Tuesday, May 3, 2011

One Week

Directed (written and produced) by Micheal McGowan, Mongrel Media, 2008. Starring Joshua Jackson, Liane Balaban and Campbell Scott.

Genre: Adventure, Drama.

Question: Have you ever come face to face with your own mortality? I have - it has quite a sobering effect. But the real question I should ask - what would you do if you knew you only had a small amount of time left on this earth?

Joshua Jackson, probably best known for Dawson's Creek and, now, Fringe, stars as the man answering that question. When we first meet him, we see he is a man stuck in his own life due to some early rejections. He never really accomplished anything, including getting his first novel published because of his fear of more rejection. However, after discovering his fate, he jumps out of his shell because he must.

I think Joshua Jackson did a fantastic job with a subject matter not many of us have ever had to deal with. His mannerisms and the emotions he shows with just his eyes - allow you to imagine what he is going through. But One Week doesn't always tell you what he is thinking. This is one reason why I love independent films. They let the audience interpret the story. The writer-director must also get a shout-out for creating such a thought-provoking film.

Death is not something many want to discuss let alone have a debate about, and this film doesn't patronize the audience with its moral standing. In fact, it simply chronicles this man's journey as he rediscovers his own country, Canada, while he tries to wrap his head around the fact that he will probably die. As I watched this movie I saw parts of Canada that were truly spectacular and made me want to book a ticket up there.

I stumbled upon this film on a Netflix instant viewing list and was pleasantly surprised at what a good film it was. Yes, I mentioned I was faced with my own mortality and that probably gave me a deeper appreciation for One Week. But I don't think anyone could watch this and not contemplate about what they would do if they were in this situation.

Just as prevalent as the Canadian backdrop was in this film, the soundtrack intertwines itself into this story with several Canadian musicians and bands. It's a pretty good soundtrack with some cameos by some of the artists themselves. There was also narration, by Campbell Scott, in One Week. I am usually not a fan of a lot narration but it worked well in this story.

This movie begs the question: where would you go if nothing held you back?

My favorite thing: Realizing Joshua Jackson is a pretty decent actor - long way since The Mighty Ducks.

My least favorite thing: Reminding me that my own book isn't published yet.

Random thought: Every time I see Joshua Jackson I think he is somehow related to George Clooney. It is uncanny how many of their mannerisms are alike - even those eyes. Spooky!

Rating: NR
Length: 94 minutes

Review: 7 out of 10

11 comments:

Stacey Donaldson said...

Sounds interesting. I have to agree he and Georgie Boy could be related!

New follower from Mom Bloggers. Love your site, I totally dig movies!

www.justsayitoldyouso.com

Tired of Previews said...

Stacey - welcome and I am so glad I am not the only one who sees the similarities. Whew..

Katy

Cherie said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog! I'm your newest follower :)

http://journeythroughmommyhood.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

This reminds me of the movie My Life Without Me which was also filmed in Canada. I loved it because of it's honesty-think I would enjoy One Week for the same reason. Thanks for the review -I've never heard of this movie.

Tired of Previews said...

So glad to help!!

Mariah @ FormulaMom.com said...

What a great blog! I love these reviews and will have to devote some time for reading through some more!

I'm stopping by from the Super Stalker Sunday Hop! Thanks for participating and I'm looking forward to "stalking" you!
Mariah, FormulaMom

Tired of Previews said...

WOW! Thanks for the compliment. So glad you stopped by.

Katy

Lioness said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I really appreciate your visit.

Lioness-Your newest follower

Http://lionessrebirthorg.blogspot.com

Tired of Previews said...

Thanks!!

Unknown said...

hmm sounds interesting. I'll have to check it out. thanks for the preview!

Tired of Previews said...

Sach - you make me smile!