Kisses (part of the series Key Canadian Works by Women) 1976, 2007
Distributed by Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Centre, 401 Richmond St. W., Suite 119, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5V 3A8; 416-588-0725
Produced by Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Centre
Directed by Betty Ferguson
DVD, color and b&w, 55 min.
College
Women’s Studies, Film Studies
Date Entered: 01/12/2010
Reviewed by Rue McKenzie, University of South Florida, TampaThe idea of Kisses is a compelling one. Many types and styles of kisses in film and TV are spliced together in a long stream of scenes. Most scenes are very short, but do not need explanation. There is a fairly long look at Superman and Lois Lane’s romance, which benefits greatly from the filmmaker’s creative coloring of certain spaces within the scenes.
Unfortunately, the technical quality of the film is poor. Besides the sometimes awkward splices, the audio often delays and pops between each scene.
Although I do not recommend this film as a standalone program, it could be valuable to college level art history and film courses as part of the larger series Key Canadian Works by Women in surveying experimental film by women. This film, along with the others from this series, is accompanied by an excellent study guide.