This feature film started life as a play written in 1990 by John
Mighton, Mighton, who along with some
input from Robert Lepage, a Canadian born playwright, actor, and in this case
film director, adapted it for the cinema. It is part murder mystery, part science fiction, and part
mathematical philosophy, and follows the multiple parallel lives of the
mysterious George Barber (Tom McCamus). As the film opens George is found dead
- with his brain missing! Two detectives set out to uncover the truth behind this
grisly death, and stumble upon several strange characters. We then discover
that George is still alive, frequenting many different time periods as he pursues
the woman who will eventually become his wife (Tilda Swinton)
It was written in such a way that it would be
relevant to any era that is making advancements in neuroscience. This film opens up your mind to the
possibilities of alternate dimensions, social constructs or worlds and then
throws it to the ground in the end when all of it was a construct of the
imagination. It explores the human consciousness, morals and scientific
advancement all in one, while adding a bit of romance. It is very discontinuous
and hard to follow at times and the viewer must pay close attention to pick up
the very subtle messages and themes[1].
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| Tilda Swinton and Tom McCamus. |
I make no apologies for using someone
else’s quote to describe Possible Worlds (2000) a movie that
does not make any sense, at least on my first viewing. I would think this film must
appeal to a niche audience, but the rest of us would have to watch it a number
of times before it became totally clear and to be fair, although certainly
intriguing, I’m not sure its worth it?
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