The Tracey Fragments: a fragmented soul in a fragmented picture

0 Comments POSTED: September 13, 2007 19:17 | By: Katarina Collins

Last night, programmer Steve Gravestock introduced Bruce McDonald to a full theatre by saying "He is one of my favourite filmmakers, one of the Festival Group's favourite filmmakers. Every new film he makes surprises us, and this is probably his most audacious film." Indeed, The Tracey Fragments is a bold film, but its audacity is matched only by the stunning beauty of McDonald's visual and the fantastic performance by Ellen Page (also in The Stone Angel, at TIFF this year).

McDonald's film is presented almost entirely in split-screen frames, but that description hardly does the film justice. Multiple images are constantly fading in and out of view, encircling Tracey in versions of herself, mirroring her, presenting a constant stream of 'alternate views'. This visual approach adds to the story in many ways, but most of all makes the film an absolute feast for the eyes.

I asked a few audience members what they thought of the film's style. One woman said to me "Well, I was a fan of Highway 61 back in the day. I expect him [Bruce McDonald] do do something crazy and out there and shocking. When that film came out I was totally blown away by it. I'm blown away now". Her friend chimed in "I saw Don McKellar in the audience, he looks just like he did then".

Another woman nearby said "That Ellen Page is a real talent. Doesn't she look like a young version of the Dale sisters"? Page's performance is indeed the most impressive thing about the film. Her ability to portray a fractured consciousness which is then visualized by the film's fractured images is truly arresting.

The Tracey Fragments screens again on Friday Sept. 14 at 12:45pm at the Cumberland.