I've Heard the Mermaids Singing

Customer Reviews:

Mermaids still sing for this film.......2007-02-02

"I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each. I do not think that they will sing to me." This lament by T.S Eliot's Prufrock in 1917 is a beautiful introduction to Patricia Rozema's 1987 Canadian cult film, a poignant and humorous story about the 31-year old, "organizationally impaired," social misfit and photographer Polly Vandersma. After twenty years and many viewings, I can still find solace and amusement in this film, which so sweetly and humorously explores the wisdom in those who on the surface are oft times bumbling, outcasts and uncool. The film gods were kind to put this movie on DVD, replete with the director's insightful commentary and amusing remarks about mid-1980's attire.

Those seeking an "art" film that is weird or conceptually complicated won't enjoy this movie. The story, like Polly, is seemingly simple on the outside but complex upon a closer view and relies on the viewer's ability to think and empathize with the characters.

Leading a somewhat solitary life in a "bachelorette" apartment, her photographs as the only décor, Polly is neither self-involved nor bleak, but instead unflappably content in her darkroom and the fantastic visions she finds therein. Things change when she lands a job in a Toronto art gallery working for the curator Gabrielle, a woman as self-composed and concerned with "important" art as Polly is awkward and unsophisticated. As a foil to Polly's innocent joy in the beautiful minutiae of the ordinary world, the failed artist Gabrielle is desperate to create "just one truly beautiful thing" before she dies. In the cross-hairs of their lives, the film examines the ages old ideas about love and art, talent and worth.

Neatly side-stepping any stereotypes, the perfect casting and honest interpretations by the actors keep the story believable. Polly's foibles are simple and her visions at times juvenile, but Sheila McCarthy's portrayal of Polly is so genuine and so touching that there is no doubt the mermaids sing to her.

In 21st century light this low-budget film is showing its age. However it also takes a closer look at our humanity--in particular our need to be understood--and that is something which is eternal.

AN EXCELLENT MOVIE!!.......2006-11-04

A GOOD MOVIE, GOOD PERFORMANCES, NICE IMAGES AND GREAT SOUNDTRACK.
IF YOU WANT TO SEE SOMETHING DIFFERENT...THIS IS A GOOD OPTION.
WHAT A PITY NOT TO HAVE AVAILABLE " WHEN NIGHT FALLS" BY THE SAME DIRECTOR THE CANADIAN FILMMAKER PATRICIA ROZEMA.

Sorry, Rules Of Attraction..........2006-09-28

...but I have a new least favorite movie, and its name is I've Heard The Mermaids Singing.

This is easily the worst movie I've seen yet. I've sat through some huge stinkers (Fast and the Furious, The Smokers, the aforementioned Rules Of Attraction, etc.), but this one somehow manages to outstink them all. It's a piece of pretentious, unintelligible, artsy-fartsy garbage. The lead actress (and I use the word "actress" loosely) is so annoying, you'll be hoping for her death in the movie. I am not kidding. Her acting is about as natural as her hair color. She is way too damn hyper and perky. AND don't give me that "but egplamtt, shee s a free sp1r1t LOL LOL" jazz, either.

Again, do NOT see this movie. It will be the most painful 80 minutes of your life. Highly unrecommended. The only reason I give it one star is because that's the lowest Amazon will go. If possible I'd give it -10/5 stars. It's that bad. Seriously. This is Mystery Science Theater 3000 material, and I dunno about you folks, but I'd love to see this P.O.S. get owned by a talking gumball machine.

I've heard the mermaids singing, and they ain't singing to this turkey, that's for damn sure.

Ugh.......2005-02-22

reading all the wonderful reviews, i had high hopes for this movie.

Result: utterly disappointed. waste of time and money.

Horrible - artistic tripe.......2005-01-04

This movie is horrible. I can't understand why anyone would like this pathetic artistic tripe.

I've Heard the Mermaids Singing (Le Chant des sirènes) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Netherlands ]

Average customer rating:

I've Heard the Mermaids Singing (Le Chant des sirènes) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Netherlands ]
Director: Patricia Rozema
Manufacturer: HomeScreen
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Product Description

Netherlands released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: it WILL NOT play on standard US DVD player. You need multi-region PAL/NTSC DVD player to view it in USA/Canada. LANGUAGES: English (Dolby Digital 2.0), Dutch (Subtitles), French (Subtitles), ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN (1.66:1), SYNOPSIS: Lensed on a smile and a shoeshine on 16 millimeter, I've Heard the Mermaids Singing effectively shifts from black and white to color and back again to make its artistic statement. Sheila McCarthy stars as a self-effacing amateur photographer who goes to work for yuppie art-curator Paule Baillargeon. Ms. McCarthy expresses her admiration for Ms. Baillargeon by secretly submitting the latter's paintings to some appreciative critics. Baillargeon responds by behaving atrociously towards McCarthy. This shakes up McCarthy to the point that she realizes she'll never succeed as an artist on her own terms long as she hides behind the accomplishments of others. This apparently autobiographical first film by director Patricia Rozema (we say 'apparently' because Sheila McCarthy's character name is rhythmically and ethnically close to Rozema's) won the Prix de la Jeunesse at the Cannes Film Festival. SPECIAL FEATURES: Interactive Menu,

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