[viv]

Link to Career Page on main site

[Karen K]

Again, a film that may not be everyone's cup of tea. But Roy's portrayal of Kevin facing death under different scenarios was excellent. And Serge Houde as the warden, Parlington, was perfect casting. A quickly made film with a small cast but a definitely interesting storyline not always easy to watch but sometimes had you laughing out loud.

[marcialouise]

I have watched this film several times (and I know I will see it many more times). Yes, it is a difficult film to watch but it is also very touching, moving, controversial, political, dramatic and unique. I have never seen another film exactly like it and probably never will. If this film had been made in the U.S. with big stars, (as if...) I am sure it would have won many awards - for its writer, director, and especially the actors. But, as that will NEVER happen...we are lucky that a Canadian writer, director and actors were courageous enough to make it. I just wish it had been seen by more people in the U.S. because if so, I think Roy would have been nominated for an Oscar for his performance...and would have won!

Roy is transcendant in this role. It is the best acting I have ever seen him do - even compared to "BAHWC" and "MA"! In those films he played one character but in this, he really plays eight! It is all the same man but he conveys that man going to his execution in eight different ways. Roy is truly amazing in what he accomplishes! How he did it I don't know, but I am so glad it is forever preserved on film. He manages to make this person human, not a monster, a human being who did a bad thing - we never know exactly what crime he has committed - only that the verdict is death. (...which probably means that he killed someone - but we never learn the circumstances - like in the movie "Dead Man Walking"- I think the writer obviously does not believe in execution and therefore did not want to influence the audience by saying what the crime was - which I think was wise - if you describe the person as a rapist or pedophile, it would be almost impossible to illicit any empathy for him at all in the story!)
Roy plays the inmate as a tough hard person - he did not play for sympathy at all. His character accepts the fact that he will be executed. His only concern is that his mother will see how he dies. That is a strange concern but you begin to understand why as the film progresses. In a strange way, it is out of love that he makes his last request.

There are so many levels on which to watch this film. Certainly anyone who believes in the death penalty should watch it. It may change your mind. Or not...but it will certainly make you think about how the death penalty is carried out...and whether it really achieves a solution...
As a person who does not believe in the death penalty, I found Roy's performance in this film greatly reinforced my belief. (If you read his comments in interviews around the film, you will see what Roy thinks on the topic) What is achieved by execution? What does the death penalty say about a society? Two wrongs do not make a right, in my opinion. But, the question remains: What to do with people who commit heinous crimes against society?

It is an independent film. A small film, filmed on a shoestring but, in a way, that is good. You don't really need a big budget , a lot of fancy sets, or a huge cast to tell the story of one man's personal journey on death row. One thing I loved was the music chosen for the end of the film - very emotional and beautiful! Good choice.

Purely from the acting level: Roy's performance is unbelievable - I have to say it again - you will be blown away by Roy's eight different portrayals! (Can you imagine if any big Hollywood actor had done this role - they would get so much press and praise and would definitely get an Oscar nom, if not a win!) I was completely drawn in by the reality of the story and all the actors' authenticity - you really feel you are there in the prison and walking that last mile with them! There is a smothering, claustrophobic feeling that is very pervasive which adds to the overall ambiance of the film.

No matter what your opinion is on the topic, I think you will agree that it is a very thought-provoking film. But, if for no other reason, I advise everyone to see this film for Roy Dupuis' unequalled performance! I assure you, one cannot come away with NO opinion about "Manners of Dying".

[MaryM]

A thoughtful and well considered review, and one I agree with. I was lucky enough to see this film on the big screen at the MIRA event in 2005, and it was completely compelling. It was impossible to do anything but sit, entranced, and watch this tour de force. All of the actors were very good. But, of course, it was Roy's film and he definitely owned it. I hope everyone who has not yet seen this movie will, at some point. It's one that should most definitely not be missed.

Note: We saw two films on that trip...the other was Memoirs Affectives. Can't beat that, now, can we!