When I first saw the trailer for this movie, and subsequently some scenes on the Genies, I thought it was about something completely different. So when the movie began and turned out to be about something else, I was very surprised. The Necessities of Life (Ce Qu’il Faut Pour Vivre)is a beautiful movie. Sitting in the theatre I was often overwhelmed at the beauty and simple brilliance of this story. It is a wonderful, simple story about the basics someone needs to survive in life, filled with brave and touching performances, this movie is a must-see.
The Necessities of Life is a movie about a man named Tiivii. When the movie opens he is at home on Baffin Island in 1952 with his family. We can see that the family does well, with fresh salmon and spices and fires all around. Even though these scenes are brief, we know that he is happy and they leave a lasting impression. Tiivii and his family go to see a boat that appears on the lake near their home. They are tested and x-rayed and Tiivii is unfortunately found to have Tuberculosis. He is told that he must leave his family to go for treatment. Obviously, he does not want to, but he is forced. Once he arrives in Quebec City after quite some time at sea he is thrust into a sanatorium, surrounded with people who are not like him (referred to in the movie as “Whites”), who do not speak his language, make no attempt to understand him and mock him. He quickly begins to become severely depressed, but his health worsens in an equal downturn and he is told he will have to live at the sanatorium for at least two years. After two attempts at running away and starving himself, one concerned nurse, Carole, brings a young boy called Kaki, from a village near Tiivii’s to be a friend and companion. As their relationship improves, so does his health.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I can not impress upon you what a beautiful movie this is. Natar Ungalaaq, who plays Tiivii in the film, is an excellent actor, bringing this character to life with both strength and vulnerability. It is an extremely brave performance, every bit deserving of the Genie he received in recognition. Éveline Gélinas, who plays Carole, is excellent as a caring nurse who wants to understand her patient only enough to save his life in the beginning gives a very warm and caring performance as her character begins to want to understand her patient as a person. Paul-André Brasseur, who plays Kaki, is brilliant in dancing the line between “White” and “Eskimo” and being torn between the two worlds.
The cinematography was equally beautiful, with shots of Baffin Island interspersed between shots of the sanatorium, you are consistently reminded that Tiivii doesn’t belong here, but that he will find a way to fit in long enough to get back to his family. One of the most interesting parts of the movie for me, although a little gross, was seeing the treatments for TB in 1952. They are never specifically focused on themselves, but rather seen through the eyes of Tiivii, and they were fascinating.
Near the beginning of Tiivii’s time at the sanatorium his doctor makes note that having TB is like war, you must fight or die. This simple phrase is actually the best allegory for the entire film. Tiivii goes away to a foreign place, learns to adapt, fights for his life and when it is over he will never relate to his old life the same way, regardless of how much he pines for it during the process. He carves stunningly beautiful miniature animals, statues, Inuit men and women, sleds and spears to teach Kaki about his heritage. He tells stories from his childhood. He plays games with Kaki that he would play with his daughters. At the end though, he has been touched by his experiences at the sanatorium and he will never be the same. It is, in fact, exactly like a war.
There is so much more I could say about this movie. The Necessities of Life is most certainly one of the more beautiful, enjoyable and memorable films I have seen in a long time. I am very proud that this movie is Canadian and i sincerely hope that, wherever you are, you get a chance to see it. If you live in Toronto it will be at The Carlton at Yonge and College until at least Thursday, but based on the very small turn out last night, probably not much longer. Catch it while you can. It should not be missed.
