In his new documentary, “Being Canadian,” filmmaker Rob Cohen attempts to sift through these mostly funny, occasionally poignant misconceptions associated with Canadian identity through a personal and cultural lens. With his knack for merging humor with incisive observation, Cohen whisks audiences away on a riveting ride to untangle exactly what it means to be Canadian while taking on stereotypes and probing national pride. Being Canadian himself, Cohen adds a different—yet impassioned and firsthand—take on the subject.
His film does not work strictly as a comedy but rather as an inquiry into the rich complexity of traits that denote Canadian identity. The documentary starts with a cursory run-through of some common Canadian stereotypes familiar to many Canadians and non-Canadians alike.
These run the gamut from Canadians being too polite to supposedly obtrusive levels of love for hockey to perpetual friendliness. It is these very stereotypes that Cohen attacks head-on, using them as a vehicle for exploring real, multi-dimensional Canadian identity. In this valuable quest, Cohen travels across the country speaking with ordinary Canadians and influential figures to show how these stereotypes—although founded on some truth—do not reflect the fullness of being Canadian. The big theme in the film is how people in Canada view themselves and how they are viewed by others.
Cohen straddles both sides of this divide with his exploration of how Canadians think about their national identity and how they are seen by others. How he manages to do so with the use of much humor makes the attempt interesting as well as entertaining. For example, he contrasts this vision of Canada as a nation being polite and non-confrontational on the international scene with the actual richness of the culture, which is diverse and proud to the core. Another argument is the concept of Canadian multiculturalism.
Cohen explores how Canada’s diverse population shapes its identity and how it is reflected inside the country in culture, politics, and social dynamics. Interviews with people of diverse cultural backgrounds show how multiculturalism has enriched Canadian society and yet challenged more traditional views of being Canadian. This aspect of the film projects a subtle vision of how Canadian identity is always redefining itself and radiating diverse cultural experiences.
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Another important feature of the movie concerns Canada’s relationship with its southern neighbor, the United States. The often-awkward dynamic between these two countries is something Cohen explores by using his sense of humor to illustrate their relationship through both the similarities and differences in cultures that define it. Some Canadians who have been residents of the U.S. and some Americans who have spent time in Canada are interviewed in this documentary. These views create great insight into how the two nations exert influence on each other and how Canadians maintain their identity with respect to their strong neighbor. Cohen treats the subject matter with a mix of humor and introspection. His inclusion of wry commentary and light-hearted interviews serves to keep the viewers engaged in the subject while also prodding them into answering the deeper questions about national identity.
The comedic elements of the film serve not only to amuse the audience but also, more importantly, to shed some light on just how ridiculous these stereotypes and misconceptions can be. Cohen builds a balanced documentary with such contrasts, offering food for thought through the serious discussion of identity in Canada. Through the movie, Cohen intersperses personal views and experiences into the narration to further carry the exploration into being even more realistic and quite personal. His musings on Canadian culture and identity follow from his personal story along with observation, developing both a personal and universal journey into what it means to be Canadian. This helps root the larger ideas presented in the film while also making its commentary on national identity all the more compelling. The visual style and editing make this documentary engaging and dynamic.
Cohen has brought together a mix of archival footage, interviews, and on-location shots to give a rich, multidimensional view of Canada. The pacing is well-balanced to give themes an in-depth look while still giving moments of levity. This makes the documentary informative and entertaining for a broad audience. At the final count, “Being Canadian” by Rob Cohen is a very powerful and incisive documentary that brings to light the canards and complexities of identity attached to Canadians.
That is, in fact, what it means to be Canadian; Cohen explains this through a blend of personal reflection, cultural analysis, and interesting interviews. Stereotypes are debunked, diversity is rejoiced in, and national identity in a globalized world provokes serious analysis in this film. Anyone who is Canadian or interested in the trifles that make up Canadiana must watch “Being Canadian” to grasp the rich tapestry that is Canadian identity.
