Watchlist for I Remember Lights by Ben Ladouceur
Ben Ladouceur’s debut novel I Remember Lights is a historical snapshot of Queer life in Montréal during the sixties and seventies. Following the life of an unnamed gay man who moves to the Island in search of community and liberation, the book is set against the backdrop of Expo 67 and the infamous Truxx Raid of 1977. Naturally, we thought it would be a great idea to make a watch list for the book to help readers tap further into the rich world of Montréal that Ben has captured. Ben collaborated with our Sales & Marketing Coordinator Reid to put together a list of seven films that are either set in Montréal, or are cultural touchstones of the late sixties. We hope you enjoy!
1. Truxx directed by Harry Sutherland (1977)
Harry Sutherland’s documentary gives viewers first hand accounts by men who were targeted in the police raid on Truxx. Read more here.
2. Impressions of Expo 67 directed by William Brind (1967)
William Brind’s short film invited viewers to attend Expo 67. See the sights and the sounds that are so central to the world of I Remember Lights. Watch here.
3. Montreal Main directed by Frank Vitale (1974)
Frank Vitale’s classic of Canadian cinema is a snapshot of queer life in Montréal during the early seventies. Watch here.
4. Fantastic Voyage directed by Richard Flescher (1966)
There is a passage in I Remember Lights where the protagonist goes to see Fantastic Voyage alone in theatres, and draws parallels between himself and the film’s characters entering and exiting a man’s body.
5. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service directed by Peter R. Hunt (1969)
James Bond becomes an object of desire for gay men in I Remember Lights.
6. Valley of the Dolls directed by Mark Robson (1967)
Mark Robson’s classic film was revolutionary for its time by its representation of gay men on screen. Throughout I Remember Lights, the characters struggle with the desire to live a more open lifestyle, something this film would have validated for them.
7. C.R.A.Z.Y. directed by Jean-Marc Valée (2005)
The Truxx raid was unique for it’s targeting of both anglo and Quebecois members of the LGBTQ+ community. This film is a Queer French Canadian coming-of-age story set in nineteen-seventies Montréal.
