By Kate Watson - The Weekly News
Cameras were rolling on a quiet street near the Fairview Cemetery a few weeks ago. Cast and crew milled about inside the cramped quarters of a tidy bungalow as they shot scenes for a short film called What Remains by local filmmaker Eva Madden-Hagen.
"It's a drama about family, sex and death," explained Madden-Hagen, who also wrote and directed Eastern Shore, an award-winning short at the 2007 Atlantic Film Festival.
"It deals with the complex relationships that exist within families, especially when the recklessness of youth collides with the uncertainty of old age."
That may sound like a lot to pack into a film that will ultimately clock in at under 16 minutes, but industry heavyweights obviously believe that Madden-Hagen can deliver the goods: She (along with producer Rebecca Sharratt) received $20,000 in equity funding from Film Nova Scotia and an equal amount in the form of licenses and services from the CBC, which will broadcast the finished film.
What Remains is the story of newly-engaged Julia (played by Newfoundland actress Susan Kent), who earns insight into the real meaning of love, marriage and commitment after a challenging day with her elderly grandparents.
Julia is ecstatic to be engaged to Ryan, the love of her life, and can't wait to tell her two favourite people in the world - her grandparents Rose and Harry. But when she arrives to make her big announcement, no one is in the mood to celebrate.
Harry, her Alzheimer's- afflicted grandfather, is in the middle of a temper tantrum and has pushed Rose's patience to the limit. All the day's tension and disappointments come to an emotional head when Harry disappears from the house without even a coat.
As the two women drive the darkening winter streets in their frantic search, an argument ensues. Julia tries to help her grandmother grasp what's happening to Harry, and in turn, Rose reveals to Julia some truths of what marriage is all about - in sickness and in health, for better or for worse.
Dartmouth actor Michael McPhee plays Julia's fiance. Madden-Hagen actually wrote the role with McPhee in mind.
"I've worked with Michael in the past and knew that he would be able to bring the charisma, charm and sensitivity that the role required. And the chemistry between him and Susan was immediate, which is always a bonus!"
For McPhee, who is also a well-known stage actor, working on What Remains is very satisfying. "I bounce back and forth between stage and film, but I must say I think I like film better right now," he said.
The film will premier at film festivals next year and is also slated to be broadcast on CBC Atlantic in 2010.
k-watson@ns.sympatico.ca
