*Contains Spoilers*
There are many themes presented in the stunning Quebecois film Leolo, an offbeat portrayal of a child growing up in a dysfunctional family. Of these different themes, the most prevalent appears to be isolation, and specifically the intense isolation of the protagonist. Leo was a true loner amidst a very odd cast of family members and other supporting characters. This concept powerfully drives the film from beginning to end. Early in the film it is seen that Leo is rebellious and different than the rest of his family. He obsessively fantasizes about being from Italian heritage, constantly correcting anyone who calls him Leo rather than Leolo, his preferred Italian name. Although this seems minor, the audience learns from the start that Leo views himself as something that he is not. This can be interpreted as his method of escape. By assuming a different name and identity, Leo lives in his own little world far removed from his family. He disassociates himself with his flesh and blood, establishing a sense of independence and isolation. Leo's most interesting moments throughout the film come when he is alone. The intimate scenes in the bathroom with his piece of liver and porno rags are quite vivid examples. Leo tends to rebel and plot against his family much against their knowledge and he typically does so behind closed doors. His behavior is sneaky and crafty, seen best in the scenes where he attempts to hang his sleazy grandfather or fake a s***. He is voyeuristic, as well. Leo enjoys watching his object of desire, Bianca from a distance by himself. The film ends with Leo alone and further isolated from his family in the hospital. One of the last images the audience receives is that of a lone boy in an empty room. Leo's brother, Fernand is also an isolated soul. Tormented in his youth by the local bully, he trains and becomes muscular and powerful, creating a shield between himself and society. Fernand believes that this transformation will prevent him from being further bullied, and isolates himself in this perceived barricade. Ultimately, it is revealed that Fernand is no different as a powerful man than he was as a skinny teen. His attempt to isolate and protect himself from society fails tragically. The fact that the film is entirely narrated contributes to the notion that Leo is a loner. The narrative perspective is that of an outsider looking in, making observations while keeping a certain distance. The viewer never gets the feeling that Leo is truly part of the family. Rather, he is an observer much like a member of the audience. Certain other films have used this technique well, particularly those made by Martin Scorsese. Both Goodfellas and Casino use similar narration, allowing the audience a greater understanding as outsiders. On a side note, I must mention that I loved this film. I found it downright hilarious and outrageous for the most part. Director Jean-Claude Lauzon created a masterpiece with Leolo which reminds me of another very dark and twisted film, Belgium's Man Bites Dog (or C'est Arrive Pres de Chez Vous as it was originally titled). While both films are heavy in content and perhaps offensive to some, the daring humor must be appreciated. The theme of isolation serves Leolo well and helps Leo's character establish independence and appear more `normal' than his family. Had Leo been just as strange as everyone else, the film would have failed. Without contrast or conflicting viewpoints, craziness appears diluted. Fortunately, in Leolo it is portrayed as powerfully as could be, thanks to Leo the Loner.
There are many themes presented in the stunning Quebecois film Leolo, an offbeat portrayal of a child growing up in a dysfunctional family. Of these different themes, the most prevalent appears to be isolation, and specifically the intense isolation of the protagonist. Leo was a true loner amidst a very odd cast of family members and other supporting characters. This concept powerfully drives the film from beginning to end. Early in the film it is seen that Leo is rebellious and different than the rest of his family. He obsessively fantasizes about being from Italian heritage, constantly correcting anyone who calls him Leo rather than Leolo, his preferred Italian name. Although this seems minor, the audience learns from the start that Leo views himself as something that he is not. This can be interpreted as his method of escape. By assuming a different name and identity, Leo lives in his own little world far removed from his family. He disassociates himself with his flesh and blood, establishing a sense of independence and isolation. Leo's most interesting moments throughout the film come when he is alone. The intimate scenes in the bathroom with his piece of liver and porno rags are quite vivid examples. Leo tends to rebel and plot against his family much against their knowledge and he typically does so behind closed doors. His behavior is sneaky and crafty, seen best in the scenes where he attempts to hang his sleazy grandfather or fake a s***. He is voyeuristic, as well. Leo enjoys watching his object of desire, Bianca from a distance by himself. The film ends with Leo alone and further isolated from his family in the hospital. One of the last images the audience receives is that of a lone boy in an empty room. Leo's brother, Fernand is also an isolated soul. Tormented in his youth by the local bully, he trains and becomes muscular and powerful, creating a shield between himself and society. Fernand believes that this transformation will prevent him from being further bullied, and isolates himself in this perceived barricade. Ultimately, it is revealed that Fernand is no different as a powerful man than he was as a skinny teen. His attempt to isolate and protect himself from society fails tragically. The fact that the film is entirely narrated contributes to the notion that Leo is a loner. The narrative perspective is that of an outsider looking in, making observations while keeping a certain distance. The viewer never gets the feeling that Leo is truly part of the family. Rather, he is an observer much like a member of the audience. Certain other films have used this technique well, particularly those made by Martin Scorsese. Both Goodfellas and Casino use similar narration, allowing the audience a greater understanding as outsiders. On a side note, I must mention that I loved this film. I found it downright hilarious and outrageous for the most part. Director Jean-Claude Lauzon created a masterpiece with Leolo which reminds me of another very dark and twisted film, Belgium's Man Bites Dog (or C'est Arrive Pres de Chez Vous as it was originally titled). While both films are heavy in content and perhaps offensive to some, the daring humor must be appreciated. The theme of isolation serves Leolo well and helps Leo's character establish independence and appear more `normal' than his family. Had Leo been just as strange as everyone else, the film would have failed. Without contrast or conflicting viewpoints, craziness appears diluted. Fortunately, in Leolo it is portrayed as powerfully as could be, thanks to Leo the Loner.