At first, Roger's Pass comes off as a low budget dramedy that doesn't know where exactly it belongs, seemingly directionless with a slow pace and a sense of claustrophobia only further channelled through the all too familiar harshness of the Calgarian winter. But then, only minutes in, it takes you by surprise. Everything about this movie constantly dares the viewer to care, to feel. The quirky mis en scene, only slightly reminiscent of Wes Anderson's films, is visually engaging throughout and adds a sense of vintage tackiness to the entire affair, rounded with a certain warmth. The soundtrack is just as brilliant, comprised of minimalistic keyboard arrangements that add to the over all home made feel of the film, and features familiar songs by excellent homegrown act such as Women, Woodpigeon, Ghostkeeper, Chad VanGaalen, and many more, contributing greatly to the local factor and truly allowing this movie to retain it's distinctly Calgarian feel. All of this is used to full effect in framing a fundamentally human story, and this is where Roger's Pass truly shines; strong, sincere performances that perpetuate a script that is not only strikingly humanistic, but also a mature meditation on death, life, and everything that must happen in between.
The story itself revolves around Dustin, a deadbeat art school drop-out who's masterpieces include ninjas, ninjas, and more ninjas (mostly with their penises hanging out), and his family. His father Roger discovers several tumours in his brain, while his successful brother Dave is on vacation with his impregnated Guatemalan wife, all the while his mother, long estranged from his father, lives with her new husband Bon, who practices yoga and transcendental meditation in the nude in the living room each day. It's not necessarily a new concept (the overcoming of illness, etc), but the film manages to deliver it in a decidedly fresh and ever meaningful way. Roger's Pass may be a small film, but it is not one to be underestimated. If you allow it to unfold you will be present for not only a very funny and enjoyable film, but also a spectacle of overwhelming humanity. It is a little gem of a movie laced with subtle imagery and grandiose metaphors.
Some of the most powerful moments presence themselves in the way that characters interact with each other and the world around them. Dustin is self righteous and confused, misunderstood but also misunderstanding. While Roger comes to terms with his own mortality Dustin is forced to mature and care for his father, ultimately seeking his acceptance. The primary focus is on the relationship between Roger and his two sons, as they must learn to accept one another and themselves. By the time Roger comes to recounting the tale of the titular pass, you are ready to surrender entirely to this film. It is truly a marvellous thing to see the subtleties of life emerge as everyone in Roger's life rallies around him in his final moments, and a certain redemptive quality is achieved. All of this is only emphasized by the fact that it is featured within a strikingly familiar landscape, and it really does feel close to home, both literally and figuratively. Roger's pass is filled to the brim with outstanding local talent, and it is not to be missed. In a festival line-up that is loaded with amazing content from all over the globe, it's nice to see such a wonderful film emerge right here in Calgary. So show up and show your support, trust me, you'll be glad that you did.
You can catch Roger's Pass at the Globe (upstairs) at 12:15 pm on Saturday, September 25th.
Tickets are available online (calgaryfilm.com), from the festival centre in Eau Claire Market, or at the door.
