Polytechnique is a Canadian drama film directed by Denis Villeneuve and released in 2009. It is based on the real-life events of the Montreal Massacre of December 6th, 1989. The film presents a reenactment of the tragic and brutal attack that took place at the École Polytechnique in Montreal, Canada, where a lone gunman, Marc Lépine, opened fire on female engineering students.
The movie is shot entirely in black and white, which adds to the starkness and horror of the incident. Polytechnique mainly focuses on three characters: Valérie (Karine Vanasse), an engineering student who survives the attack, Jean-François (Sébastien Huberdeau), a fellow student who becomes an unintended victim of Lépine's rage, and Jean (Maxim Gaudette), the gunman himself.
The film follows the events of that fateful day as they unfold, from the perspective of the three main characters. The straightforward narrative and the stark visuals of Polytechnique make the movie a hard-hitting portrayal of a tragic event in Canadian history.
Polytechnique does not attempt to explore the reasons behind the massacre nor provide psychoanalytical insights into Lépine's actions. Instead, the movie aims to evoke the fear and senselessness of the incident and to honour the memory of the fourteen women who lost their lives. The film ends with an emotional tribute to the victims and calls to end violence against women.
Polytechnique is a poignant and powerful movie that depicts the brutality of violence against women and the sadness and grief that follow such tragedies. The movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in modern Canadian history, gender issues, and the impact of violence on society.