Fatherhood is a complex state of being—and for some, it’s simply inserting the sperm into the proper vessel. In the totally fun and moving Canadian film Starbuck, now playing here in Los Angeles, our shlepp of a hero David, does just that—in a sperm bank. Over and over again. It seems to be David’s best and most reliable way of earning a few extra dollars, over and over again. What David doesn’t realize is that the sperm bank uses his donations in a most enthusiastic manner, and as David turns 42, he learns that thanks to his youthful diversions at the sperm bank, he has actually fathered 553 children—and 142 of those children have filed suit to learn their biological father’s true identity. So, what Daniel lacks in ambition, he certainly makes up for in children, all between the ages of about 18 and 22. Starbuck is David’s moving and comic journey at 42 from a life of prolonged adolescence into adulthood, into yearning for responsibility, love and commitment, after a lifetime of running away from it all.
Starbuck features Patrick Huard as David, a comic actor who evokes compassion, frustration, and both broad and intimate humor. As David takes it upon himself to learn a little about each of the 142 children who want to know their biological father, he evolves into the ultimate family man— part guardian angel, part loving new friend, ready to embrace all that comes with the messy and wonderful business of fatherhood. From encouraging rehab to helping out at a coffee shop, David gently and productively inserts himself into the lives of the 142, without their knowledge that he is the one for whom they’ve been searching. The supporting cast is strong and terrific—including Julie le Breton as David’s indignant girlfriend, uncertain of David’s capabilities after years of youthful irresponsibility, and Antoine Bertrand, David’s attorney whose goal is to disabuse his friend and client of any glory that fatherhood might offer. Starbuck has been a huge box office success in Canada, and has won numerous awards at film festivals around the world. Director Ken Scott will go another round with Starbuck: Dreamworks has hired him to helm the American version, which will star Vince Vaughn. Full of so many really good comic moments, it is ultimately a moving and very intimate story about a good guy who takes a very long time to grow up. Let’s hope that the big budget American version will maintain the intimacy, character and warmth of the original Canadian version. In French (Canadian) with English subtitles. It wouldn’t hurt to bring a hankie.