Everything's Gone Green

Author: 
Nick Pannu

Paul Fox’s and Douglas Coupland’s Leo Award Winning Everything’s Gone Green, premiered on Thursday, April 24th at Cinema 319 in Vancouver. CJSF’s Nick Pannu reviews…

Locally and internationally acclaimed writer, Douglas Coupland once again works his magic.  The dialogue is often persuasive because of Coupland’s ability to give depth to scenes through meaning that links back to the main theme.

The film begins with a twenty-something budding anarchist, Ryan being kicked out by his girlfriend. Abruptly, thereafter, he is suspended from work after his blog exposes his apathetic commitment. Feeling betrayed and mislead by the dangling carrots of  yuppiedom, Ryan seeks out a new path. An engaging journey that treats audience members to unexpected comedic scenes tweaked with brilliant satire.

The film never delves into issues directly related to the environment. Occasionally there are swerves within the plot implying that it ultimately will. In one scene Ryan is on his way to a job interview abruptly makes a u-turn to the beach so he can check out a beached whale.  In this strategic and defining scene Ryan befriends a girl telling her that the Whale’s circumstance “has purpose and meaning implying that their own lives having more meaning beyond fax machines, cubicles and bill payments. The film explores capitalism on a more subjective micro level - “the environment of the soul”.

Paulo Costanzo who is recognizable from his previous work on the sitcom “Joey”, showcased his versatility as an actor by convincingly playing out Ryan’s angst of being burdened with societal materialistic expectations. Playing Ryan’s love interest, actress Steph Song seems to have genuine chemistry with Costanzo. Furthermore, the music scores - exclusively from Canadian bands - are fundamental in setting the tone of the film. Although the script is flawless, without the upbeat psychedelic music, the dynamics of the film would have panned out differently. Vancouver’s urban and rural scenery also complemented the ‘green’ aspects of the film, which is actually set in Vancouver.

Everything’s Gone Green was presented by the First Weekend Club, a non-profit organization that aims to build audiences for Canadian films.  Their mandate is to keep films in theatres longer by building awareness and strong box office for great Canadian cinema on opening weekends.  Find out more at www.firstweekendclub.ca

  • Posted on: 11 March 2016
  • By: Administrator