This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!
Details
This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcover (designed by Connor Willumsen) was limited to 1,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.
From arthouse to Canuxploitation, Canadian International Pictures (CIP) is devoted to resurrecting vital, distinctive, and overlooked triumphs of Canadian cinema. This label is focused on the country’s original cinematic boom years – spanning the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s – occasionally venturing past that period (and the country’s borders) to highlight the films of Canada’s most inspired actors and filmmakers.Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing CIP's brand new line of home video releases!
Love. Passion. Obsession.
Hotel employee Lisa (The Sweet Hereafter’s Arsinée Khanjian) develops an obsession with her co-worker Lance (Dog Park’s Michael McManus), a struggling actor who has appeared in several films as an extra. With the help of a local video store, Lisa carefully investigates Lance’s body of work, as he undergoes his own pursuit – of screenwriter Clara (The Stepfather’s Gabrielle Rose) and a film role inspired by her late brother. As their connection grows, this production’s ties to reality start to unravel… and so do our three protagonists.
One of the most singular and defining films from celebrated Canadian auteur Atom Egoyan (The Adjuster, Exotica), Speaking Parts mixes the all-consuming video addictions of Videodrome with an artfully perverse exploration of fractured inner lives. Produced in collaboration with Egoyan, this deluxe special edition also includes three of the filmmaker’s early shorts and Sarabande, his little-seen 1997 film starring Khanjian, Yo-Yo Ma, Don McKellar, and Lori Singer.
directed by: Atom Egoyan starring: Arsinée Khanjian, Michael McManus, Gabrielle Rose, David Hemblen, Tony Nardi, Gerard Parkes, Franco Tata 1989 / 92 min / 1.85:1 / English DTS-HD MA 2.0
Additional info:
Region A Blu-ray
Scanned and restored in 2K from the 35mm interpositive
New audio commentary featuring Atom Egoyan and actress Arsinée Khanjian
Archival audio commentary featuring Egoyan
Scoring Parts (2022, 22 min.) – New interview with composer Mychael Danna
A Different Breed (2022, 20 min.) – Former TIFF CEO Piers Handling reflects on Egoyan in the ’80s
Archival interview with Egoyan (1989, 6 min.)
Deleted scenes with commentary (2002, 7 min.)
Afterword featuring Egoyan and Khanjian (2022, 18 min.)
Sarabande (1997, 56 min.)
Sarabande introduction by Egoyan (1998, 2 min.)
New Sarabande audio commentary featuring Egoyan and Khanjian
Egoyan student shorts Howard in Particular (1979, 13 min.), Peep Show (1981, 7 min.), and Open House (1982, 26 min.) with new introductions by the filmmaker
Booklet featuring an essay by professor/author Ron Burnett
Reversible cover artwork
English SDH subtitles for all five films
Overall rating: 4.4375 / 5 from 112 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
Speaking Parts, a Blu-ray release by Canadian International Pictures, features a stunning transfer and excellent special features. Atom Egoyan's film is highly acclaimed for its suspenseful and moody narrative, unique characters, and top-notch performances. This deluxe special edition includes three of Egoyan's early shorts and his little-seen 1997 film, Sarabande.
"Classic Atom Egoyan film with a great transfer and a wealth of extras, including several rare short films." — John K.
"Great movie and Egoyan is a director I'll be seeking out more from." — Kevin M.
"Great release with excellent special features." — Chris S.
Reviews
One of Egoyan’s Best
"One of Egoyan’s Best"
— Nick C. (5/5)
Speaking Parts
"Atoms finnest - all about media!"
— Marko L. (5/5)
Cronenberg influenced film about alienation
"My first Egoyan and I can't wait to check out more"
— Greg M. (4/5)
Intriguing, mysterious film
"Creates a world and vibe that, while perhaps reminiscent of other filmmakers, feels enough like its own to stand out. Something pushed me away -- about the vibe, the characters, the mix emotion with a sort of cold academic feeling -- but I'm still thinking about it. Would return to it. Lots of extras (CiP SOP), solid but a mixed bag for me. Sarabande was alright; some of the interviews new and old were interesting, the booklet essay digs deep but in an academic way both in rigor and, unfortunately, sometimes prose (by a professor, so makes sense). New afterword with director and start played over a still image, which I skipped due to OLED worry. There's even more on the disc, too, though. Not a huge fan of the new cover art or the reversible original, but nice to have two options. Really interesting release overall."
— Joe V. (4/5)
Videodrome for the Painfully Alone
"Weirdly quite similar to Videodrome, but with aching loneliness instead of body horror. New Flesh seeks soulmate. Really, really good, an almost flawless film. Quintessential Canadian cinema in the era of existential videotape dread."
— Jonathan O. (5/5)
Great movie
"It's like indie film videodrome."
— Avery E. (4/5)
Speaking Parts
"Great transfer of Atom Egoyans early film. Interesting analysis of the film in the booklet. Great performances."
— Hansi L. (5/5)
Speaking Parts
"Has been a longtime favorite film of mine since I first saw it in 1990, and this transfer and presentation is superb. So happy to have it."
— Luis C. (5/5)
a wonderful weird movie
"bought this on a whim when it was on sale and ended up liking it a lot, def makes me want to check out more egoyan films"
— Sean M. (5/5)
Blind buy and I instantly
"Blind buy and I instantly felt I needed to watch it again. It's definitely in conversation with films like Videodrome, but Egoyan has his own unique viewpoint and style. It's provocative and thoughtful and I'm really glad it has this lovely blu-ray release."
— Randall G. (4/5)
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