The Twentieth Century
The Twentieth Century

Movie spotlight

The Twentieth Century

2019
Movie
90 min
English

Toronto, Canada, 1899. William Lyon Mackenzie King (1874-1950) fervently believes that he is destined to become Prime Minister, but to do so he will first have to fight his personal obsessions and overcome the many obstacles he will encounter on his tortuous path to power.

Insights

IMDb6.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic64/100
Google Users85%
Director: Matthew TenantsGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

In a surreal alternate reality of 1950s Canada, an aspiring young boy dreams of becoming the world's greatest ballet dancer. His journey is fraught with challenges, including his overbearing mother and a series of bizarre, dreamlike encounters. The film explores themes of identity, ambition, and the absurdity of life through a unique, stylized lens.

Critical Reception

Matthew Tenants's "The Twentieth Century" is a bizarre and visually striking black-and-white comedy that has garnered significant attention for its unique style and performances. While polarizing, it's often praised for its artistic ambition and daring originality, though some find its surrealism occasionally overwhelming.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its distinctive visual style and audacious surrealism.

  • Lauded for its bold and original narrative approach.

  • Some critics found the film's eccentricities to be occasionally disorienting.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciate the film's unique artistic vision and its ability to provoke thought and discussion. Many enjoyed the blend of comedy and drama, finding it a refreshing departure from conventional storytelling.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Original Song at the Canadian Screen Awards.

Fun Fact

The film was shot in black and white to evoke the aesthetic of early 20th-century cinema, enhancing its surreal and theatrical quality.

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