Review of "Before I Change My Mind": The Queer '80s
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Loading... - Liam Burton
- 26 May 2023
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The film Before I Change My Mind begins with Robin (played by Vaughan Murrae) entering the gym class on their first day at a new school in Edmonton. Having moved from Washington, Robin stands out as different. The gym teacher greets Robin and instructs them to find a seat. As Robin looks around, they notice that the boys and girls are segregated on opposite sides of the gym. The other students stare at Robin, hinting at the question that will soon arise: "Are you a boy or a girl?" Despite the confusion, Robin, wearing a vibrant rainbow-patterned sweater, confidently walks down the aisle and takes a seat in the middle.
Director Trevor Anderson presents a delightful and captivating debut with Before I Change My Mind, a humorously irreverent coming-of-age story. What initially focuses on gender identity gradually expands into a profound exploration of identity itself. Anderson avoids using specific pronouns or labels, instead immersing the film in the 1987 Alberta setting, a time when society, including children and adults, lacked the language and open-mindedness to fully comprehend gender identity beyond traditional male and female categories. It's refreshing to witness the emergence of such a progressive and queer film from the typically conservative Alberta.
At school, Robin develops a fascination with Carter (played by Dominic Lippa), a confident and assertive classmate who seems to own the schoolyard. As Robin approaches Carter during a music class, a subtle tension begins to simmer between them. Back at home, Robin's father, Daniel (played by Matthew Rankin, who also directed The Twentieth Century featuring Anderson), provides a loving environment where Robin can freely express themselves. However, when it comes to matters of love, Daniel falls short as a role model.
Throughout the film, flashbacks of Robin's abusive mother punctuate their encounters with bullies both in and outside the schoolyard. Carter's presence particularly triggers Robin, as he lacks the same level of self-assurance and often lashes out at others, a behavior common among children. One of his targets is Tony (played by Jhztyn Contado), a Filipino student who works at a Chinese restaurant. The schoolmates mockingly call Tony "Marnold" and tease him for being different. Robin eventually succumbs to peer pressure and joins in, attempting to impress Carter by adopting a tougher persona.
While Before I Change My Mind effectively portrays the challenges of fitting in when one's true self feels out of place, the film also humorously highlights the idiosyncrasies of its 1980s setting. Anderson skillfully injects comedic moments by reflecting on his own upbringing and the conventional nature of the era. Every time the music teacher, Ms. Pahornyk (played by Kristin Johnston), nonchalantly passes by the "Fingering Chart" on the blackboard, it elicits a giggle. Similarly, the Catholic ornaments adorning the children's homes, reminiscent of The Fabelmans, create an atmosphere ripe for unexpected encounters.
The film doesn't shy away from critiquing adults and their immature behavior. Daniel experiences disheartening dates, including a disastrous one with Anne (played by Shannon Blanchet). Anne may draw inspiration from Tammy Faye in terms of fashion and even drinking habits. However, Before I Change My Mind cleverly reaches its climax when the adults' Chinese dinner, tainted by alcoholism, leads to a rift. This subplot underscores the importance of having the right vocabulary to identify the inner struggles one faces. Labels can be valuable tools, as Robin observes, but their effectiveness depends on whether they foster understanding and growth.
Simultaneously, Anderson invites the younger characters to embrace their uniqueness by joining a local community theater production of "Mary Magdalene: Video Star." This musical number serves as the film's centerpiece, a super funky synth opera embodying the extravagance of the 1980s. Anderson, who portrays the theater director, ingeniously parodies "Jesus Christ Superstar," resulting in uproarious moments and presenting the most captivating Jesus since Benedetta. As the children play their saxophones in the biblical marching band, their budding friendship intertwines with the arrival of Izzy (played by Lacey Oake), the musical's new star. Carter becomes infatuated with Izzy, while she finds herself drawn to Robin's sensitivity. Anderson weaves a love triangle, with tensions escalating between Robin and Carter as they vie for Izzy's attention.
The musical production truly shines, and everyone involved, especially Anderson, thoroughly enjoys themselves. Combining video art and slow cinema techniques to playfully challenge the on-screen audience, "Mary Magdalene: Video Star" is an uproariously funny spectacle. Before I Change My Mind revolves around self-discovery through art and celebrates the misfit nature of its characters. It's gratifying to witness such confident and unconventional talent emerging from the new generation of Canadian filmmakers.
