In the lead up to the 7th Canadian Film Festival in Australia (August 2012), join us as we countdown the Top 100 Canadian Films of the past 30 years. We'll be posting one film a day leading up to Canada Day on July 1st 2012. Do you agree with our team favourites? Let us know your thoughts!
#63 - THE SALESMAN (LE VENDEUR)
In a small, recession-plagued town in Northern Quebec, the impending closure of the paper factory threatens the livelihood of the local car dealership. Ageing salesman Marcel (Gilbert Sicotte), however, works hard and continues to excel at his job.
Shrugging off retirement, he invests his energy in his work and spends his free time with his beloved daughter and grandson. But can these peaceful times stretch indefinitely? Does being a good salesman equal being a good man?
This extremely impressive, strikingly minimalist first feature from Sebastien Pilote benefits from excellent performances, particularly Sicotte. Marcel’s warmth and compassion for his family, and his dedication to his work, contrasts with a baseline emotional distance and commitment to routine in this harsh and volatile environment, bringing an emotional complexity that makes this film a real stand out.
Slow, contemplative, beautiful and heart breaking; invest yourself in it and you will undoubtedly be rewarded.
- Karina Libbey
“A masterful observation of ordinary people squeezing what they need to get by out of unforgiving circumstances.” Greg Quill – Toronto Star
The Salesman saw its Australian Premiere at Possible Worlds Film Festival in 2011.
To see the other films in the countdown so far, click here.