Mars and April (2012)

Mars and April Poster
Original Title: Mars et Avril

In the near future, as humanity prepares to set foot on Mars, Jacob Obus, an elderly musician, takes pride in slowing down time by playing instruments inspired by women's bodies, designed by his friend Arthur. A love triangle develops when Jacob and Arthur both fall in love with Avril, a young photographer. Enter Eugène Spaak, Arthur's father, an inventor and cosmologist who unveils a new theory about man's desire to reach Mars and helps Jacob find the true meaning of life and love.

Film Summary
"Mars and April" is an avant-garde Canadian sci-fi drama film launched in 2012, directed by Martin Villeneuve and starring Jacques Languirand, Caroline Dhavernas, and Paul Ahmarani. The film is based on 2 graphic books by Villeneuve. "Mars and April" easily combines sci-fi with romantic drama principles.

Plot
The plot revolves around two primary characters, Jacob Obus (Jacques Languirand), a senior musician, and a young woman named April (Caroline Dhavernas). The story is set in a futuristic Montreal, where Obus crafts unique instruments with human parts, and each instrument brings the character of the person to whom the body part belonged.

April, on the other hand, is an adventurous, free-spirited professional photographer who fears absolutely nothing and is amazed by the Mars mission. When Obus plays among his instruments at a show, the instrument, initially April's deceased grandpa's bones, exposes a ticket to the Mars objective concealed in the bones, for that reason starting a weird love affair in between Jacob and April.

Mars Mission
Another central character, Arthur, a scientist with a striking similarity to April, is responsible for the Mars objective. As a clinical genius, he continuously attempts to extend human life and establishes a method to change humans into posthumans via the "Float Tank", therefore enabling them to survive on Mars. Arthur is also a love interest for April however is terrified of the real journey to Mars unlike April.

Love & Adventure
Amidst technological developments and the upcoming Mars objective, the movie checks out the relationships between the enthused April, the cautious Arthur, and the time-weary Jacob. April's adventurous spirit and Jacob's melancholic knowledge are the driving forces behind their mission for love and planetary discovery.

Jacob and April ultimately wind up falling for each other, however the intricacies of their scenario and the upcoming voyage to Mars tosses them into an immense issue. Simultaneously, they explore what it means to be truly human in a world encompassed by technological improvements.

Conclusion
The plot reaches its climax when April chooses to board the Mars objective. She parts ways with Jacob, who picks to remain in the world, satisfying his destiny as an artist.

"Mars and April" draws to an emotive conclusion, concentrating on styles of love, human conditions, life, death and discovery. It is an exploration of human capabilities, sensibilities and presence, set versus the background of an advanced, hi-fi Montreal preparing for life on another world.

General Reception
"Mars and April" skilfully weaves a narrative that is both philosophical and life-affirming. The storyline's creativity, integrated with excellent visual results and a strong cast, offers an entertaining yet thought-provoking viewing experience and has actually been well received by critics and audiences alike. Despite the futuristic setting, the film feels intensely human and relatable, leaving audiences to contemplate the intricacies of life, love and the quest for understanding and expedition.

Top Cast

  • Jacques Languirand
    Jacob Obus
  • Caroline Dhavernas (small)
    Caroline Dhavernas
    Avril
  • Paul Ahmarani (small)
    Paul Ahmarani
    Arthur
  • Robert Lepage (small)
    Robert Lepage
    Eugène Spaak - tête
  • Jean Asselin
    Eugène Spaak - corps / Serveur automate
  • Stéphane Demers (small)
    Stéphane Demers
    Bernard Brel
  • Jean Marchand (small)
    Jean Marchand
    Pneumatologue
  • Kathleen Fortin (small)
    Kathleen Fortin
    Modèle d'Arthur
  • Marcel Sabourin (small)
    Marcel Sabourin
    Capucin
  • André Montmorency (small)
    André Montmorency
    Pierrot
  • Gabriel Gascon (small)
    Gabriel Gascon
    Arlequin