Last Night (1998) dir: Don McKellar

Not many people are aware of it, but there exists a small contingent of Canadian filmmakers who never venture beyond the borders of their country to make their art. They are happy to remain in Canada making arty meaningful films which play film festivals but never gain wider acclaim outside of the country. Filmmakers like Guy Maddin, Atom Egoyan and even David Cronenberg until recently, seem content to make movies in the confines of their small filmmaking communities in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. Famous Canadian filmmakers who have ventured beyond the border include James Cameron, Paul Haggis and Norman Jewison. Not many people know that Porky’s (1978) was actually a Canadian film and remains the highest grossing Canadian film ever. The problem seems to be that although appearing on the surface to be identical to the films produced in Hollywood, Canadian films are usually co-financed by the Canadian government and as such cannot hope to compete with the marketing budget afforded your average blockbuster. Recent acclaimed Canadian productions include Ginger Snaps, Cube,The Saddest Music In The World and Last Night directed by actor Don McKellar, a somber end of the world drama with great early performances from Sandra Oh and Sarah Polley.

Set in Toronto on an unknown date, Last Night follows the remaining few hours left before the end of the world. We track the fates of three characters as the end approaches at midnight. Widower Patrick (Don McKellar) prepares for the end by shunning the affections of his family to spend time alone on his roof drinking wine whilst his sister (Sarah Polley) instead goes with her boyfriend to a mass end of the world party. Patrick comes across Sandra (Sandra Oh) whose car has been stolen by the crowds looting and is desperate to get back to her husband Duncan (David Cronenberg) as they have made a suicide pact. Duncan owns a gas company and spends his final hours calling his customers to wish them well. Meanwhile Patrick’s best friend Craig (Callum Keith Rennie) decides to indulge in a non stop sex marathon fulfilling all of his fantasies. All of the characters fates intertwine as the hours tick down towards the end.

Within Canada, the film won several awards at local film awards galas and in 2002 was even voted best Canadian film of all time by the readers of Playback magazine. Outside of Canada, the film has barely been heard of, only very recently getting a DVD release in the UK. It’s a shame because Last Night is utterly unique amongst end of the world films. Most films about an apocalypse concentrate on the spectacle as it unfolds and the men who are tasked with saving the world. Last Night focuses on the little stories about real people that happen whilst the carnage takes place off in the distance. Its never explained in Last Night why the world is coming to an end, it could be environmental; as the hours tick down to midnight, the dark of night never comes with the sun still being visible in the sky throughout , but in truth it does not matter. This film is about how we cope when faced with our own mortality and as humans what dreams and regrets we have when faced with the ultimate deadline. The opening moments take place as a family sits down to a Christmas dinner which has been organized to bring the family together one last time before the end. This scene sets the somber tone for the rest of the movie and all of the performances are completely believable in the scenario portrayed. Although there are the inevitable scenes of anarchy as people choose to wreck the place when faced with the end of the world, its not the overall focus. Instead director and writer Don McKellar focuses on warmth and acts of love and kindness in the face of armageddon. Its not a film that has a visceral impact so much as a lasting impact on your emotions. As the clock counts down (we get title cards on screen to mark the hours from 6-11) you find yourself getting more and more invested in seeing these people fulfill their plans for the end of the world. As you are not quite sure how the world will end, you await with baited breath in the final moments much like the characters as it plays out like some bizarre new years eve celebration. The final moments sum up the spirit of the film perfectly and the core message as one of dignity and grace in the face of annihilation. It’s a similar tone and theme to Children of Men from 2006 and if you liked that film then this will probably appeal as well.

Apart from some short films, Don McKellar has not yet directed another feature. With the skill with which Last Night is written and directed, lets hope its not too long before he gets behind the camera again.

by Chris Holt

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