VIFF in Review

Mike McGhee

Edison and Leo
Director: Neil Burns

The politics of the family unit (all too common in contemporary Canadiana) is given a delightful, hilarious, and kinetoscopic spin in this claymation feature by first-time director Neil Burns. George Toles, long-time screenwriting partner of everyone's favourite Winnipegger Guy Maddin, and Daegan Fryklind have crafted a lush story in Edison and Leo. Their world is populated by electrified boys, metaphysically charged books, mechanized children, robotic wiener dogs, decapitations, blueberry pies, the odd boner joke, and, of course, Thomas Alva Edison, who will sacrifice even his family for the sake of a great invention.

Burns brings this story, and the cutest little replica of the famed inventor, to life with detailed clay sets and characters that put Gumby and Pingu to shame. The voices behind the clay include some damn fine talent, including Powers Boothe, Gregory Smith, Carly Pope, Jay Brazeau, Scott McNeil, and Jacqueline Samuda. Be sure to watch this film, and when you do, it will not be to 'support' the latest cancon snoozer, it will be to enjoy 80 minutes of some damn fine miniaturized storytelling.