The Saddest Music in the World DVD Review:

This new film from cult director Guy Maddin is unusual to say the least. It's a kind of musical set in Winnipeg during the Great Depression. A beer baroness, Lady Port-Huntly (Rossellini) offers a $25,000 prize to whoever performs the saddest song in the world. Musicians form around the world flock to Winnipeg. We hear African drummers, Scottish bagpipes and Mexican mariachi in a musical duel. The musical contrasts are fascinating. Time Out called it a "dreamy, dizzy musical".

Down on his luck Broadway producer Chester Kent (Mark McKinney) is one of those in search of the prize money. It is the 'unfinished business' that he and his family have with each other and Lady Port-Huntly that drives the story-line.

This movie will not win favour with everyone. It has a unique look and style - it reminded me of old silent movies (from the likes of Lang) - images of the sets of 'Metropolis' kept popping into my mind unbidden. The grainy black and white cinematography is effective but might jar with some.

Parts of this movie intrigued me and it was visually unusual but I couldn't say I was gripped by it. The storyline was farcical but it was not played as farce. Had it been presented that way it would have been very funny and more enjoyable. It just seemed too serious.



Jacqueline Sharp