Tabula Rasa (2012) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A post-flood meditation in which prayer and solitary movement unfold among the ruins of Saint-Boniface.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

Flooded Saint-Boniface

The narrative begins in Saint-Boniface, Manitoba, after the 1950 floods. The damaged environment establishes the story's setting.

Key Events

• Saint-Boniface After Flooding — The story is set in Saint-Boniface after the 1950 floods. Location: Saint-Boniface, Manitoba
• Marie-Oiseau Prays — Marie-Oiseau prays for the victims of the flooding. Characters: Marie-Oiseau Location: Saint-Boniface, Manitoba

A Prayer for Victims

Marie-Oiseau prays for those affected by the flooding. Her action introduces a mournful response to the disaster.

Key Events

• Marie-Oiseau Prays — Marie-Oiseau prays for the victims of the flooding. Characters: Marie-Oiseau Location: Saint-Boniface, Manitoba
• Fernand Drifts — Fernand drifts through the ruins left by the flood. Characters: Fernand Location: The flooded ruins of Saint-Boniface

Drifting Through Ruins

Fernand moves through the ruins created by the flood. His drifting places an individual figure inside the destroyed landscape.

Key Events

• Fernand Drifts — Fernand drifts through the ruins left by the flood. Characters: Fernand Location: The flooded ruins of Saint-Boniface
• Parallel Mourning — Marie-Oiseau's prayer and Fernand's movement frame the post-flood devastation. Characters: Marie-Oiseau, Fernand Location: Saint-Boniface, Manitoba

The Devastated Landscape

The prayer and Fernand's movement together emphasize the human and physical aftermath of the flooding. The ruins remain the dominant final image.

Key Events

• Parallel Mourning — Marie-Oiseau's prayer and Fernand's movement frame the post-flood devastation. Characters: Marie-Oiseau, Fernand Location: Saint-Boniface, Manitoba
• Ruins After Disaster — Fernand remains associated with the devastated landscape after the flooding. Characters: Fernand Location: The ruins of Saint-Boniface

Story Breakdown

• Flooded Setting — The story is grounded in Saint-Boniface after the 1950 floods.
  • Manitoba Location — The plot takes place in Saint-Boniface, Manitoba.
  • Post-Flood Ruins — The landscape contains ruins left by the flooding.
• Marie-Oiseau's Prayer — Marie-Oiseau responds to the disaster through prayer for the victims.
  • Prayerful Response — Marie-Oiseau is shown praying.
  • Mourning Victims — Her prayer is directed toward the victims of the floods.
• Fernand's Drift — Fernand moves through the ruined environment after the disaster.
  • Solitary Movement — Fernand is described as drifting through the remains.
  • Ruined Landscape — His movement takes place among the flood-damaged ruins.

Directed by

Matthew Rankin

Key Cast

• Martin Dubreuil — Fernand
• Sarah Gravel — Marie-Oiseau
• Marie-Ginette Guay — Mère de Fernand
• Grimes — Saint-Boniface