Mars & Avril

Mars & Avril is an avant-garde blend of science fiction, surrealism, and romantic drama set in the futuristic city of Montreal. Directed by Martin Villeneuve in 2012, this is a visually stunning Canadian film based on the two graphic novels by the director himself. It stars legendary radio host Jacques Languirand, the talented Caroline Dhavernas, and versatile actor Paul Ahmarani.

The film is set in a not-too-distant future, where humanity is on the brink of achieving immortality and is preparing for the colonization of Mars. However, the setting is not the high-tech, steel-and-glass utopia common to many other stories from the future. Instead, the film visually crafts a much more atmospheric, heavily stylized, and cosmopolite version of Montreal, filled with hovering Velo bikes, virtual reality cabarets, and artisanal technology, creating a surrealist backdrop to the narrative.

Jacques Languirand plays Jacob Obus, a septuagenarian pop-star known for his enchanting music created with instruments modeled on the female form. His performances mesmerize the audience by transcending the earthly experience and creating a soulful connection with music. The gravitas and charm of Languirand give a unique blend of mystique, vulnerability, and charisma to Jacob's character, effectively capturing his artistry and making him a potent and unforgettable figure.

Caroline Dhavernas's character, Avril, is a professional at photographing the end of things, a career in high demand in a society angling for immortality. She's a mysterious, ethereal beauty with an enigmatic persona that radiates from her visually compelling photographs. She becomes the muse for the creation of Jacob's next musical instrument, further thickening the plot and setting it on an intriguing path.

Paul Ahmarani plays Arthur, an inventor and musician who designs Jacob's peculiar musical instruments and secretly harbors unexpressed feelings for Avril. Ahmarani delivers a highly convincing performance, successfully portraying a range of emotions from creative ecstasy to sweet suffering of unrequited love.

A unique aspect of Mars & Avril lies in its unorthodox aesthetics, with its visual effects being realized by none other than visual effects company BUF, renowned for its contribution to "The Matrix," "Avatar," and "The Dark Knight." However, unlike many visually robust movies that lack a robust narrative, Mars & Avril doesn't fall into this pitfall. It presents a balanced approach where visuals and the plot complete and lift each other.

The driving force of the narrative is the triangle formed by Jacob, Avril, and Arthur. Their entwined destinies oscillate between futuristic surrealism and bare human emotions: aspirations, creation, love, jealousy, fear of mortality, and the quest for immortality. This creates a distinctive perspective on the possibilities of future human relationships and societal norms. The ethereal music and art contribute to the character building and the overall mood of the film, providing a constant sense of an other-worldly reality.

The themes of Mars & Avril range from the nature of inspiration and creation, the philosophy of art, and the tantalizing possibility of immortality, to the subtler nooks and crannies of human emotions and longings. Each of these themes is explored with great depth and sincerity, making for an intellectually captivating viewing. The film is a sensory treat that seduces with both style and substance, serving genuine human emotion and an engaging narrative in a dish of artistic science fiction.

On the surface, Mars & Avril may sound like a traditional love triangle, but it is a film that goes beyond conventional storytelling. It presents an introspective look at the intersection of art and science, posing deep philosophical questions about our collective future as a species and opening up an equally vibrant discussion about the nature of love, art, and mortality. The developed characters, coupled with prominent themes, intricate plot, and blending of various narrative ingredients, make Mars & Avril a thought-provoking story in a mesmerizing otherworldly setting.

In conclusion, Mars & Avril is truly a high-concept film that marries a compelling script and strong performances to image and imagination. With its innovative narrative and intriguing themes, it will leave viewers lost in thought, long after the end credits roll. This is no ordinary film; it is an enriching spectacle, best suited for film enthusiasts who don't mind straying off the beaten path.