Radiant City

Just saw "Radiant City" the new pseudo-documentary by Calgary filmmaker Gary Burns.

Its another one of those films that rightly take North American society to task for building too many un-sustainable, car-dependant, monocultural suburbs.

But just because it covers old ground, doesn't mean it doesn't bring a new perspective.

The film is a unique blend of 'fake documentary' and 'real documentary'.

It intersperses the life of a fictional suburban community and family, set in a real Calgary suburb, with various segments from urban planning types like Ken Greenburg and philosopher Mark Kingwell.

The fact that the 'fake family and community' is made up entirely of actors who actually live in suburban Calgary adds another subtle layer or realism to even the most made-up parts of this movie.

If you're looking for a super-slick, super fun documentary....this isn't it. If you want big-budget hollywood, you're out of luck there too.

But if you want a film that will make you smile, and scowl, and think, then this maybe your ticket to 9o minutes well spent.

On a scale of 1 to 10, this movie is 7.5 (or 'Good')

It is currently playing at the Cumberland cinema, in Toronto's Yorkville neighbourhood