The Hanging Garden (1997)

William, a once obese and depressed adolescent, is able to move past his teenage years when he moves to the city and comes out as being gay. When he returns home though, he can't cope with his memories.

Director:

Thom Fitzgerald

Writer:

Thom Fitzgerald

Stars:

Chris Leavins, Kerry Fox, Ian Parsons

21 wins & 14 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ian Parsons	...	Little Sweet William
Peter MacNeill	...	Whiskey Mac
Troy Veinotte	...	Teen Sweet William
Kerry Fox	...	Rosemary
Mark Austin	...	Preacher
Joel Keller	...	Fletcher (as Joel S. Keller)
Heather Rankin	...	Black-Eyed Susan
Christine Dunsworth	...	Violet
Seana McKenna	...	Iris
Joan Orenstein	...	Grace
Chris Leavins	...	Sweet William
Ashley MacIsaac	...	Basil
Jocelyn Cunningham	...	Laurel
Jim Faraday	...	Mr. MacDougal
Sarah Polley	...	Teen Rosemary

Storyline

William, a once obese and troubled teen, goes back to his family's home after being gone, without word, for ten years and finds it (and his family) haunted with his past. He had moved to the city and become a fit, well-adjusted gay man, but during his visit home, he becomes unhinged as the newly remembered reasons for his miserable adolescence come to life in each of their presents.

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Plot Keywords:

gay | abusive father | wedding ceremony | sex lesson from prostitute | child abuse | 

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Taglines:

It's hard to go home... ten years after your death.

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexuality, language, and a scene of a hanging, and some teen drug use

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film won the best Canadian feature award at TIFF.

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Quotes

Grace: [sending her grandchildren off to a school dance. To granddaughter Rosemary.] You got pockets? You carrying your protection with you?
Teen Rosemary: What?!
Grace: Started when your father was young. Every party dress had to have pockets.
[fetches something from her chest-of-drawers.]
Grace: Now ... Your hands. These'll keep you safe.
[lowers a rosary into Rosemary's open hands.]
Grace: Now, you feel some of that ... that hocus-pocus comin' into your body ... you don't have to worry.

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Connections

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

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Soundtracks

When Spring Comes
Written and performed by Jane Siberry
© 1996 Wing-It Music
Courtesy of SHEEBA Records

User Reviews

One of the best films I have ever seen.

A lovely, intelligent film that challenges the viewer's assumptions about reality, while celebrating the power of memory and redemption. I have rarely been so moved by the beauty of a film, visually and verbally. The performances are real, the writing superb. It also boasts one of the most hilarious weddings in cinema history.

Details

Official Sites:

MGM

Country:

Canada UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 November 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Hanging Garden

Filming Locations:

Nova Scotia, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

CAD1,500,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$24,909

Company Credits

Production Co:

Alliance Communications Corporation, Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC), Channel Four Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1