In a surprising twist, acclaimed filmmaker Xavier Dolan has stepped away from feature films—but not from storytelling. After a hiatus following Cannes darlings like Mommy and It’s Only the End of the World, Dolan has returned with a bold detour: two short film spots titled Lean on Me for Bell Canada. But here’s where it gets intriguing—these aren’t your typical commercials. They’re emotionally charged, cinematically rich mini-narratives that explore human connection and technology, all while retaining Dolan’s signature style. And this is the part most people miss: Dolan isn’t just dipping his toes into advertising; he’s using it as a canvas to refine his craft while staying true to his artistic vision.
In an era where auteurs like Wes Anderson and Martin Scorsese have lent their talents to commercials, Dolan’s move feels both unexpected and deliberate. Shot on 35mm film with Bill Withers’ Lean on Me as the soundtrack, these shorts are a testament to his unwavering commitment to quality. But why this detour? Dolan explains, ‘For now, it’s what I’m able to make.’ Yet, it’s not about compromise. He’s clear: if a project demands cutting corners or sacrificing the story’s integrity, he’s not interested. Controversial take? Some might argue that commercials are a sellout for an artist of his caliber, but Dolan flips the script, treating these spots with the same passion and precision as his feature films.
In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Dolan dives into the creative process behind these shorts, which intertwine three stories through technology and humanity. ‘I didn’t want a monolithic aesthetic,’ he says, emphasizing the importance of individuality in every frame—from the patina on clothes to the authenticity of extras. His hands-on approach, often seen as his trademark, extends to every detail, from costumes to camera lenses. But here’s the kicker: Dolan sees this as just another form of storytelling, no less meaningful than a feature film.
What’s truly fascinating is Bell Canada’s fearless embrace of his vision. ‘Let’s make fing art!’* they declared after his pitch. The result? A campaign that’s now running in theaters, blurring the lines between advertising and cinema. **Is this the future of branded content? Dolan seems to think so, proving that commercials can be as impactful as any indie film.
Yet, the conversation doesn’t end there. Dolan’s work challenges the narrative that technology disconnects us. Instead, he argues it’s a tool—a pretext to highlight the human connections that truly matter. But here’s a thought-provoking question: As AI and technology increasingly dominate our lives, are we losing sight of what makes us human? Dolan’s shorts suggest otherwise, but the debate is far from over.
So, what’s next for Dolan? While he’s not rushing back into feature filmmaking, he’s clearly not resting on his laurels. Whether it’s directing Adele’s music videos or these Bell Canada spots, he’s proving that storytelling knows no bounds. And this is where we leave you: Is Dolan’s detour a temporary pause or a new chapter in his artistic journey? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears.
