City Cinema: Candy Mountain

Drama. 14A, language.
Dir: Robert Frank/Rudy Wurlitzer, Canada/France/Switzerland, 1987, 91 min.
Kevin J. O’Connor, Harris Yulin, Tom Waits, Rita MacNeil, Joe Strummer, David Johansen, Leon Redbone.

A Maritime classic that has finally been rereleased after being unavailable for decades! It’s a collaboration between documentary photographer and film-maker Robert Frank (the Americans) and writer Rudy Wurlitzer (Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, Coming Home, Little Buddha), who both divided their time between New York and Cape Breton. A struggling guitarist undertakes a trip to Cape Breton to find a reclusive guitar maker – as you can tell from the cast list the journey is filled with encounters with musicians playing small roles, who provide clues for his quest. Akin to Wim Wenders’ road movies there’s a certain timelessness to it all, and an unvarnished natural feel. A satisfying trip. “Candy Mountain is a gem showcasing a neo-beat road trip, the 1980’s folk-rock music scene, and a group of unforgettable musicians.” —Film Threat; “It easily assumes the weight, ambition and success that many larger films aim for and miss.” —The New York Times.