In this short documentary about The Tragically Hip, director David Battistella uses a split-screen and acid-etched colours to distil the iconic Canadian band’s essence. After decades together, through hotels, highways, gigs and recording sessions, The Hip’s members have forged a powerful brotherhood. "These guys are my life partners, musically" says bass guitarist Gord Sinclair. The Hip's brand of straight-ahead rock and roll has catapulted the band to international stardom, and ensured them a place in Canadian musical history, but at heart, they remain a bunch of guys from Kingston, Ontario, making music together just for fun.
This film was produced for the 2008 Governor General's Performing Arts Award.
Ages 12 to 17
Arts Education - Music
Civics/Citizenship - Ideologies
Diversity - Identity
Media Education - Film and Video Production
Make a list of movies about rock bands; view some if possible. How does the Tragically Hip compare with other bands? Bring in examples of other Canadian music with similar messages about honesty and integrity; how do such songs connect to the message of the film (e.g. “Complicated” by Avril Lavigne, “Saltwater Cowboys” by Simani)? Investigate the filmmaking techniques used and how they influenced the overall impression of the band.