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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Atom Egoyan had the initial idea for the film in the Fall of 1992. He began writing the script in February 1993, completing his first draft the following month. Pre-production began in April as Egoyan refined the screenplay and the casting process was completed in two months, with filming starting in mid-June, and completed after five weeks.

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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

Christina: Do you have a lot of friends?
Eric: Not really...
Christina: Do you ever wish you did?
Eric: Yeah.
Christina: When?
Eric: Well... like... now, for instance.
Christina: Why?
Eric: Well... I just met you. And I feel like telling somebody about it.

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Connections

Featured in Edge Codes.com: The Art of Motion Picture Editing (2004)

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Soundtracks

Fresh Has Jus B'Gun
Performed by MVP
Written by Courtney Cunningham, Franz Malvoism, Kevin Coleey and Philip Cole (MVP)
Courtesy of Full Flex Management and Productions

User Reviews

Very Good

Don't be fooled by the soft-porn title or the "sexy thriller" style art on the VHS box and DVD cover. This, like Egoyan's follow-up masterpiece "The Sweet Hereafter" is an intricate, elliptical, and tragic look at grief and loss focusing on the people who work at and patronize a Toronto strip club. It's all very literary and symbolic (the exotic creatures of the pet shop being audited by Bruce Greenwood's tax man with a sad secret mirroring the exotic dancers of the club where he finds his solace after hours) and surprisingly emotional (especially at the end). Character development, secrets, and inner truths are revealed slowly and carefully and in non-linear fashion by Egoyan's delicate director's hand. The "exotic" flavored yet haunting musical score is an added bonus. Worth a look if you are in the right mood and know what to expect from Egoyan.

Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English Hebrew

Release Date:

24 March 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Exotica

Filming Locations:

Osgoode Hall, 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