Detroit Film Theatre
THE CANADIAN SCENE: PONTYPOOL

Thursday, November 05, 2009 7:00 PM

(Canada – 2008 – directed by Bruce McDonald)

At a tiny radio station in rural Ontario, morning DJ Grant Mazzy (Stephen McHattie) begins his day with an attitude as curmudgeonly as always – perhaps even more so, considering that it’s Valentine’s Day. Soon, however, as reports of strange sightings and even stranger behavior (including inexplicably naked citizens speaking gibberish and rioting) begin to filter down to him, the existence and sudden spread of a terrifying new virus becomes apparent. Trying to maintain some semblance of order and sanity in his isolated little society, Mazzy becomes not only a source of information but something of an existential philosopher as well. Using an understated style that’s the polar opposite of Night of the Living Dead’s George Romero, McDonald has created an intellectual zombie movie for the gore-averse, but one that is every bit as disturbing on its own creepy terms. (95 min.)

"A one-of-a-kind zombie film. A witty, crazy-cool little tour de force." -Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly

The Canadian Scene is a co-presentation of The Windsor International Film Festival and the Detroit Film Theatre.