Venice 2012: Sarah Polley's Stories We Tell

Sarah Polley’s third feature after 2006’s deeply moving Away From Her and last year’s puzzlingly drab Take This Waltz is a fascinating and emotional look at family life and the choices and random occurrences which ultimately make us who we are.

A candid- warts and all- documentary, Polley creates a collage of different mediums and perspectives to tell us the story of her family’s past and her own unique place in it. Through the story of her deceased mother, a vibrant and charismatic woman, we discover much about Polley’s upbringing and the fascinating story of how she came to be. Interviews from her various family members and associates are mixed with super 8 home movie, an ever enduring tool. Her family are a bright and lively crowd and the interviews flow with ease. They are funny, endearing and insightful. Not convinced by the clarity of memory, Polley attempts to show a balanced and fair portrayal of the past by giving everyone involved a chance to have their say and fight their corner. An effort which she admits is ultimately in vein given her eventual power in the editing room.

As the cast of interviewees flows by the real star emerges in Polley’s father, a retired actor and a real gent. His interviews are strong and their relationship is the most significant but his narration is what drives it all home.  Elegantly written and wonderfully delivered as his daughter sits recording. It lifts the film to a different level and shows us a window to that most endearing of bonds.