Les 12 travaux d'Imelda

In his dramedy "The 12 Tasks of Imelda," Martin Villeneuve brings to life the captivating story of his larger-than-life grandmother, Imelda Turcotte Villeneuve. Structured as 12 chapters chronicling her later years, the film delves into the eccentricities and adventures of this headstrong and free-spirited woman. Portrayed by the filmmaker himself, Villeneuve's performance captures the essence of Imelda's colorful personality, blending humor and poignancy. As Imelda embarks on a quest to settle old scores before her 100th birthday, the film explores the ties that bind a family together and reveals the depths of her unique world. With exceptional performances from an all-star cast, including Robert Lepage, Ginette Reno, Michel Barrette, Anne-Marie Cadieux and Antoine Bertrand, "The 12 Tasks of Imelda" offers a rich human experience, beyond cinema.

Drawing inspiration from his real-life grandmother, Martin Villeneuve creates a truly unconventional motion picture. "The 12 Tasks of Imelda" started as a short film in 2014 and evolved into a self-financed feature. Villeneuve takes on the role of his grandmother, capturing her colorful prose, unfiltered words, and fearless acts. While the interpretation might initially feel far-fetched, the movie quickly reveals the genuine affection and truth Villeneuve brings to the part. In fact, his capacity to interpret his grandmother's thoughts and emotions seems almost otherworldly. It's truly remarkable how he can understand her so deeply, both emotionally and physically, despite the differences in gender and age. Such a rare talent is a testament to his exceptional abilities. Villeneuve's dedication to bringing his grandmother's story to life is evident, making "The 12 Tasks of Imelda" a heartfelt and surprising tribute. Through a mosaic of endearing characters and authentic scenes, the movie unfolds as a charming exploration of family dynamics - a theme that resonates universally.

Despite facing financing challenges, Villeneuve managed to assemble an impressive cast and crew for his film, to the point where the audience is left wondering why the Canadian funding agencies (SODEC and Telefilm Canada) decided not to invest in it. The movie surely benefits from this exceptional talent, and the dedication of the cast shines through as they volunteered for their roles, adding depth to the storytelling. Villeneuve's struggle to secure funding reflects the difficulties he faced throughout his filmmaking career thus far. However, the obstacles did not hinder the creation of a generous, entertaining and witty cinematic experience. Alongside the feature version, Villeneuve has also released a series of short films inspired by Imelda's stories, expanding the world of "The 12 Tasks of Imelda" and ensuring its enduring impact.

With a blend of humor and tenderness, Martin Villeneuve steps into the shoes of his centenarian grandmother in "The 12 Tasks of Imelda." He dons her outfits, impersonates her voice, crafting a poignant tribute to a larger-than-life character. Imelda, a figure embodying humanity's many contradictions, is simultaneously despised and profoundly loved by those close to her. Time, old age, and the whims of the present have conspired to overshadow the loves, heartaches, and dramas of yesteryear, letting them slowly fade into oblivion. Villeneuve, much like Alejandro Jodorowsky in "The Dance of Reality," takes on the roles of both filmmaker and lead actor to breathe life into Imelda, facilitating a final reconciliation with her kin. Through this almost cathartic act, Villeneuve tends to the past, achieving a vision of almost endless poetry. This self-produced feature, constructed from several stories, manages to captivate with its apparent simplicity and the hues of everyday life. Its playful and do-it-yourself nature, reminiscent of a watercolor dollhouse, at times draws parallels to Wes Anderson's cinematic aesthetics. As stage director Robert Lepage aptly expressed in a 2017 interview for CBC, "one must reveal the personal in order to reach the universal." This is precisely what Martin Villeneuve accomplishes in this nine-year creative endeavor that is "The 12 Tasks of Imelda." One can't help but be drawn into the memories of our ancestors, extracting the poetry that illuminated their lives, alternately brilliant and shadowy. Perhaps, as suggested in this movie, we should try on our grandmothers' dresses to better understand the experiences that shaped them.