6.7/10
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I've Heard the Mermaids Singing (1987)

R | | Comedy, Drama | March 1988 (USA)
I've Heard the Mermaids Singing Poster
Scatterbrained Polly gets a job as a secretary in Gabrielle's art gallery. Polly aspires to be a professional photographer, and idolizes Gabrielle for her artistic ability. When Gabrielle ... See full summary »

Director:

Patricia Rozema

Writer:

Patricia Rozema

Stars:

Sheila McCarthy, Paule Baillargeon, Ann-Marie MacDonald | See full cast & crew »
Reviews
3 wins & 7 nominations. See more awards »

Photos

See all 12 photos »
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Cast

Complete credited cast:
Sheila McCarthy ... Polly Vandersma
Paule Baillargeon ... Gabrielle St. Peres
Ann-Marie MacDonald Ann-Marie MacDonald ... Mary Joseph
Richard Monette Richard Monette ... Clive
John Evans ... Warren
Brenda Kamino ... Waitress
See full cast »
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Storyline

Scatterbrained Polly gets a job as a secretary in Gabrielle's art gallery. Polly aspires to be a professional photographer, and idolizes Gabrielle for her artistic ability. When Gabrielle rekindles an old romantic relationship with the younger painter Mary, Polly becomes jealous, and discovers Gabrielle is not who she claims to be. Written by Mike Jones

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

triple f rated | art | art gallery | lesbian | female protagonist | See All (10) »

Taglines:

Isn't life the strangest thing you've ever seen?

Genres:

Comedy | Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for brief strong language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

Add content advisory for parents »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Debut theatrical feature film written, edited, produced and directed by Patricia Rozema. See more »

Quotes

Polly Vandersma: Isn't life the strangest thing you've ever seen?
See more »

Alternate Versions

Also available in a computer colorized version. See more »

Connections

Featured in Weird Sex and Snowshoes: A Trek Through the Canadian Cinematic Psyche (2004) See more »

Soundtracks

OPEN WINDOW
By Mark Korven
Courtesy of Duke Street Records
See more »

User Reviews

 
True Original
19 March 2006 | by jlarkin5 – See all my reviews

Sheila McCarthy shines in this exploration of the imagination, the artist and the self.

It is one of my top ten films of all time because of its originality and ,of course, McCarthy's offbeat and touching performance. She creates something truly original that has not been matched in a female comedic performance since.

Direction is crisp, unexpected and magical. One can see why it was given a standing ovation at Cannes.

It is one of the few films that can me on a pure emotional level..appealing to the misunderstood individual.

Anyone who has felt like they don't fit in will love this movie. Be sure to watch the closing credits to the end.

Now On DVD with Rozema's commentary.
18 of 22 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

March 1988 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

I've Heard the Mermaids Singing See more »

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Box Office

Budget:

CAD362,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$25,998, 13 September 1987

Gross USA:

$1,408,491

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,408,491
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

National Film Board of Canada (NFB), Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Film Development Corporation See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1
See full technical specs »
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