CFS: Montréal's Film Society
Philip Spurell and Living the Dream
I feel as though I am finally ready to write about Montreal’s Cineclub Film Society, a group that programs and airs films of original prints at theatres and other locations around the city. But I feel as though I should have done this quite some time ago. It was a problem of neglecting what was so obviously a part of my life that I never felt that it would matter if I spoke about them at all. Now, I feel that you should all know what happens in Canada’s playground during the difficult autumn and winter seasons. But my story does not begin with just a breakdown of the organization. This is a personal story.
People often ask me why I stay here. I still work on contract with different schools, including a college that I have been with for almost two decades now (no full-time work available, even today). I do not have a car or a house, and I often wonder if any of my writing is getting the attention it deserves, besides the people on the same pages who are also dreaming of that big break that will give them the recognition they want. I am a native-born Canadian, but even I was shocked by the winters I have survived in this city (they are the price we pay for our glorious summers). The potholes never seem to be filled; the homeless numbers have grown; there are strikes, protests, structural decay and a general feeling that things could be better…and I won’t get into the language issues (you can look them up for yourself). And yet I remain devoted to this place.
The culture has its hooks in me and I do not mind the pull.
My first experience with CFS must have come through one of those random trips to the library or art galleries where I could pick up a brochure or card about various events in the city. I found a postcard advertising the club and the promise of a special night of “The Phantom of the Opera” (the original 19**) version, with an orchestral accompaniment…in a church.
Yes, I was intrigued.
I ended up sitting very close to a screen projecting a well-restored print of the classic with musicians synced to key moments in the story, included a brief interlude where someone dressed up as key figure in the film and did some sort of quasi-dance in the main aisle. Imagine all of that over popcorn, soda, candy, and the general atmosphere of a building devoted to faith.
I had my faith restored once I learned that this was a yearly even with seasonal programming handled and presented by one Philip Spurrell. He is a figure I have grown to know quite well, often seeing him at Fantasia in his familiar flat cap – think I might have had my own sartorial interest affected by this – his friendly manner, and honest enthusiasm for film. He is one of the people involved in having a film night for the volunteers after our duties at the festival are done, often surprising me and others in what he managed to save and discover in his catalogue. I will never forget one particular night where I watched Buster Keaton’s “The General”. It was, once again, in another church, with another set of musicians (there are often plenty of short films shown with these film nights, but Keaton was the focus). The reason why this night stood out to me is that I had avoided this film for such a long time and was not even that excited to see it, even after many years of being a member of the Society. I knew that it was a Sight and Sound favourite, making it onto the list of the best films of all time for many years. I knew that it still had a great reputation. And I had no real interest in it. I preferred his other short work, allowing for “Sherlock, Jr.” The idea of seeing it as a special performance was the only reason why I paid the price of a ticket to amuse myself on a Sunday night.
It was a true education.
It is still one of the best Keaton films I have ever seen, and the work of the musicians and the programmers needs to be lauded and remembered by somebody.
And I am going to be their one-man promotion department on this page as long as I can. There will be special events in churchs, colleges, schools, and other places for Halloween, Christmas and other holidays. I have plans for the end of this month that includes getting a good scare from Spurrell’s archive.
Come to Montreal and see what we are enjoying on our silver screens.
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Kendall Defoe
Teacher, reader, writer, dreamer... I am a college instructor who cannot stop letting his thoughts end up on the page. No AI. No Fake Work. It's all me...
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Comments (1)
Oh this is brilliant. Some great films mentioned here and honestly, I love the fact that it is somewhere physical. Brilliant piece mate! The original Phantom of the Opera just sounds awesome to watch with others in a church! I would absolutely love something like that. I definitely feel you when you ask whether your writing is getting the attention it deserves, I often feel that way too. I would like to let you know that I am paying attention to your writing. This piece is brilliant. I love it