Guy Maddin
The Saddest Music in the World
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Add rightsFormat DVD Interzone
Original format 16mm
Year 2003
Language(s) English
Artist(s) Guy Maddin
Subtitles French
Booklet 20 pages
Running time 111 min
Films
THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD (2003) 99 '
SISSY-BOY SLA-PARTY (2004) 4'
SOMBRA DOLOROSA (2004) 4'
A TRIP TO THE ORPHANAGE (2004) 4'
Description
Winnipeg, Canada, in 1933, in the depths of the Great Depression. Lady Port-Huntly, local beer baroness, determined to profit from the imminent end of Prohibition, launches a contest for the saddest music in the world, because it is well known that the sadder people are, the more they drink. Contestants from around the world flock to the snowy, frozen city. Lured by the $25,000 prize, each attempts to express in their own way the deepest of sorrows, in a euphoric competition, generously washed down with the local beer, Muskeg, and followed on the radio by thirsty Americans.
Returning to his hometown, accompanied by the beautiful Narcissa, an amnesiac nymphomaniac, Chester Kent, a ruined and cynical Broadway producer, represents the United States. Brought together for the occasion, the three members of the Kent family will clash far beyond music and, at times, awaken old family secrets.