I'm not going to spend my entire life filming people who quarrel in the kitchen': Xavier Dolan's evolution beyond I Killed My Mother
Award-winning filmmaker Xavier Dolan uncovers his transformative filmmaking journey from 'I Killed My Mother' to 'Matthias and Maxime', where he explores themes of love and motherhood beyond the narrow scope of sexuality.
Updated : October 20, 2023 05:25 PM ISTAward-winning filmmaker Xavier Dolan uncovers his transformative filmmaking journey from 'I Killed My Mother' to 'Matthias and Maxime', where he explores themes of love and motherhood beyond the narrow scope of sexuality.
Acclaimed Quebec filmmaker Xavier Dolan, known for his captivating explorations of homosexuality and complex maternal characters, has always stirred the Cannes film festival. However, his return to the Croisette with 'Matthias and Maxime', four years since his last appearance, offers fresh perspectives on his artistic journey. As Dolan mentioned at the Cannes press conference for the film, "This film is not gay, it’s life" (as reported by Deadline in 2019).
Expanding Themes, Exploring Life
'Matthias and Maxime', a story about two childhood friends who begin to question their feelings after a shared kiss, deviates from the gay narrative Dolan's work has been identified with. Reflecting on the film, he said, "For me, it’s not a story of homosexuality or gay love... it’s love." This stance signifies Dolan's aspiration to portray love as a universal experience, transcending the constraints of sexual orientation.
From Quarrelling Kitchens to a Neutral Palette
While still highlighting powerful mother figures, a recurring motif in his work, Dolan has also ventured into a fresh narrative territory with 'Matthias and Maxime.' He humorously acknowledged his shift from creating films about people squabbling in kitchens to implementing a neutral, half-tone palette in 'Matthias and Maxime.' "I’m not going to spend my entire life filming people who quarrel in the kitchen," he quipped, further underlining his artistic evolution.
Dolan's Journey: From Cannes to 'It: Chapter Two'
With a resume flaunting multiple Cannes accolades, including the Jury Prize for 2014’s 'Mommy' and the Grand Jury Prize for 2016’s 'It’s Only the End of the World', Xavier Dolan has undeniably carved a unique niche for himself. His next onscreen venture is New Line's 'It: Chapter Two,' which premiered on September 6th, 2019, marking another milestone in this extraordinary filmmaker's career.
Xavier Dolan’s continued exploration of intense characters and unconventional narratives underline his commitment to authenticity and innovation, ensuring that his future projects remain eagerly anticipated.
Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.