The Tracey Fragments

If you're not clear what all the fuss over Oscar-nominee Ellen Page (Juno) is about, check out this Canadian film, which showcases her extraordinary talent. Shot between her work on Hard Candy and Juno, this adventurous effort—from Canadian cult filmmaker Bruce McDonald (Hard Core Logo), based on a novel by Maureen Medved—revolves around 15-year-old Tracey Berkowitz (Page), “just a normal girl who hates herself.” McDonald depicts Tracey's adolescent self-loathing with striking insight, literally employing a fragmented narrative—using multiple split screens for the entire film—depicting events (some imaginary, some real, some you can't be sure about) as she wanders through the city looking for her lost seven-year-old brother. Although challenging to watch, The Tracey Fragments is that rare film that insightfully captures the world of teenage girls, bolstered by the powerful presence of Page, who is so supernaturally assured in her onscreen insecurity that it's breathtaking. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include five entries—including the winner—from the “Tracey: Re-Fragmented” contest in which participants edited their own clips (11 min.), a seven-minute behind-the-scenes featurette that includes an interview with director Bruce McDonald and star Ellen Page, “The Single Frame” photo gallery by Matt O'Sullivan, and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a solid film.] (M. Johanson)