My Winnipeg succeeds for Uptown

Since filmmaker Guy Maddin trades so extensively in myth and mystery, it might seem that a companion book to one of his most-lauded works might give away too many secrets. Pulling back the wizard's curtain, as it were.

No worries, though. His new book, My Winnipeg, is just as elusive as the film. It contains an annotated screenplay, movie stills, additional photography and artwork, and promises 'a cornucopia of illuminating arcana.'

One of the book's delights is Maddin's commentary and asides on the screenplay. It includes his thoughts on important matters like the urinal trough at the Winnipeg Arena and the now-famous hallway runner at 800 Ellice Ave. He also writes about the film's star, Ann Savage.

In a lengthy interview with Michael Ondaatje, Maddin names some directors who have influenced him. Not surprisingly, Luis Bunuel, Josef von Sternberg and Erich von Stroheim make the list, as does Alfred Hitchcock. Maddin also speaks generously of his collaborators over the years: screenwriters, editors and directors of photography.

Another highlight comes from Andy Smetanka, the animator for My Winnipeg. It's a touching story of an art cinema fan in Missoula, Mont. who becomes so obsessed by Maddin's 1992 feature, Careful, that he watches it 100 times or so, and then drives to Winnipeg to meet its creator. Smetanka writes that he admits his collaborative work with Maddin is due to his successful stalking.

For some reason, there's also a photo of Noam Gonick and Deco Dawson sharing a bubble bath. Maddin's world is always obscured by time, memory, snow or bubbles.