The Life Before This (dir. Jerry Ciccoritti)

The Life Before This is a fascinating look at the lives of about six strangers, who learn that every choice made throughout the day has an affect on the future. It begins with a shootout in a Toronto café, leaving most of the characters dead (Catherine’s included), and then rewinds, to show us each character’s choices leading up to that horrific event. Some make the choice that lets them live; others end up getting shot when they weren’t even in the café in the opening sequence. It’s a very interesting concept and though the film is slow and somewhat draining in parts, it is incredibly thought-provoking – if a bit heart-wrenching.

Catherine plays the role of Sheena, a woman who works in a bridal shop but is, alas, perpetually single. The opening scene of the movie shows her and a blind date walking into the coffee shop, and even though she barely speaks, she exudes awkwardness. It’s lovely, and even though we have not yet been told that it is their first meeting, it’s quite easy to pick up. This role really shows Catherine’s wonderful command and understanding of body language and how it relates to human experience.

As usual, her dry, somewhat sarcastic delivery of lines gives her the chance to be one of the only amusing characters in the whole film – and she does it beautifully. Sheena’s last boyfriend was aptly named Dick, which makes for one of the best lines in the movie: “we dated for four years – did I ever stop and think ‘hey, wait a second – your name is Dick?’” Most of her dialogue concerns a blind date that she is reluctant to go on later in the day, as well as discussing her previous relationships. One of my favorite exchanges of dialogue is when her business partner says: “Everyone’s a stranger til you meet them,” and Sheena replies “Some are even stranger after.”

I was thrilled to see Catherine in a role that was really quite different from many of her others – somewhat tragic, sympathetic, but still very real. It really gave Catherine a chance to show her dramatic side through a substantial character role. She is always amazing at showing the human characteristics of any role that she plays, but this stands out as one of the best. No wonder she won a Genie Best Supporting Actress award for it!




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