Tuktuq (2016) User Reviews

Powerful message in a quiet movie

[yrussell · 10/10 · 5 July 2022]

This was filmed in Nunavik (the arctic part of Québec, Canada). Our protagonist is a man who spends his days deep in the forest, in places where no humans are seen. He is one of those quiet men that people never notice. Yet, he is highly skilled in his profession as a hunter and photographer. He receives a telephone call out of the blue, from the Government of Québec offering him a temporary job in Nunavik doing photography and video recording. Going so far north is a rare opportunity, so he jumps at the chance. During his time up north, he has a series of phone conversations with the same government official (a charismatic yet jaded older man, an old school corrupt politician, skilled in the arts of deal-making and manipulation). Gradually it dawns on our protagonist that he is being used as a pawn for the government: they wanted to hire a man who was an apolitical "nobody" to make a record of the arctic village in which he is staying. The reason they need a "record" is because - unbeknownst to its inuit residents - the government plans to wipe the whole village off the map in order to build a mine in its place. The whole reason for his job is to produce video that makes the village seem like a horrible place (giving the gov't a justification to kick all the people out). Yet, the scenery is stunningly beautiful and the village is thriving. Our protagonist (who was instructed not to get "too close" to the people) begins to develop a sense of guilt about the scam in which he is participating. Yet, he finds himself utterly helpless to change anything. When he points out the absurdity of the plan (e.g. They found valuable resources under the village because that was the easiest place to look -- they prefer to wipe the village out rather than look just outside the village), his concerns are casually brushed aside. Some reviewers didn't like this film because it was too "quiet"... yet, I think, in its quietude lies its power. There are incredibly long takes showing the scenery, wildlife, and cultural practices. That is the perfect way to convey how it would feel to be quietly living alongside the Inuit people for many months, observing everything without being a direct participant. The fact we're watching a slow motion tragedy only sinks in gradually, through the series of phone calls. This well-acted and well-written film illustrates the subtle ways in which the aboriginal people of north america continue to be mistreated.

Underwhelming

[fmb1996 · 3/10 · 8 April 2017]

I went to see this movie because I like the idea behind it. Also because there is only a few movies that are about Native Americans. However, I feel like this movie should have stayed in planning a bit longer.

First of all, I feel like this movie was supposed to be a documentary at first, and it's only at the very end that they changed it. I say that because there is no interaction, except for one scene where nobody talk, between the main character and the Inuits. In fact, the only other characters are only there by phone.

Second, because there is no interaction, the movie does not show us what is going on, it tells us. Not only that, but it is the only moment anyone talks. The deputy minister is about one of the less realist character I've ever seen.

I would have loved to love this movie. I just couldn't. But I am still gonna see his next movie, because it seems to have been planned more. Maybe next time.