absent due to his work and that his children suffered as a result.
PHOTO GEORGE PIMENTEL, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Caitlin and David Cronenberg at the premiere of Humane in Toronto, April 17
Did Caitlin Cronenberg draw inspiration from her experiences for this part? ” No way ! My father worked a lot, but spaced his films a few years apart. He spent a lot of time at home writing and when he was filming, it was only a few months and we were always close to him. He was more present than most of the fathers of my friends who had high positions in companies,” she assures.
And what is the most important cinematographic lesson that the creator of The Fly, Crash And A History of Violence? “A happy plateau,” she says. “He didn’t teach it to me, but I learned it by observing him. If you are kind and respectful, everyone will be happier and feel that their contribution is essential. »
Humane will be on display on April 26.