While countless actors have been heard to say, But what I really want to do is direct, its safe to suggest that select few stuntmen have proclaimed, But what I really want to do is write, direct, produce, star in and perform all the music for my first feature film.
And, in fairness, Vancouvers Kirk Caouette never intended to push his multi-hyphenate status to almost absurd extremes. He was looking to make a movie and found a passion project instead.
Id wanted to make a film for about 15 years. But... I didnt know what it was going to be, admits Caouette, whos collected more than 70 credits as a stunt performer, stunt coordinator and fight choreographer. It sort of came about before the Olympics. I got inspired to write a film about street musicians on the Downtown Eastside after seeing these people play. Seeing some of the real talent thats down there and also the lack of appreciation [for them].
Picking up his guitar, he composed the earnest ballad Dream With Me, which unfolds through the eyes of one of the street musicians he saw struggling. It, in turn, spawned Hit n Strum, which explores Vancouvers disparate sides (and showcases several other Caouette compositions).
After an upwardly mobile lawyer (Michelle Harrison) hits a homeless busker (Caouette) with her car, she insinuates herself into his life and strives to better his lot. Having already scored multiple awards at Torontos Canadian Film Fest, the film makes its Western Canadian Premiere at the this Saturday.
After collaborating with likes of Bryan Singer and John Woo, the technical elements of filmmaking had been demystified for Caouette.
Conversely, stepping in front of the camera for reasons other than putting his personal safety at risk left him out of his element. Id never said a line on camera my whole career. It was not something I ever wanted to do. But, for this role, I really wanted to create a very authentic character.
Furthermore, he was willing to fully commit himself to achieving that sense of realism. I went down to the Eastside. I busked. I grew my hair out. I stopped washing my hair. I got really into the character. I went down and collected my wardrobe from dumpsters. Just trying to get a real sense of what its like to be down there.
Such extensive research also assured him that Gastowns cobblestone streets were the ideal stage for his drama. The focus of the movie is these people colliding and being forced to have a relationship. He opines, Gastown is a perfect place for that. Its million dollar condos and absolute poverty right in the same area. Thats a really interesting place to set any story.
Hit n Strum screens on Saturday, December 1. Full details at WhistlerFilmFestival.com.
