Crime Wave

Crime Wave is an offbeat, independent Canadian comedy-drama that was initially released in 1985. Directed by Winnipeg-based filmmaker John Paizs, a must-know figurehead in the prairie postmodern cinema, the film is a hidden gem in the realm of comedy. Paizs also stars in the film alongside actors Eva Kovacs and Darrell Baran.

The film features elements of satire and meta-commentary on the typical movie-making process, further appealing to film enthusiasts who enjoy an exploration of cinema's inner workings. The plot revolves around an introspective man named Steven Penny, portrayed convincingly by John Paizs. He is a struggling color crime movie writer who encounters difficulties when it comes to crafting satisfactory conclusions to his scripts. He only can manage to write exciting, gripping beginnings and tantalizing, titillating middles. Unable to generate the essential climaxes, he seems to be continuously doomed to leave his thrilling stories unfinished.

One of the refreshing aspects of Crime Wave is its unusual narrative structure. It doesn't follow a traditional linear sequence, making use of a complex structure that only makes sense as the film progresses. This adds a level of mystery and intrigue, drawing viewers into the film's delightful absurdity.

Eva Kovacs, renowned for her roles in Canadian cinema and television, plays a key character named Kim. Kim is a precocious, insightful, and incredibly supportive young girl who lives in the apartment below Steven. Intrigued by Steven's work and keen to help him break his writer's block, she gets embroiled in his world of crime scriptwriting, pushing the narrative forward in unexpected ways.

Darrell Baran performs the role of Kim's troublemaking older brother, who also takes an interest in Steven's color crime stories. As the narrative unfurls, the interactions between these intensely interesting characters help to tease out the unique character traits of Steven, as well as further complicating the plot.

The entire ensemble's performances are dedicated and compelling, bringing their unconventional characters to life with an almost surreal tint. The film thus cleverly fuses elements of comedy, drama, crime, and fantasy to create an aesthetic all of its own.

A significant portion of Crime Wave is filled with Steven's tales of crime and adventure, represented as short, silent movies. These movies-within-the-movie are shot in brightly saturated colors that add to the film's distinctive visual style.

The film is shot in and around Winnipeg, and the setting evokes a surreal world out of time, filled with locations like suburban houses, seedy car lots, and the quintessentially Canadian landscapes – all adding to the wonderful strangeness of the story.

The movie also deploys a whimsical musical score that adds a peculiar charm to the entire endeavor. The music dances along with the unfolding drama, adding to the film's comedic undertone. It also heightens the moments of intrigue and suspense as Steven grapples with his writing.

Another standout aspect of Crime Wave is its dialogues. The writing, though absurdist, has a rhythm and substance that makes it a quintessential part of the movie's charm. Added together, the film's elements create an eccentric worldview that is, simultaneously, bewildering, fascinating and endearing.

Though Crime Wave did not garner significant attention when it was first released, its subtly innovative vision and supremely weird feel led it to develop a cult following. Its originality sets it apart, offering a slice of cinema that refuses to conform to standard genre classifications.

On the whole, Crime Wave can be seen as a testament to the creative power of independence in filmmaking. It stands as a genre-defying work of art that blends elements of comedy, crime, and drama in a brilliantly imaginative way. Drenched in vivid aesthetics and led by delightfully peculiar characters, the film is a celebration of filmmaking craft and a good-humored nudge to Hollywood tropes. For those seeking a unique viewing experience outside of the mainstream mold, Crime Wave is an intriguing find worth watching.