Canflix: Slipstream (1973) Rare unseen „head” film, controversial Canadian Film Award winner.

A brief look at Slipstream, the controversial winner of the 1973 Canadian FIlm Awards, starring Luke Askew (Easy Rider) as an FM disc jockey trying to maintain his independence in his lone studio on the rolling plains of Lethbridge, Alberta. Savaged by the country’s film critics resulting in a scandal that saw the cancellation of the Awards ceremony the following year (after it won for best picture & director), the film is a dramatically uneven but visually spectacular early 70’s head film. It boasts a stellar rock track, including Van Morrisson and Dominic & the Dominoes, yet David Acomba’s debut feature is also hurt by the unappealing presence of Luke Askew (Easy Rider, Rolling Thunder) whose first lead role lacks depth and humour. Not a classic, but still an interesting film to watch as a time capsule from an earlier era trying to be cool.