Trotsky

"The Trotsky" is one of those films that I wholeheartedly loved for at least half of its running time. A deliciously dark comedy about a Canadian youth who imagines he's the reincarnation of Russian revolutionary leader Leon Trotsky, this film begins as a strong satire of idealism gone awry. The running joke, throughout, is that our hero has very little to rebel against--he's just in love with the idea that he is a relevant trailblazer. But, in fact, he's no trailblazer at all. He's just trying to mirror his life according to the facts of Trotsky's existence--right down to his love life. It's a sly and smart skewering of politics and teen rebellion. The fact that his activism has very little real world context is quite amusing as there is no obvious cause to be fought. But just as the picture had won me over--a subtle shift starts occurring and we're meant to take this arbitrary and absolutely meaningless struggle seriously. A completely implausible, and somewhat creepy, romantic entanglement doesn't help. Once I felt like the movie was asking me to embrace the student as a hero, my good will went south pretty quickly as the movie didn't seem to be in on its own joke anymore.

Jay Baruchel capably plays our wannabe revolutionary. The film begins as he organizes a hysterically inept hunger strike at his father's factory. The early family scenes work equally well as Baruchel verbally spars with his father (a great Saul Rubinek). The twist of seeing this privileged youth fighting for the teeming masses elicits many laugh out loud moments as he is seemingly disconnected from the hypocrisy of his lifestyle. His father takes a page from the real Trotsky and forces his son to attend (gasp!) public school. However, this being Canada--the school is quite lovely. For no discernible reason (slight dress code infractions are the only real issues apparent), a campaign to start an actual union to represent students is initiated. Still quite funny, the film has our hero rallying the troops for the most spectacularly inane rebellion. Soon, however, the film starts to take things a bit far and the student's apathy may turn to support. Why? Because school isn't fun. That ends up being the unifying force. Deep, huh?

Amidst the increasing nonsense, Baruchel stalks a 27 year old graduate student. Let's just say this really didn't add to my good will because you can imagine where this storyline is headed. And it's not a good place! Baruchel never comes to terms with the fact he's been an ungrateful tool to his father, but let's not dwell on the negative. Baruchel starts off as a awkwardly out-of-place antihero, but by the end--I found him insufferably self-involved AND we're meant to admire him for it! This satire started at a rollicking four stars for its first hour and ended at two stars for its shift of tone. A true disappointment. I guess I'll split the difference. It's a shame--I'd recommend the first hour to anyone, but I ended up hating it! KGHarris, 3/11.

Save 31% Off