Marion Bridge: Sydney native's story attracts sold-out audience to theatre
April 19, 2003
Cape Breton Post
Any fears cast and crew may have had about the hometown crowd's reaction to the film Marion Bridge were put to rest Thursday night.
Marion Bridge, a powerful story written by Sydney native Daniel MacIvor, about three sisters dealing with the past and a dark family secret, marked its Canadian commercial premiere in Sydney, Thursday.
A sold-out audience, of about 300, gave the film a standing ovation at Empire Theatres.
The screening was followed by an event dubbed the ?Party of the Year' at the Delta Sydney, where party-goers mingled with the cast and crew, who were thrilled with the reviews and comments they were receiving.
"This is where the film comes home. This is the audience you really want to like the film," said Rebecca Jenkins, who played the role of Theresa in the film. "This is a very important night and I'm honoured to have been here to bring it home."
Set in Sydney, Marion Bridge stars Molly Parker as Agnes, Jenkins as Theresa, Stacy Smith as Louise, as the sisters; Glace Bay native Marguerite McNeil as their mother Rose; and Ellen Page as Joanie, a troubled teenager who is connected to the family.
The film begins when Agnes returns home to Sydney, where her mother is in failing health, her older sister Theresa, a devout Catholic, has been dumped by her husband, and sister Louise spends her life in front of the television.
The arrival of Agnes, who is struggling to stay sober, forces the sisters to confront the past and come to terms with the future.
Among those in the audience Thursday was New Waterford resident Linda Dieltgens, who said she was impressed with all aspects of the movie.
"It was excellent. I thought it was very realistic. I think tragedy makes you reflect on your life and that's what these girls were doing. Everything was believable," she said.
Dieltgens said the acting in the movie was superb, noting she was particularly touched by McNeil's portrayal of the ailing mother.
Dave Harley, of Sydney Mines, also attended the premiere and said the film was well done from start to finish.
"I liked the movie. It was a good story ? well presented and well acted," he said.
Among the actresses who impressed audiences was 16-year-old Ellen Page, who was in attendance at the screening and party.
Page, who has appeared in such productions as Pit Pony and New Waterford Girl, acknowledged she was a little apprehensive heading into the theatre.
"I was a little nervous because it was showing in the place where the movie was set," she said.
"I really liked the character. I respected her independence and she was just a confused teen trying to make sense of things. She had a lot to her, which I liked," she said.
Stacy Smith, who also starred in New Waterford Girl, agreed.
"It was fantastic, so many strong talented people were involved in the film," she said.
Smith said she was called in to audition for the role of Louise and when she won the part was told she would have to cut her hair and learn to play the guitar ? but thought that a small price to pay to be in the film.
Jenkins said the characters and a "beautifully etched story" are also what drew her to the project.
"I'll do anything Daniel (MacIvor) writes. I'm a big fan of his work," she said.
The film's third leading lady, Molly Parker, was not able to attend Thursday's premiere.
Director Wiebke von Carolsfeld, who was in Sydney for the event, said she's thrilled she was able to be part of what she called a humane, humorous story about a serious subject. She said creating Marion Bridge was a great experience.
"It was really fun. There was a great atmosphere on the set and the cast was terrific," said von Carolsfeld. "The spirit was great and I think that translates on screen."
MacIvor, who rarely watches his work with an audience but made an exception Thursday, said the experience was satisfying.
"It's a beautiful thing to sit in the audience," he said. "People I think are really moved by the story. Laughter and tears are two things we really need."
Thursday's screening and party ? both benefit events for the Kids Help Phone ? were organized by the Kempt Head Institute as a wrap up to the first season of the Cape Breton Island Film Series.
Institute spokesperson Parker Donham said they were ecstatic with how everything came together for the Marion Bridge premiere, noting there was no better way to cap the film series' first season.
"I'm just thrilled," he said. "It's a wonderful piece of writing. There were all kinds of great lines which will resonate with Cape Bretoners and the acting was phenomenal."
Donham said plans are already underway for a second season of the film series this fall.
Following Thursday's premiere, Marion Bridge opened in six Canadian cities including Halifax, Toronto and Vancouver, Friday. The film opened in the United States last week.
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April 19, 2003
Cape Breton Post
Any fears cast and crew may have had about the hometown crowd's reaction to the film Marion Bridge were put to rest Thursday night.
Marion Bridge, a powerful story written by Sydney native Daniel MacIvor, about three sisters dealing with the past and a dark family secret, marked its Canadian commercial premiere in Sydney, Thursday.
A sold-out audience, of about 300, gave the film a standing ovation at Empire Theatres.
The screening was followed by an event dubbed the ?Party of the Year' at the Delta Sydney, where party-goers mingled with the cast and crew, who were thrilled with the reviews and comments they were receiving.
"This is where the film comes home. This is the audience you really want to like the film," said Rebecca Jenkins, who played the role of Theresa in the film. "This is a very important night and I'm honoured to have been here to bring it home."
Set in Sydney, Marion Bridge stars Molly Parker as Agnes, Jenkins as Theresa, Stacy Smith as Louise, as the sisters; Glace Bay native Marguerite McNeil as their mother Rose; and Ellen Page as Joanie, a troubled teenager who is connected to the family.
The film begins when Agnes returns home to Sydney, where her mother is in failing health, her older sister Theresa, a devout Catholic, has been dumped by her husband, and sister Louise spends her life in front of the television.
The arrival of Agnes, who is struggling to stay sober, forces the sisters to confront the past and come to terms with the future.
Among those in the audience Thursday was New Waterford resident Linda Dieltgens, who said she was impressed with all aspects of the movie.
"It was excellent. I thought it was very realistic. I think tragedy makes you reflect on your life and that's what these girls were doing. Everything was believable," she said.
Dieltgens said the acting in the movie was superb, noting she was particularly touched by McNeil's portrayal of the ailing mother.
Dave Harley, of Sydney Mines, also attended the premiere and said the film was well done from start to finish.
"I liked the movie. It was a good story ? well presented and well acted," he said.
Among the actresses who impressed audiences was 16-year-old Ellen Page, who was in attendance at the screening and party.
Page, who has appeared in such productions as Pit Pony and New Waterford Girl, acknowledged she was a little apprehensive heading into the theatre.
"I was a little nervous because it was showing in the place where the movie was set," she said.
"I really liked the character. I respected her independence and she was just a confused teen trying to make sense of things. She had a lot to her, which I liked," she said.
Stacy Smith, who also starred in New Waterford Girl, agreed.
"It was fantastic, so many strong talented people were involved in the film," she said.
Smith said she was called in to audition for the role of Louise and when she won the part was told she would have to cut her hair and learn to play the guitar ? but thought that a small price to pay to be in the film.
Jenkins said the characters and a "beautifully etched story" are also what drew her to the project.
"I'll do anything Daniel (MacIvor) writes. I'm a big fan of his work," she said.
The film's third leading lady, Molly Parker, was not able to attend Thursday's premiere.
Director Wiebke von Carolsfeld, who was in Sydney for the event, said she's thrilled she was able to be part of what she called a humane, humorous story about a serious subject. She said creating Marion Bridge was a great experience.
"It was really fun. There was a great atmosphere on the set and the cast was terrific," said von Carolsfeld. "The spirit was great and I think that translates on screen."
MacIvor, who rarely watches his work with an audience but made an exception Thursday, said the experience was satisfying.
"It's a beautiful thing to sit in the audience," he said. "People I think are really moved by the story. Laughter and tears are two things we really need."
Thursday's screening and party ? both benefit events for the Kids Help Phone ? were organized by the Kempt Head Institute as a wrap up to the first season of the Cape Breton Island Film Series.
Institute spokesperson Parker Donham said they were ecstatic with how everything came together for the Marion Bridge premiere, noting there was no better way to cap the film series' first season.
"I'm just thrilled," he said. "It's a wonderful piece of writing. There were all kinds of great lines which will resonate with Cape Bretoners and the acting was phenomenal."
Donham said plans are already underway for a second season of the film series this fall.
Following Thursday's premiere, Marion Bridge opened in six Canadian cities including Halifax, Toronto and Vancouver, Friday. The film opened in the United States last week.
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