The Icelandic connection - 01.06.2010, Blaðsíða 50

48
ICELANDIC CONNECTION
Vol. 63 # I
the questions of “Is that really true?” “Did
that really happen?” And Maddin is clear
that My Winnipeg' blurs the line between
fact and fiction’ (cover page)
This is what makes the book interest-
ing. The reader is exposed to factual
information that seems completely
bizarre and unbelievable such as If Day, a
simulation of an invasion by Nazi
Soldiers enacted in February, 1942 in the
fair city of Winnipeg to improve the sale
of Victory Bonds to support the war
effort.
The format of the book surprisingly
engages the reader. Parts of the script, a
third party narration in regard to revisions
of the transcript and sidebar stories about
the content allow one to read the book at
leisure. And give the opportunity to make
trips to reference sources to check
between fact and fiction of My
Winnipeg’s content.
Like the filming of movies with sev-
eral cameras, the book explores the sub-
ject matter of ‘Maddin’ from various
angles. The stories range from humorous
and self-deprecating (a common
Manitoban genetic trait); to rude and
vaudevillian to hauntingly touching. Not
all readers will appreciate the male fasci-
nation with urination and erection. Plus
the ‘English proper’ in some will find
samples of the collages and pictures
offensive versus artistic.
But it can't be disputed that Maddin’s
vulnerability is allowed to show through
in his work. He provides a quick glimpse
into the psyche of family pain and then
quickly shuts the door with a humorous
poke.
I liked the book. Maddin’s delivery
was honest and engaging. The contribu-
tions of fellow artists provided an added
unexpected dimension to the story of
Maddin himself.
Like Andy Smetanka, the animator
for My Winnipeg who explained his
desire to have everyone in his town to
view Maddin’s movie Careful as such:
“Part of it of course was wanting to bask
in a little reflected brilliance: wanting
people (movie audience) to recognize
Maddin’s brilliance and therefore my
brilliance for recognizing his brilliance
before them.
Thus the reason I want you to read
My Winnipeg. So you can see how clever
I am for seeing the exquisiteness of Guy
Maddin’s gifted storytelling methods, his
willingness to let down his defenses and
appreciating the whole of his stories.
From the rude to the beautiful and from
the hilarious to the tragic. You don’t have
to be from Winnipeg, or Canada for that
matter, to enjoy the stories. So let down
your defenses and pick up the book and
read at your own pace.
Correction
The last issue of The Icelandic Canadian was excellent. However I beg to differ with Glenn
Sigurdson where he suggests Guttormur Gottormsson never set foot on Iceland's shores. Actually
he went as an honoured guest just around 1960 accompanied by his daughter Begga Sigurdson.
This can be easily confirmed by Heather Ireland his granddaughter.
Sincerely, Erla Jonasson