Stories We Tell

The film delves into the intricate relationship between Polley’s parents, Michael and Diane Polley, shedding light on the dramatic revelation that the filmmaker herself is the product of an extramarital affair involving her mother and Montreal producer Harry Gulkin. This poignant documentary weaves together interviews with Polley’s siblings from her mother’s two marriages and conversations with various relatives and family friends. It also features Michael Polley’s narration of his memoir, complemented by stunning Super-8 footage that is crafted to emulate genuine home movies chronicling significant moments in Polley’s family life.

The faux home video sequences feel remarkably authentic, attributed to the thoughtful casting choices, with Rebecca Jenkins portraying Diane, who unfortunately passed away due to cancer on January 10, 1990, just a week before Polley’s 11th birthday. Distinctively, Polley devoted five years to the completion of this documentary, often taking breaks to reflect and regroup her thoughts during the process.

In a revealing blog post on the NFB.ca website, Polley shares that multiple journalists, including Brian D. Johnson and Matthew Hays, had been aware of the narrative surrounding her biological father for an extended period. However, they graciously respected Polley’s desire to maintain the privacy of this matter until she felt prepared to share her story authentically in her own voice.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 02:24