We were very excited when, earlier this year, director Martin Villeneuve (younger brother of the much respected Dennis Villeneuve), provided us with an update on his project Mars et Avril.
Adapted by Villeneuve from a series of graphic novels and featuring visuals by renowned artist Francois Schuiten, not to mention script doctored by his brother, the story takes place in a futuristic world where migration to Mars is commonplace but Jacob, a leader of the anti-cybernetic movement, isn't quite ready to go. The story follows Jacob as he works his way though the issues that are keeping him tied to earth.
The film stars Jacques Languirand as Jacob, Paul Ahmarani as his best friend Arthur and the great Robert Lepage as Eug?ne Spaak's head.
The first stills promised some amazing visuals and the trailer does not disappoint. There are always complaints that Canadian films don't look as good as films made elsewhere, something I've never understood considering the number of Hollywood films made here, but it's all a matter of money and quite frankly, Canadian movies generally don't have much of it. But here, budget doesn't appear to be much of a problem because Mars et Avril seems to have pulled it all out of the bag. This looks spectacular.
For the moment, the trailer is only available in French but I expect an English subbed trailer to appear in the next few months (it's always a little slow rolling French Canadian films across the country).
Synopsis:
Mars et Avril takes place in a Montreal of the future when humanity is ready to move to Mars. But, not everyone is ready to go. Jacob Obus, a charismatic and beloved septuagenarian, leader of the anti-cybernetic movement, takes pride in slowing down time. He plays captivating music on instruments inspired by women's bodies and designed by his friend, Arthur.
It's when Jacob and Arthur are smitten by Avril, a young and short-winded photographer, that the true nature of the old sex symbol is revealed. After making love for the first time in his life, Jacob is ready to leave for Mars in search of his muse. In the midst of everything arrives Eug?ne Spaak, inventor, cosmologist and Arthur's father, who maintains that Mars is only a chimera.
This article by Marina Antunes originally appeared over at Quiet Earth.