Music

NXNE FILM REVIEW: Paul Quarrington: A Life In Music

by Allan Tong

@ NXNE: Sunday, June 19, 2:00 p.m.

You probably know Paul Quarrington as a writer.  He penned the novel Whale Music, a thinly veiled fiction about reclusive rock genius Brian Wilson (who’s receiving a Hall of Fame award at NXNE this year) and King Leary which won 1988’s Stephen Leacock Award. He wrote screenplays and produced TV series, but Quarrington was also a musician, singing and playing lead guitar for the roots band Porkbelly Futures.

The band is the focus of this profile that captures the final months of Quarrington’s prolific life.  The bard is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, yet he insists on touring with his band, producing their new release and recording his own.  Quarrington is as tough as a soldier, but he’s no saint.  His ex-wife will tell you that, though she’s obviously still fond of the man.

To his credit, director Bert Kish doesn’t lionize Quarrington but presents a fond, yet even-handed portrait of the artist in his final days.  The only fault is the narration which is unnecessary and obtrusive.  Surprisingly, Life in Music is not a gloomy production.  There are no doctors or intensive care units, just stages and studios.  The film is full of life even as the end approaches.

Friends and admirers speak of him including fellow writers Roddy Doyle, Wayson Choy and Dave Bidini, his bandmates, Dan Hill who grew up with Quarrington in Don Mills, Toronto, and Quarrington’s children.  All in all, a fitting tribute to a talented man.

trailer:
http://youtu.be/YyVvk4M2Pj4