Exotica (1994)

A man plagued by neuroses frequents the club Exotica in an attempt to find solace, but even there his past is never far away.

Director:

Atom Egoyan

Writer:

Atom Egoyan

Stars:

Bruce Greenwood, Elias Koteas, Don McKellar

15 wins & 11 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Bruce Greenwood	...	Francis / Tax auditor
Mia Kirshner	...	Christina / Stripper
Don McKellar	...	Thomas / Petshop owner
Elias Koteas	...	Eric / Club's DJ
Arsinée Khanjian	...	Zoe / Club owner
Victor Garber	...	Harold / Francis' brother
Sarah Polley	...	Tracey / Harold's daughter
David Hemblen	...	Customs Inspector
Calvin Green	...	Customs Officer
Jack Blum	...	Scalper
Ken McDougall	...	Club Doorman
Peter Krantz	...	Man in Taxi
Billy Merasty	...	Man at Opera
Damon D'Oliveira	...	David / Man at Opera

Storyline

This psychological thriller is true to its subjects as well as being complex, dynamic, and overly dramatic. How something so long ago, seemingly trivial, years later with more significant trauma, turns repressed emotions into a dysfunctional life and distorted thinking. This is all merged into a psychological menagerie that unfolds piece by piece to perfection.

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Plot Keywords:

cult film | public nudity | protective male | haunted by the past | grief | 

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Taglines:

In a world of temptation, obsession is the deadliest desire.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some sexuality and language

Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English Hebrew

Release Date:

24 March 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Exotica

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

CAD2,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$100,654, 5 March 1995

Gross USA:

$4,221,036

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$4,221,036

Company Credits

Production Co:

Alliance Entertainment, Ego Film Arts, Miramax

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The director's wife, Arsinée Khanjian, was seven months pregnant when her parts in the movie were filmed.

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Goofs

In one scene when Eric is talking with Cristina walking on the grass, you can see a microphone at the top of the screen.

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Quotes

Eric: Do it for me, baby! Oh! My god, that's incredible, incredible! Let me ask you something, gentlemen: What is it that gives a schoolgirl her special innocence? Her sweet fragrance... Fresh flowers, light as a spring rain... Oh, my god, my god... Or is it her firm, young flesh, inviting your every caress, enticing you to explore her deepest and most private secrets? Well, gentlemen, I'm gonna let you decide that one for yourselves. Please join me in welcoming a sassy bit of jailbait to our stage. ...

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Connections

Featured in Plan B (2005)

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Soundtracks

Flame of Desire
Performed by Studebaker John and The Hawks
Written by John Grimaldi
Courtesy of Blind Pig Records, a division of Whole Hog Inc.

User Reviews

A fractured movie about a fractured life

Perhaps Atom Egoyan's most successful film. Egoyan's technique is to fracture a story like a jigsaw puzzle, giving the viewer bits and pieces which only all connect in the final scene. That ripping apart of reality is especially appropriate here, since the movie is about people putting their lives together after terrible trauma. It's also about the danger in leaping to conclusions - the viewer is often tempted to make a judgement about what he or she sees, and that judgement is often both wrong and unfair. If this all sounds like homework, be assured that the movie is also a lot of fun: it's sexy and interesting and inspired.