Jack (2013 film)

Jack
CBC release poster
GenreDrama
Biography
Screenplay byAndrew Wreggitt
Story byShelley Eriksen
Andrew Wreggitt
Directed byJeff Woolnough
StarringRick Roberts
Sook-Yin Lee
Theme music composerShawn Pierce
Opening theme"Rise Up" by The Parachute Club
Country of originCanada
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducersLaszlo Barna
Kyle Irving
Lisa Meeches
Lesley Oswald
Karen Stermsheg
Melissa Williamson
CinematographyC. Kim Miles
EditorMike Lee
Running time89 minutes
Production companiesPier 21 Films
Eagle Vision
Original release
NetworkCBC Television
ReleaseMarch 10, 2013 (2013-03-10)

Jack is a Canadian television film, which debuted on CBC Television on March 10, 2013. A biopic of the late Jack Layton, the film stars Rick Roberts as Layton and Sook-Yin Lee as Olivia Chow.[1] The film was originally announced in 2012 as Smilin' Jack: The Jack Layton Story.[2]

The film was directed by Jeff Woolnough, and written by Shelley Eriksen and Andrew Wreggitt. The Parachute Club's 1983 hit single "Rise Up" is the opening theme music.[3]

Both Roberts and Lee won Canadian Screen Awards for their performances at the 2nd Canadian Screen Awards, Roberts as Best Lead Actor in a Television Film or Miniseries and Lee as Best Lead Actress in a Television Film or Miniseries.

Cast

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Victoria Snow, Brittany Scobie, Conrad Sweatman, Erin Karpluk and Diana Ha also appeared.

Production and filming

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Film for Jack was announced on November 17, 2011.[4] Jack was filmed in Winnipeg.[1]

Reception

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The Globe and Mail called Jack a "varnished version of Mr. Layton",[5] while John Doyle of the same periodical, wrote "[Jack Layton] moved us; the biopic [on him], not so much".[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b Fitzpatrick, Meagan (August 7, 2012). "Jack Layton movie stars Rick Roberts, Sook-Yin Lee". CBC.ca. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  2. ^ "Jack Layton biopic ordered by CBC". CBC.ca. June 13, 2012. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  3. ^ "Jack Layton biopic isn't about politics as much as it's about telling a true story stranger than fiction". National Post. February 22, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  4. ^ "Jack Layton biopic in the works". CBC.ca. November 17, 2011. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  5. ^ "Jack Layton biopic: We don't need the CBC to mythologize our politicians". The Globe and Mail. March 11, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  6. ^ Doyle, John (March 9, 2013). "Jack: The man moved us; the biopic, not so much". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
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