Top 100 Most Anticipated Films of 2012: #66. Xavier Dolan’s Laurence Anyways

#66. Laurence Anyways

Director/Writer: Xavier Dolan
Producers: Nathanaël Karmitz and Lyse Lafontaine
Distributor: Rights Available

The Gist: Laurence, a young french teacher and soon-to- be-published author, enjoys an intense and mutually loving relationship with his fiancée, Fred. But on the day after his 30th birthday, Laurence confesses to Fred that he longs to become a woman, asking her to support him in this transformation. Despite her best efforts, Fred is too hurt by this development, and they break up. Each of them tries to build a new life, without thinking of the past. Five years later, Laurence sends a copy of his first book of poetry to Fred…(more)

Cast: Karine Vanasse, Nathalie Baye and Melvil Poupaud

List Worthy Reasons…: In just two quick strokes, French Canadian helmer Xavier Dolan has canonized himself as one of the international film circuit’s best nouveau gifts, but yet his third feature, his most difficult and perhaps least accessible (in terms of subject matter) film might be the item that allows him to do away from the wunderkid label. Landing grade A talents from France in Nathalie Baye and Melvil Poupaud, and subtracting himself from the front of the cameras will help draw more attention to both the film’s aesthetic (which Dolan excels in) but the core attributes of the narrative as well.

Release Date/Status?: This will show in Cannes. Un Certain Regard or Directors’ Fortnight appear likely.