The Falls (1991 film)
1991 Canadian documentary film / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Falls is a Canadian documentary film, directed by Kevin McMahon and released in 1991.[1] The film is an exploration of the cultural significance held by Niagara Falls in the collective imagination.[2]
| The Falls | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Kevin McMahon |
| Written by | Kevin McMahon |
| Produced by | Michael McMahon Brian Dennis |
| Narrated by | Rita McMahon |
| Cinematography | Douglas Koch |
| Edited by | Michael McMahon |
| Music by | Kurt Swinghammer |
Production companies | Channel Four Films Primitive Features |
Release date |
|
Running time | 89 minutes |
| Country | Canada |
| Language | English |
According to McMahon, "It would have been very easy to do something trite and cheap and ironic — you know, making fun of Niagara Falls as a tourist trap. But I was interested in exploring the mythic side of it."[3] Instead, he tried to make a film which encompassed all aspects of the Niagara Falls area, including poetic meditation on the power and force of the falls themselves, an acknowledgement of the tacky aspects of the Clifton Hill tourist district, and an exploration of the environmental consequences of pollution and hydroelectric development in the area, including the controversy around Love Canal.[4]
The film was screened for distributors at the Cannes Film Market in May 1991,[5] and had its public premiere at the 1991 Festival of Festivals,[6] before having a limited commercial release in October.[3]