Hello Everyone!
I discovered a great feature about my industry pass which allows me to gain access to even more films. I was afraid some of my days would only have a couple screenings…but now I’m certain I’ll have at least 3 each day.
Today I screened 4 films and popped into Janus’s industry party where I saw a few familiar faces (sometimes you have to go to Toronto to see people from Columbus and Cincinnati).
UNICORNS, dir. Sally El Hosaini, James Krishna Floyd (UK, USA, Sweden) “An alluring fusion of forbidden romance and colliding cultures, Unicorns stars Ben Hardy and newcomer Jason Patel as two people who might become lovers, if only they can build a bridge between their very different worlds.” (TIFF Catalog) Though rather predictable and familiar, this tale will find an audience based on strong performances – particularly from Ben Hardy.
My second film of the day was such a treat! WICKED LITTLE LETTERS, dir.Thea Sharrock (UK) “Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley play neighbours who get on each other’s nerves in this dark comedy about a small English town where residents start receiving anonymous, expletive-laden letters, igniting a scandal in their community.” (TIFF Catalog) Because the director and producers (one of whom is Olivia Colman’s husband) had a flight to catch, they were interviewed about the making of the film before we screened it…and I’m so glad I went in with a bit of background. Based on a true story, this cheeky comedy is laugh-out-loud funny but has so much to say (about gender and even religion). The absolutely splendid performances and production design/cinematography/costumes make for a terrific film. Certainly a favorite so far! (I was filled with glee when Eileen Atkins appeared on screen…a personal favorite!)
SEVEN VEILS, dir. Atom Egoyen (Canada). “Atom Egoyan and his Chloe star Amanda Seyfried reunite for this knotty psychodrama about a young theatre director forced to re-examine her own trauma while working on a remount of Salome.” (TIFF Catalog) Fans of opera will certainly like this visually intriguing, behind-the-scenes film about the mounting of a SALOME production – but something was missing for me. I like seeing an artist at work, and I like seeing how a show/performance/film comes together…but I never really felt an honesty in the home-video flashbacks and in Seyfried’s performance to feel like we were getting to a real place. There were some laughable moments in the material in some of the drama (as in several audience members started laughing) that had me question tone/intention.
My final film of the day was perhaps the most “mainstream” of my selections so far. KNOX GOES AWAY, dir. Michael Keaton (USA). “Michael Keaton directs and plays Knox, a hitman losing his memory, putting him in a race against time to help his estranged son (James Marsden) cover up a messy crime.” (TIFF Catalog) This entertaining film is surprisingly touching with some laughs and tense moments along the way. I think it will certainly find distribution. This film also stars Al Pacino and a sweet, small role with Marcia Gay Harden.
Off to bed. Looking forward to WILDCAT and THE HOLDOVERS tomorrow!
Thanks for reading,
Jonathan
