Critical Writing Index

Unconditional Complicity: On the Early Films of Janis Cole & Holly Dale

by Jon Davies

Randy, Spring/Summer 2013, v. 4, pp. 56-61

Brooklyn, New York: Capricious Publishing, 2013

In his penetrating survey of Janis Cole and Holly Dale’s first two films, Davies unravels the filmmakers’ unique relationship with their subjects. Building on Thomas Waugh’s statement that the filmmakers show “unconditional identification” with their subjects [The Romance of Transgression in Canada], Davies adds — their emotional intimacy and political solidarity would arguably be impossible without a deep concern and affection for the people they film. The director/subject relationship moves in both directions he says, in exchange for subjects opening up about their lives, the filmmakers represent them in the most honest way possible.

ITEM 2013.037 – available for viewing in the Research Centre

Videos, Artworks and Artists Cited

P4W: Prison for Women – Janis Cole

P4W: Prison for Women – Holly Dale

Hookers on Davie – Janis Cole

Hookers on Davie – Holly Dale

Cream Soda – Janis Cole

Cream Soda – Holly Dale

Minimum Charge No Cover – Janis Cole

Minimum Charge No Cover – Holly Dale

Greg Youmans

Thomas Waugh

Kay Armatage

Joyce Nelson

Frederick Wiseman