Carole Laure – La tete de Normande St-Onge (1975)

"La Tête de Normande St-Onge" (1975), directed by Gilles Carle, is a Canadian drama film from Quebec, starring Carole Laure as the titular character. Here's a comprehensive review based on available information: Plot and Characters: The film centers on Normande St-Onge, a pharmacy clerk with dreams of becoming a cabaret dancer. Her life is complicated by an eccentric household including her mother, who's been institutionalized for mental health issues, her drug-addicted sister, her unemployed boyfriend, and a peculiar magician. Normande's attempts to rescue her mother from the asylum and manage her chaotic family life drive her into a state of fantasy as a coping mechanism. Themes and Style: The movie delves into themes of family, madness, and escape through fantasy. Director Gilles Carle uses a blend of realism and surrealism to explore Normande's psyche, with the film's style often reflecting her inner turmoil and fragmented reality. The visual and narrative style is noted for its radical and disconcerting nature, mixing elements of drama, fantasy, and social critique. Performances: Carole Laure delivers a standout performance as Normande, capturing the character's descent into madness with nuance and intensity. Her portrayal is often cited as one of her best, showcasing her ability to convey complex emotional states. The supporting cast, including Raymond Cloutier, Reynald Bouchard, and Denys Arcand, adds depth to the film's portrayal of a microcosm of societal outcasts and misfits. Critical Reception: The film has received mixed reviews over the years. Some critics applaud its bravery in tackling themes of mental health and societal pressures on women, appreciating the surrealistic approach to storytelling. Others find the narrative confusing or the film's attempt at anti-psychiatric commentary unconvincing. On platforms like IMDb, it holds a rating of 6.2 or 6.3, suggesting a generally positive but not unanimous reception. "Time Out" described it as a film where "the lines between sanity and madness are purposefully blurred," highlighting its attempt to merge art with elements of exploitation and voyeurism. A review from "Regard critique" praises it as a radical and magical piece of cinema, emphasizing Laure's performance and Carle's direction as creating a unique, if pessimistic, masterpiece. Cultural Impact: "La Tête de Normande St-Onge" is significant in the context of Quebec cinema, contributing to the cultural and artistic identity of the region. It's noted for its depiction of the marginalized and its critique of societal norms, particularly regarding mental health and the treatment of women. Legacy and Availability: The film has been restored and is available on platforms like Apple TV, where it's described as showcasing the demands of family life driving a woman into fantasy. It's also notable for its explicit content, including one of the most discussed sex scenes in Canadian cinema at the time, which has contributed to its notoriety. The movie has been recognized for its music, with Lewis Furey winning the Canadian Film Award for Best Musical Score. In conclusion, "La Tête de Normande St-Onge" is a bold cinematic experiment, lauded for its performances, particularly by Carole Laure, and its artistic ambition, though it polarizes viewers with its approach to narrative and themes. It remains an important work in Canadian film history, especially within the context of Quebec's cinematic output.