The Twentieth Century is a satirical biographical film based on the early career of Canada's longest-serving prime minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King. Set in Toronto in 1899, the film follows Mackenzie King as he navigates his way through love, politics, and his own idiosyncratic personality.
As an aspiring politician, Mackenzie King is torn between two women: his childhood sweetheart, Ruby Elliott, who is engaged to a heroic soldier, and a psoriasis-addled spinster, named Harriet, who he believes is his destiny. However, as he pursues both women, he goes through a series of hilarious misadventures, including being drenched in urine, humiliated in public, and even dressed in a bear costume.
Meanwhile, Mackenzie King also battles it out with his political rivals, including his own father, who constantly belittles him, and his nemesis, Arthur Meighen, who he despises. As he strives to succeed in his political career, he faces a number of challenges, but ultimately realizes that love and life are never easy, and that even the most mundane things can become surreal and absurd.
Directed by Matthew Rankin, and starring Dan Beirne as Mackenzie King, The Twentieth Century is a whimsical and irreverent comedy that explores the eccentricities of one of Canada's most beloved political figures. With its stunning cinematography, surreal visuals, and witty dialogue, the film is a must-see for anyone who loves absurd humor, political satire, or just wants to learn more about the life and times of William Lyon Mackenzie King.