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a, Campus Spotlight, Student Life

Campus Spotlight: NetRoots International

by Natalie Wong on

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NetRoots International is a non-profit organization that was created in 2011 by seven McGill undergraduate students as a Montreal chapter. The club has grown over the past four years to 50 members and expanded internationally. According to Alex Shadeed, NetRoots president and U3 Political Science and International Development student, NetRoots specializes in offering free social media consultation for non-profit organizations.

“We do free social media marketing, social media strategy, and web development for charities, NGO’s, non-for-profits, [and] any organization that really needs help with [its] web presence,” he said. “Unfortunately, [social media web design are] tasks that a lot of people that work non-for-profits are not too familiar with. We found that [if students had these skills], we could translate it over to them.”

According to Vanessa Conzon, founder and former president of NetRoots, the venture was created from a desire to use acquired skills from university to give back to the Montreal community.

“We were disheartened by the feeling of removal we felt between us and the community due to the constant demands of schoolwork.” Conzon said. “We realized that students are more tech-savvy than the average individual, so we decided to begin a club that would provide free social media consultations to non-profits.”

NetRoots provides the service to create and manage a free website for one year, hosted by Wix, a web design platform. Wix and NetRoots struck a deal to work together to provide affordable websites for non-profit organization.

NetRoots McGill also provides a technology and strategy team to initiate effective, up-to-date social media mechanisms that will offer effective consultation.

“Whenever there’s a new technology that releases social media that really helps with posting or with strategy, we make sure to [create] a presentation on it,” Shadeed said. “We document it […] to teach our consultants to make sure [that] they’re on top of their strategies and technologies to use.”

NetRoots also has a strategy team that strives to be updated on effective social media strategies by exploring effective social media techniques for other non-profit organizations, as well as for-profit organizations.

“We help [organizations] develop a social media strategy […] we help them [through posting plans],” said Shadeed. “We teach them how to post [and] the most effective ways to post, [and] we develop a posting campaign to try to get other initiatives to spiral.”

Several not-for-profit organizations NetRoots has helped are Hand In Hand International, The Yellow Doors, It Is Well, and Borderless World Volunteers.

“Many clubs at McGill work to raise money for charities, which is important, but we preferred the idea of interacting directly with non-profits in our community,” Conzon said.

With its recent international expansion and growth, Shadeed said that NetRoots plans to create a sustainable organization in order to instigate long-term effects to help non-profit organizations.

“Right now, we’re trying to grow efficiently and sustainably,” Shadeed said. “We don’t want to expand ourselves too [quickly]. We do the traditional McGill ways [of raising money] through bake sales and samosa sales. We’ve started a Kickstarter that hopefully people will catch on to.”

Nicole Kim, U1 Arts, commented on the feasibility and need for an organization like NetRoots.

“There’s a lot of expertise that NetRoots consultants can provide to help expand your organization that not many people are aware of,” she said. “Social media is something we use so routinely that we underestimate its power and capacity. I think the problem is that not many people know how to harness this technology in a maximizing way, which is why NetRoots is so convenient because they provide that education.” 

With the growth of social media infiltrating all aspects of society, having knowledge and awareness of the technologies and strategies to build platforms is essential for all businesses, especially for non-profits that do not have the finances to supplement marketing costs. “By teaching non-profits how to maintain their websites and update their social media, we hoped to provide long-lasting help to non-profits,” Conzon said.

a, Editorial, Opinion

Editorial: Winter 2015 referendum endorsements

by McGill Tribune Editorial Board on

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Question regarding the creation of the ECOLE Project Fee – Yes

ECOLE is a sustainability-centred living, learning, and community space. This upcoming referendum question involves the institution of a $2.00 per semester opt-outable fee that will go towards the the Education Community Living Environment (ECOLE) Project. The Tribune endorses a “Yes” vote for the proposed fee, which would allow the group to continue to provide student space, alternative education support, sustainability programming, and applied research on sustainability at McGill. ECOLE already provides accessible space booking and valuable research opportunities to undergraduat and graduate students who are interested in sustainability. Material and social sustainability are important initiatives that matter to many McGill students, and the Tribune supports the implementation of this fee to support ECOLE. As the only student-run space currently on campus dedicated to mobilizing McGill students and residents of Montreal around sustainability issues. Nevertheless, as ECOLE has only been in operation for one year, and remains relatively unknown as an organization, further outreach is necessary in order to engage more of the student body with its mission.

Question regarding the renewal of the SSMU Access Bursary Fund – Yes

The promotion of accessible education is always encouraged, especially in light of recent tuition increases that could exacerbate socioeconomic inequalities. The Tribune therefore endorses a “Yes” vote to renew the SSMU Access Bursary Fund. The fee for the SSMU Bursary fund is $8.50 for full-time students, and $4.25 for part-time students, per semester, a fee that is opt-outable on Minerva. The Tribune supports the spirit of the bursary fund, which promotes a pan-university approach to combatting budgetary constraints. In addition, the university and its alumni, as represented by the McGill Fund Council, have committed themselves to matching the Access Bursary Fund contributions dollar-for-dollar. The funds from students and the university that are made available through the Access Bursary Fund, constitute a substantial contribution towards promoting the affordability and accessibility of McGill moving forward.

Question regarding the addition of an MSE Representative on the SSMU Legislative Council – Yes

The Tribune endorses a “Yes” vote for the referendum question regarding the addition of a McGill School of Environment (MSE) Representative on the SSMU Legislative Council. Students of the MSE are currently represented by councillors from the Faculty of Arts & Science, Arts, or Science, but claim that their particular needs and interests are not directly aligned with the individual faculties, and thus require their own seat on Council. The current division of the School of Environment constituency under the representation of various representatives from these three faculties has weakened their voice, according to a statement made by Benjamin Ger, a member of the McGill Environment Student Society (MESS), at a SSMU Council meeting in February. While issues of over-representation and over-crowding in the Legislative Council will need to be addressed, the creation of a new seat is necessary if a large portion of students feel underrepresented. The Tribune recognizes the importance of effective student representation within governing bodies, and stands in support with the addition of a seat for the MSE.

Question regarding the referral services fee renewal – Yes

Since 2006, the referral services fee has funded Queer McGill with $1.00, Nightline with $0.40, and the Union for Gender Empowerment with $0.35, for a fee total of $1.75 per student per semester. As this fee is renewed every five years, this referendum question, if passed, would renew the fee until 2020. The Tribune endorses a "Yes" vote for this renewal, because all three services provide invaluable resources to students on campus. Nightline is widely promoted to first years and still used by upper years as an anonymous phone service run by students, and offers support whenever a student is in need and chooses to call in. Queer McGill is an essential organization and resource within the greater McGill community, frequently hosting workshops and series that are widely attended by LGBTQ people and allies alike.  And finally, the UGE sells a variety of safe sex and menstrual products through its Co-op while also offering a library that is open to the public. All three organizations are important and valued services, and renewing the fee would allow for their continued operations on campus.

 

 

 

 

 

a, Arts & Entertainment

What’s happening in Montreal

by Alexander Bullis on

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THEATRE — Hosanna

Talented and controversial Montreal writer Michael Tremblay’s famous story of gender identity, sexuality, and struggle comes back to the stage in Montreal.

 

Tuesday, March 17 to Sunday, March 29 at 8 p.m. at Mainline Theatre (3997 Blvd Saint-Laurent). Student tickets are $15.

MUSIC — Rep Your Flag

An EDM event designed with global students in mind; a late night of international flags, face paint, and performances from artists such as DubVision and Domeno—what’s not to love?

 

Saturday, March 22 at 10 p.m. at Palais de Congres (1001 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle, Metro Place-d’Armes). Tickets start at $25

 

PARADE — 192nd Montreal St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Get out to St. Catherine for one of the biggest parades in Montreal. It’s a central part of any St. Paddy’s experience.

 

Tuesday, March 22 at 12 p.m. at Rue Sainte-Catherine. Free.

 

MUSIC — Andrew Jackson Jihad

Dance and shout to the internationally renowned folk-punk jams of Andrew Jackson Jihad and associated acts Jeff Rosenstock and the Smith Street Band. If you like upright bass, folksy guitar, and high-energy acts, this is the show for you.

 

Sunday, March 22 at 7:30 at Petit Campus (57 Prince-Arthur Est). Tickets are $20.

 

VISUAL ART — Digital Spring

Explore the second annual celebration of digital and graphic art in the forms of architecture, visual works, and interactive displays.

 

Saturday, March 21 to Thursday, June 21, Quartier des Spectacles. Prices vary by event, some are free.

 

MUSIC — Montreal Soul/Funk Festival Volume #1

There will be soul abound at the first installment of this celebration of all things funky. Feel the funk and boogie with Static Gold, The Liquor Store, and Clay & Friends.

 

Friday, March 20 at 9 p.m. at Casa del Popolo (4871 Blvd Saint-Laurent). Tickets are $20.

 

CINEMA — International Festival of Films on Art

For art lovers or cinema enthusiasts, this unique and citywide celebration of films based on art is not to be missed.

 

Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 29 at various locations. Prices vary by event; some are free.

 

 

 

a, Off the Board, Opinion

Off the board: “For an Asian” ignores all aspects of individual merit

by Jenny Shen on

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I used to fill in my name as “Jenny” on my school and job applications, even though that’s not the name written on my birth certificate. Every time the ethnicity question came up, I would often select “Prefer not to say.” My relationship with my own race has been a tenuous one, and I have consistently felt the need to convince people around me that I was American, simply because that’s what it often took to feel accepted.

Eventually, I became more and more accustomed to hearing people make offhanded, blasé comments about their preconceptions about Asian Americans. I’ve heard everything from “You’re pretty good at volleyball for an Asian” to “You’re really involved in creative writing for an Asian.” I always felt guilty for feeling discomfort toward these remarks, particularly because it seemed as though I was being complimented.

I didn’t realize at first that these comments were not in fact compliments; instead, they were a constant reminder that I was being judged on a scale that was based off of a standard that by default excluded Asians from being viable competitors. By using “for an Asian” as a qualifier for these “compliments,” these people were not only demeaningly generalizing an entire ethnic group’s abilities, but also only willing to acknowledge merit based on an isolated scale. The recognition seemed to be contingent on the fact that it was only noteworthy when evaluated in comparison to other Asians. And whenever I myself ever uttered or thought the words “for an Asian,” I was resigning to the way these statements put all Asians under an umbrella—disregarding both the differences between Asian countries and the differences between people within each of those countries—and failed to recognize their achievements as individuals. I was not just accepting the story, but retelling it.

Struggling with your own racial identity often means rejecting the parts of you that others will see as a hindrance—resolving not to come across as shy, or avoiding Chinese TV shows because it might show that you’re out of touch with Western culture. It often means watching your own parents trying their hardest to buy or say or do the ‘right’ things that will help you and your family assimilate to what you considered to be American culture. People would frequently ask me what it was like to have grown up surrounded by family and peers who supposedly valued meritocracy above all else: “Do you have a ‘tiger mom’?” or “Are your parents really strict?” Something about the way people would accompany their questions with a look of sympathy—even pity, perhaps—led me to believe that there was something inherently shameful in the way people assumed I had been raised.

I was being judged on a scale that was based off of a standard that by default excluded Asians from being viable competitors.

These experiences, compounded with every encounter I’ve had with someone who used the provision “for an Asian,” made me feel the need to disengage from my background and everything negative other people associated with it.

To me, culture is a gradient. I have tried in many ways to either passionately reject or embrace my Chinese heritage, yet both decisions have been misguided. I cannot claim to be a representative of generations of traditional Chinese culture. But I would be doing a disservice to both my family and myself if I denied my Chinese background, because it is as much a part of me as Western culture is.

My relationship with my own race comes from many internal discrepancies, but my experiences with being singled out as a minority have been troubling and have only added to my personal discomfort with being Chinese. It has often felt as though my legitimacy as an individual gets taken away whenever people have made these types of blanket statements that purport an intrinsic connection between race and the ability to succeed. If being a minority invites discounting assumptions and disrespect regarding my identity, then understanding where I am on a multidimensional gradient of culture ultimately depends on how others perceive me, not how I have learned to perceive myself.

a, Opinion

Commentary: Thin line between vigilance and censorship at Concordia

by Cecile Richetta on

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Concordia University’s administration recently announced that it was going to offer professional support to its Muslims Students’ Association (MSA) to review books in the association’s library after the news network, TVA, made allegations against the student-run library and the inappropriate content in some of its books. After the TVA pointed out the questionable texts in the library’s collection, the MSA sought help from the administration to cull its collection. This incident renewed a recent political debate taking place in Montreal regarding the balance between vigilance and openness in combating extremism, and highlighted a breach of power by the MSA and the Concordia administration who are willing to censor the content of the student-run library.

According to the MSA’s official statement, the organization came to the university for help, a fact that the administration has not ceased to stress. The targeted texts included some written by authors who have made statements in support of wife beating, female genital mutilation, and the death penalty. According to the administration, the books removed “would be those that are not meeting the users’ need.” Such statements have weakened the administration’s defence that it is only providing an advisory opinion, not imposing censorship. Nevertheless, critics have denounced these measures as censorship, and rightfully so. The administration’s comments strangely echo Mayor Denis Coderre’s words about finding a balance between “vigilance and openness” in the face of religious extremism. Books that “cross the line,” or are “radical and too extreme,” and hence not in line with society’s values, could be permanently removed from the shelves.

Concordia’s discourse strangely echoes Mayor Denis Coderre’s words about finding a balance between ‘vigilance and openness.’

This review brought many issues under the spotlight. First of all, Muslims and books written by Muslim authors, specifically, are the ones under scrutiny. The fact that this potential censure is targeted at Muslims, a group that has been scapegoated recently by the Quebec government, is especially worrisome. Many have expressed their concerns and questioned why the attention has been limited to writings from Muslim authors and the MSA, and not other radical books or libraries. Notably, the example of Hitler’s Mein Kampf has been used repeatedly to highlight the fact books promoting radicalism and violence are not uncommon in university libraries.

But what is more disturbing than the spotlight on the Muslim community is the fact that Concordia’s review is overstepping the boundary between vigilance and censorship. On one hand, at a time of growing instability and extremism, and with the brutality of radical groups commonplace in the news, there is certainly a need to be careful about the spread of radical discourse. On the other hand, openness implies that society should have sensible discussions about current issues, and a university is the perfect place for both free speech and mutual respect. However, given the co-optation of discussion in favor of vigilance on campus, it is questionable whether the university is the right place to seek to control this discourse.

According to Concordia University President Alan Shepard, the university is built on three essential pillars: Academic freedom, free speech, and mutual respect. But suddenly it seems as though two of these values are not worth defending in the face of growing extremism for the Concordia administration and the MSA. Indeed, a university has to balance between the rights of students to have access to academic books and its obligations promote a healthy and safe environment for debate. But for students at the university level to debate such ideas, they need to have books for both sides of the controversy. Isn’t the university a place where the community can and should have debates about radicalization and extremism?

As the source for academic research, the university library needs to have a variety of books that includes both sides of a historical struggle or a contemporary debate. It is then up to the students to think critically about these works, and up to the public to understand that the most controversial books are not necessarily representative of the administration’s beliefs.

a, Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Letter to the editor: Why there is a place in the feminist movement for Lana Del Rey

by Jacqueline Galbraith on

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Let me preface this by saying that I would consider myself a fan of Lana Del Rey, or at least a fan of her music. I think she’s talented, and I would never tell anybody that they weren’t entitled to their own ideas of gender equality and feminism, or that those views were incorrect. But upon reading an Off the Board piece by Jack Neal in the March 10 issue of the McGill Tribune, I took issue with a few of the points made with regard to her status as a role model, feminist or otherwise.

I can understand why Del Rey might find feminism to be not “an interesting concept,” in that many successful women are repeatedly asked about their careers and lives as women, while men rarely have their gender brought up so consistently. You can hardly blame her for preferring to speak about her music once in a while. It strikes me then as interesting that the argument put forward was that Del Rey should be embraced as a feminist role model, when by her own admission she has no interest in being one. Del Rey has every right to own her experiences and to create art from the circumstances she’s gone through, but to argue that we should encourage women to aspire to those struggles simply does not make sense. A role model is supposed to be someone you emulate, someone who is doing things you wish you could do.

If Neal was attempting to argue that Del Rey is relatable and should therefore be embraced by the feminist movement as someone going through difficulties as we all do, then I completely agree. There are plenty of “soft, broken, and vulnerable feminist[s],” but I take some issue with those three words being placed together. There isn’t anything negative about being soft or vulnerable—in fact both of those traits demand quite a bit of courage—but being broken isn’t something to aim for; it’s something to work through. To say that she should be a role model simply because she’s relatable doesn’t quite add up.

I think [the stereotype of a feminist woman] is actually a disadvantaged woman who is empowered enough to say something

To clarify, I believe entirely that we should be telling young girls and women that their challenges do not make them unlovable and are a normal part of life—that’s a huge part of what feminism is about—but there is a big difference between acceptance or support and glamorization. As the author noted, “women should be free to be themselves, even if that self is flawed, and at times weak and disempowered,” but why should we pretend that those traits are things to aspire to? Women like Beyoncé or Lorde may be powerful, but why does that mean we shouldn’t look up to them as role models for empowerment?

I don’t think the “stereotype of a feminist woman [is] someone who is conventionally ‘powerful.’” I think it’s actually a disadvantaged woman who is empowered enough to say something. If feminists were all conventionally powerful, we would not have as much to worry about. The reason that the feminist movement even exists is because there are hundreds of millions of women who are terrifyingly disempowered. These women aren’t free to do whatever they want, as Del Rey feels she is. These women don’t have the luxury of not being interested in feminism, and these women need role models who are more than just ‘damsels-in-distress.’

a, McGill, News

Office of Students with Disabilities projects deficit of 15 per cent

by Jessica Fu on

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The Office of Students with Disabilities (OSD) is currently awaiting funding for its 2015-2016 academic year operations. This upcoming year will see a grant of over $1 million to McGill University from the province of Quebec, which will be designated through the university’s various channels to support both the OSD and efforts to improve services for students with disabilities outside of the OSD on campus.

The OSD previously received direct funding from the provincial government, according to Executive Director of Student Services Jana Luker.

“Instead of the [approximately] $100,000 that the OSD was getting, it’s $1.2 million that the university will now receive,” Luker said. “It will be up to the [university] to distribute it. But the government [is] presently setting parameters on how to distribute it—what are the restrictions, who does it go to. Other divisions around the university […] also support students with disabilities.”

An upcoming question posed to Senate by Chloe Rourke, Arts and Science senator, indicated that due to the new funding structure, the OSD would face a budgetary shortfall.

“As a result of this envelope of $7.5 million, the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) will no longer receive […] funding from the government and has […] indicated an expected shortfall of approximately 15 per cent of its budget for the next academic year,” the preamble to her question reads.

According to Luker, the province does not face a deadline by which they must set these guidelines or submit the funding.

“We have submitted a budget that covers last year’s expenses and we know that the invigilation—the students that are hired to supervise the exams of students with disabilities—will probably cost about $40,000, and there’s no money for that,” she said. “We’re short of cash right now, and that’s why it’s important that the government get this money distributed. In the meantime, McGill covers some of it, but they’re also waiting for any information.”

In the case that funding is not received by the upcoming school year, Luker emphasized that the OSD would be mandated to continue running, likely with very few additional services.

“It’s the law that we must accommodate all students with disabilities,” Luker said. “What’s happened in the past is we didn’t get a cut to the OSD budget, but we [saw an increase in] the uptake of students [….] We had to [reduce]  some of the services that we offered, and just offered the bare minimum around accommodation.”

Rourke underscored the challenges the OSD has been facing in recent years due to a surge in registered students.

“Even without a decrease in [its] budget, [the] OSD is struggling to provide the basic services to all the students who need it and have had to eliminate many additional learning supports,” she said. “I believe this is the main issue for students: Currently, OSD is extremely constrained in terms of the services it is able to provide. This has considerable impacts to the 1,600 students registered with the service.”

Drew Mulhall, U3 Science, spoke to the merits of OSD services. In Fall 2014, Mulhall broke his hand and took his final exams in the OSD offices.

“A lot of students’ academics might take a hit because I think the OSD provides students with a lot of resources with managing stress during exam periods, [for those] who require extra time for exams,” Mulhall said. “[That’s] a major concern if [the OSD] doesn’t get the funding that [for those]it needs.”

Rourke reiterated the importance of sustainable funding for the OSD.

“Ultimately, I believe OSD is critical to supporting an accessible learning environment and the academic success of many students at the university,” she said.

a, Student Life

Spring fashion features refreshing outfits

by Tiffany Le on

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With the rise in temperature over the past week, it is evident that spring weather is just around the corner. After experiencing the long winter and cycling through the same combinations of outfits warm enough for the Montreal winter, it’s time to let loose and experiment. Put away the common McGill winter apparel of puffy parkas, Canada goose jackets, and chunky boots.

  • Artsy minis

    Montreal springs are not quite warm enough to forgo a coat, which is an advantage. Break out your houndstooth trenches, waterproof windbreakers, and cool jean jackets. Complement them with a loud, eye-catching miniskirt. Any bright pattern, colour, or textured material would be flattering in an A-line shape and would look vivid peeping out under a jacket. After a long season of drab neutral tones, a pop of colour could be refreshing. On top of that, the tennis-skirt fit is fun but not too provocative and is comfortable enough for lecture hall seats. To \create a classic look, add a turtleneck shirt on top. Finally, you have the option to finish the outfit with tights.

  • These rain boots are made for walkin’

    Although rain boots may seem to be more of a utility than a fashion statement, there have been a much wider variety of trendy rain boots available to choose from lately. Whether it’s a sturdy-looking zip-up boot with a slight heel, a rubber Chelsea boot, some clear lace-ups, or the classic tall black rain boots, rain boots are a handy fashion statement. With the melting snow and probable precipitation, rain boots will shield you from the discomfort of wet socks. They also offer a new way to play with texture and shape. Mixing knits with the shiny rubber will instantly add interest to your outfit. Wearing a longer skirt and tall rain boots to expose only the knees offers a unique shape. It’s also easy to go in the opposite direction and commit wholeheartedly to the plastic—this means glossy raincoat, clear bag, and maybe some reflexive shades.

  • Flair for flare

    It’s always exciting when classics re-emerge under a new shape and form. Flared pants used to be the emblem of the hippie movement during the ’80s, but today, they’ve also taken on a modern twist. Wide-leg flared jeans that skim the floor give a structured and powerful look. They can be easily matched with a light sweater, white dress shirt, or boxy jacket, and topped off with a wide-brim hat and dark sunglasses. An alternative would be comfortable satin pants that flares just above the ankles. With just a sliver of skin showing above some chunky platform boots, this look is edgy with minimal effort. Skinnies are easy to wear and super flattering, but once in a while, it’ll be nice to work with something new.

a, News, SSMU

SSMU Cafeteria’s Bambou Bol closed due to failure to pay rent

by Jessica Fu on

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Bambou Bol, one of three food service options at the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) cafeteria, closed on March 11 due to a default on its annual lease of the space.

According to Kathleen Bradley, SSMU Vice-President Finance and Operations, Bambou Bol had previously experienced difficulties paying rent.

“Bambou Bol was in default of its lease several times, and so we terminated the lease contract,” she said.

SSMU President Courtney Ayukawa explained that plans for the future of the restaurant have not yet been determined.

“[Options are] still being discussed,” she said. “There are not any concrete plans for the space yet.”

Bradley outlined the process by which the future of the space would be decided.

“The space decision is up to the VP Finance and Operations, the Executive Committee, and Council,” she said. “There has already been work and planning done to plan for the future of space within the SSMU building. This report will be presented to Council and, depending on the decision made there, steps will be taken to implement [it].”

Bradley noted that although the default appears as a loss on SSMU’s budget, it will not impact the association’s financial situation.

“The loss in rent revenue has already been included in the 2015-2016 budget,” she said. “So there will be no effect on SSMU's financial standing.”

Yushu Wang, U3 Arts, expressed dismay that the closure has resulted in fewer food options in the SSMU building.

“Occasionally I do like to go to Bambou Bol, because of the location,” she said. “[The closure] is pretty inconvenient for me—I do like the staff there a lot.”

The SSMU cafeteria located on the second floor of the Shatner building continues to house two food options—The Nest, a student-run café established January 2014, and Bocadillo, a Venezuelan grill.

a, Arts & Entertainment, Film and TV

It feels good to let go

by Elie Waitzer on

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Co-produced by legendary Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar (of Volver (2006) fame), Wild Tales will make you laugh, shake your head, and turn to the stranger next to you to make eye contact.

In his first feature-length film, Argentinian director Damián Szifron threads the common theme of revenge through six disconnected vignettes, each lasting around 15 minutes. Revenge might not actually be the right term in this case—it’s more about the pleasure of losing control, giving into the animal urges held in check by human propriety. Each story line thrusts characters into stressful or otherwise extreme situations, and lets the viewer watch as they crumple up the script dictated by society and release their inhibitions. 

Perhaps most impressive is Szifron’s ability to pack so much into so little time. Constructed with the economy of a good short story, the viewer is given all the information needed within the first few minutes of each vignette. The first one begins with a woman asking a flight attendant if she can still get air miles on a company-purchased ticket. On the plane, the woman strikes up a conversation about her lousy ex-boyfriend, Pasternak, with the passenger beside her, who happened to ruin Pasternak’s budding career. Several other passengers overhear, stepping forward as Pasternak’s grade-school teachers, therapists, and classmates, and they gradually come to the sickening realization that everyone on the plane had their tickets bought by the same company. Pasternak, of course, is in the cockpit, at the controls of the fate of his tormentors.

Throughout the movie, Szifron uses images of wild animals to establish the duality of freedom versus society. In the title sequence, each name is set against a still of a safari animal, and in the plane feature, the woman flips through a National Geographic feature of a lion chasing a gazelle. While the transformation from human to animal often results in gruesome violence, the strength of this film is the degree to which which Szifron manages to infuse the violence with whimsy, hilarity, and pleasure. In each vignette, there is a specific turning point when something snaps and you can see the last strand mooring the character to the dock come undone. And once the characters let go and float away, there’s no going back. The clarity and force of these moments is in part due to superb acting by several unknown faces such as Ricardo Darín, Leonardo Sbaraglia, and Erica Rivas, but the bulk of the praise is owed to some genius directorial choices. 

After a futile battle against the wrongful towing of his car leads to the destruction of his marriage, job and reputation, a demolition engineer proceeds to exact revenge by loading his trunk with explosives and having it towed on purpose. Set to dreamy pop music, the decisive scene shows the man thoroughly enjoying a French breakfast at the window seat of a luxurious restaurant. The camera pans across a buttery croissant before following the man’s line of sight out the window and onto the street, where his car is being towed. Szifron uses music to the same effect in other vignettes, providing a joyful soundtrack to these turning points as his bloodied characters gorge themselves on wedding cake and consummate the marriage on top of the crumbs. 

While the movie is undeniably a comedy first, the intense situations often yield genuine insights into the power that society holds over our actions. Throughout the movie, the most savage violence occurs when no one is watching. In the third vignette, an encounter between an urban yuppie and a redneck on the open road results in both parties ending up as blackened skeletons. Furthermore—with a few exceptions—male characters carry out most of the revenge, which may or may not have been an intentional gender commentary on Szifron’s part. The exploration of the spectrum between restraint and abandon is fascinating, but don’t go see this movie for the deeper meaning—go for the pleasure. 

Wild Tales is playing at Cinema du Parc (3575 Parc) and Cineplex Odeon Forum Cinemas (2313 Ste-Catherine W) at various times this week.

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