Detailing Gordon Pinsent’s own battle with Depression, Short Film MARTIN’S HAGGE just premiered at the 2018 Canadian Film Fest. The Film centers on a Writer named Martin (Paul Braunstein) and a persistent, nagging personification of his anxiety and depression, Hagge (Sheila McCarthy). She constantly reminds him what he’s not capable of until he cross paths with a woman named Norah (Martha MacIsaac) who just may have a thing or two in common with him, having disconnected with the world. Their looming friendship threatens to destroy Hagge’s toxic purpose and she isn’t about to give up without a fight.
Screen veteran McCarthy shines as Hagge, embodying her nuisance and at once nailing exactly why she is so hard for Martin to shake off because she is hypnotic. MacIsaac also lights-up the screen with a charm and light which is Hagge‘s toughest opponent yet. We become enthralled with this delightful story in its 20-minute runtime from second-time Short Director Penny Eizenga and fantastic writing from Pinsent, whom we see late.
We do hope with all our might that Norah doesn’t break Martin’s heart though as love doesn’t always cure the blues.
Martin’s Hagge screens April 17, 2018 at TIFF Bell Lightbox.
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