Films & Schedules

  • When Life was Good

  • Terry Miles


Country:
Canada
Year:
2008
Language:
English
Runtime:
87 minutes
Format:
Colour/35mm
Rating:
PG

Production Company:
Cinemanovel Films Inc.
Producer:
Terry Miles
Screenplay:
Terry Miles
Production Designer:
Terry Miles
Cinematographer:
Terry Miles
Editor:
Terry Miles
Sound:
Terry Miles
Music:
Terry Miles, Cameron Mclellan
Principal Cast: Kristine Cofsky, Casey Manderson, Keri Horton, Dan Richardson

PUBLIC SCREENINGS
Saturday September 0605:45PM VARSITY 3 Add Film to MyTIFF Filmlist
Sunday September 0704:15PM AMC 5 Add Film to MyTIFF Filmlist
Thursday September 1102:00PM AMC 5 Add Film to MyTIFF Filmlist

A sly comedic drama about quasi-bohemians struggling (emotionally, romantically and professionally) to find their way in the world, When Life Was Good is driven by a clear-eyed affection for its characters that is rare for any filmmaker, never mind one as young as Terry Miles. The film has a hazy, slightly stoned look, and is edited elliptically, as if the director, though obviously charmed by his principals' numerous foibles, is aware that his characters talk a lot of crap, and thought eavesdropping a more appropriate, kinder introduction. It feels like a Cassavetes movie minus the rancour.

The film centres on Brooklyn (Kristine Cofsky), a would-be actress who has returned from studying abroad to celebrate her boyfriend Ben's birthday; her long-time friend Faith (Keri Horton), an aspiring dancer who has put her career on hold to save her relationship; and budding screenwriter Casey (Casey Manderson), Faith's boyfriend. Right from the start there are signs that something is amiss. Casey and Faith are goofy in love. Theirs is the kind of claustrophobic, exclusive relationship that is usually doomed when the outside world impinges. But it is Brooklyn who is the most divided and confused of the group. She slips into Ben's apartment in an attempt to surprise him but, for reasons unknown even to her, becomes unhappy with what she sees and quickly slinks out, covering her tracks. She moves in with Faith and Casey, just as Faith's mother, a truly determined stage mom, re-enters the picture.

As the characters struggle with conflicting emotions, unexpected intimacy and the demands of the real world, what emerges feels like an updated J.D. Salinger text. Miles adores his characters because of their naïveté, their confusion and their refusal to put on a front merely to make their way in the world. And by the end, we feel the same way about them. Though the film is constantly, surprisingly funny, there is a forlorn, elegiac feel to the proceedings. When Life Was Good is a paean to inevitably lost innocence – and signals the arrival of a distinctive new voice in Canadian cinema.

Steve Gravestock


Terry Miles was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and raised in Calgary. After touring as part of the band Ashley Park, he completed an M.F.A. in creative writing and film at the University of British Columbia. He subsequently directed several short films and music videos before directing and editing his first feature, When Life Was Good (08).



Cadillac People's Choice Award