I've Heard the Mermaids Singing (1987)
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100% of critics liked it
(9 reviews) -
61% of users liked it
(1,060 ratings)
Lensed on a smile and a shoeshine on 16 millimeter, I've Heard the Mermaids Singing effectively shifts from black and white to color and back again to make its artistic statement. Sheila McCarthy stars as a self-effacing amateur photographer who goes to work for yuppie art-curator Paule… More Lensed on a smile and a shoeshine on 16 millimeter, I've Heard the Mermaids Singing effectively shifts from black and white to color and back again to make its artistic statement. Sheila McCarthy stars as a self-effacing amateur photographer who goes to work for yuppie art-curator Paule Baillargeon. Ms. McCarthy expresses her admiration for Ms. Baillargeon by secretly submitting the latter's paintings to some appreciative critics. Baillargeon responds by behaving atrociously towards McCarthy. This shakes up McCarthy to the point that she realizes she'll never succeed as an artist on her own terms long as she hides behind the accomplishments of others. This apparently autobiographical first film by director Patricia Rozema (we say "apparently" because Sheila McCarthy's character name is rhythmically and ethnically close to Rozema's) won the Prix de la Jeunesse at the Cannes Film Festival. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Patricia Rozema
- Genres
- Drama, Romance, Art House & International, Comedy
R,
- In Theaters
- Sep 11, 1987 Wide
- Studio
- New Line Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
A short, sweet, enjoyable comedy, with a winning performance by McCarthy.
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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A film that will appeal to those who have yearned to break out of the mold of a restricted life.
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Luanne Brown, Chico Enterprise-Record
McCarthy is an underrated Canadian treasure.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Sheila McCarthy
as Poly Vandersma
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Paule Baillargeon
as Gabrielle St. Peres
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Ann-Marie MacDonald
as Mary Joseph
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John Evans
as Warren
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Brenda Kamino
as Japanese Waitress
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Richard Monette
as Clive
- Paula Baillargeon
