Well, my little Cine Fantasists, it is now the last day of TIFF (sniff, sniff), and I have to say, I'm sorry to see it go, though (movie) love means never having to say you're sorry.
I finished this year's TIFFAPALOOZA, with 2 films. One was pretty good, from an old master (and I do mean old), the other a sleeper, which was a pure delight. The films in question, were YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER directed by, WOODY ALLEN and JANIE JONES, written and directed by DAVID M. ROSENTHAL.
This is the third film, that the WOODMAN, has set in LONDON and it truly has an exemplary cast: ANTHONY HOPKINS, NAOMI WATTS, ANTONIO BANDERAS, JOSH BROLIN and someone we haven't seen in quite some time: GEMMA JONES - that's right, THE DUCHESS OF DUKE STREET, herself.
This film has to do with, fate, chance, and destiny and luck. I thought that the acting was excellent and it had lovely photography from ace do.p. VILMOS ZSIGMOND, just no point.
Now, on to our second film, which i must say caught me off-guard and was just some kind of wonderful. The film I'm getting so rhapsodic about, is JANIE JONES, starring ABIGAIL BRESLIN (in a standout performance), ELISABETH SHUE, ALESSANDRO NIVOLA and FRANK WHALEY (who's always good).
NIVOLA, plays a rocker, who finds out he sired a daughter, whose mother is SHUE. Slowly, father and daughter (who is also a singer), learn to trust each other, rely on each other and (of course), love each other.
The revelation of the movie, is BRESLIN, who gives a revelatory performance. She runs the gamut of emotions in the role, and she's a damn good singer, to boot.
The film also features, a fabulous soundtrack and I can't wait to down load it, on to my ipod.
There you have it folks, seventeen fest flicks in a nutshell. Once the dust has settled, all that's left is to give out my annual festival awards (THE CINEY'S) and to call it a wrap.
Until then my Cine Kinder,
T.T.F.N.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
DAY SEVEN OF TIFF
Well my little Cine Friskies, I'm back. After gaining a reasonable amount of shut-eye, I was able to see 3 films today - with eyes wide open!
The first film of the day was a comedy and was it ever welcome. The flick was called PEEP WORLD and was written and directed by BARRY BLAUSTEIN.
The film featured a really eclectic and eccentric cast: SARAH SILVERMAN, MICHAEL C. HALL, RON RIFKIN, STEPHEN TOBOLOWSKY AND LESLEY ANNE WARREN.
The film is basically a story of how a tell-all book, written by one family member, affects the family as a whole. While the film was not a wholly satisfactory experience, I mostly enjoyed it.
Film 2:
WHAT'S WRONG WITH VIRGINIA? - quite a bit as it turns out. This was one wacky film with a pedigreed cast (JENNIFER CONNELLY, ED HARRIS, AMY MADIGAN) and a wonko plot. This overbaked meller was the directorial debut of MILK writer, DUSTIN LANCE BLACK. The film is pretty bizarro and the participation of DAVID LYNCH, reminds one of last years, MY SON, MY SON, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (what indeed).
Film 3:
Now this film was certainly a treat. It was the new opus by TOM (RUN LOLA RUN) TYKVER.
The film is called 3 and it is beautifully acted, directed, and executed. it has some truly beautiful compositions, as it explores relationships in flux. This is a film put together with craft and care and the only way I can do justice to it, is by encouraging u to see it. Watch for this gem.
One more day...4 me,
Until then my Cine Friskies,
T.T.F.N.
The first film of the day was a comedy and was it ever welcome. The flick was called PEEP WORLD and was written and directed by BARRY BLAUSTEIN.
The film featured a really eclectic and eccentric cast: SARAH SILVERMAN, MICHAEL C. HALL, RON RIFKIN, STEPHEN TOBOLOWSKY AND LESLEY ANNE WARREN.
The film is basically a story of how a tell-all book, written by one family member, affects the family as a whole. While the film was not a wholly satisfactory experience, I mostly enjoyed it.
Film 2:
WHAT'S WRONG WITH VIRGINIA? - quite a bit as it turns out. This was one wacky film with a pedigreed cast (JENNIFER CONNELLY, ED HARRIS, AMY MADIGAN) and a wonko plot. This overbaked meller was the directorial debut of MILK writer, DUSTIN LANCE BLACK. The film is pretty bizarro and the participation of DAVID LYNCH, reminds one of last years, MY SON, MY SON, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (what indeed).
Film 3:
Now this film was certainly a treat. It was the new opus by TOM (RUN LOLA RUN) TYKVER.
The film is called 3 and it is beautifully acted, directed, and executed. it has some truly beautiful compositions, as it explores relationships in flux. This is a film put together with craft and care and the only way I can do justice to it, is by encouraging u to see it. Watch for this gem.
One more day...4 me,
Until then my Cine Friskies,
T.T.F.N.
Monday, September 20, 2010
DAY FIVE OF TIFF
Well, my Cine Kinder, it finally happened on Day 5, of TIFF - Yours Truly, hit the proverbial wall.
I was all excited to assay, DARREN ARANOFSKY'S latest flick, BLACK SWAN, starring NATALIE PORTMAN, as they say, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. I missed it in a miasma of sleep.
Well, I still had a film to rush that day: BARNEY'S VERSION, starring Canada's own OLIVIER - PAUL GIAMATTI AND DIRECTED BY RICHARD LEWIS.
We'll I sort of made it. I was at the theatre, but I was drifting. I have to say, what I saw, I liked, i just didn't see enough.
Day 5, is over for me...sleep...precious sleep...
Until tomorrow...
T.T.F.N.
I was all excited to assay, DARREN ARANOFSKY'S latest flick, BLACK SWAN, starring NATALIE PORTMAN, as they say, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. I missed it in a miasma of sleep.
Well, I still had a film to rush that day: BARNEY'S VERSION, starring Canada's own OLIVIER - PAUL GIAMATTI AND DIRECTED BY RICHARD LEWIS.
We'll I sort of made it. I was at the theatre, but I was drifting. I have to say, what I saw, I liked, i just didn't see enough.
Day 5, is over for me...sleep...precious sleep...
Until tomorrow...
T.T.F.N.
DAY FOUR OF TIFF
Well, my Cine Funsters, welcome to Day 4 of TIFF.
The first film was a super-hero spoof, appropriately titled: SUPER.
Talk about an eclectic cast: RAINN WILSON, KEVIN BACON, ELLEN PAGE, LIV TYLER (wow.)
The director is JAMES GUNN, who did his apprenticeship at the low-budget exploitation film house, TROMA (who could forget their classic films, THE TOXIC AVENGER and TROMEO AND JULIET.
It is a film which does a lot with a nothing budget. it is funny, sexy, gross, weird and surreal - sometimes all at the same time.
I must single out ELLEN PAGE, who steals the film and always commits 100% to whatever role, she is given. it's fun.
Film 2, was a doc with a long title, CLIENT 9: THE RISE AND FALL OF ELLIOT SPITZER.
Now, as a word of preface, I have to admit, I was nodding in and out during this film, so I may have missed some of its more salient points. The film was directed by the gifted filmmaker, ALEX GIBNEY, who directed one of my faves, THE SMARTEST MEN IN THE ROOM, and won an Academy Award, for TAXI TO THE DARK SIDE.
flick 2:
This movie was called, EVERYTHING MUST GO and was the feature directorial debut for DAN RUSH and starring WILL FERRELL, REBECCA HALL, STEPHEN ROOT (also featured in THE CONSPIRATOR, by the way.)
The movie which is based on a short-story by RAYMOND CARVER, tells the story of a man FERRELL,) who loses his job, girlfriend, home and lives outside his padlocked home.
FERRELL, is very good, the film itself, not so much. It's pretty depressing and slooooooow going.
however, there is a theory that any film that feature, I SHALL BE RELEASED BY THE BAND, can't be all bad, and so...
That's all, my Cine (A)migoes.
Until tomorrow,
T.T.F.N.
The first film was a super-hero spoof, appropriately titled: SUPER.
Talk about an eclectic cast: RAINN WILSON, KEVIN BACON, ELLEN PAGE, LIV TYLER (wow.)
The director is JAMES GUNN, who did his apprenticeship at the low-budget exploitation film house, TROMA (who could forget their classic films, THE TOXIC AVENGER and TROMEO AND JULIET.
It is a film which does a lot with a nothing budget. it is funny, sexy, gross, weird and surreal - sometimes all at the same time.
I must single out ELLEN PAGE, who steals the film and always commits 100% to whatever role, she is given. it's fun.
Film 2, was a doc with a long title, CLIENT 9: THE RISE AND FALL OF ELLIOT SPITZER.
Now, as a word of preface, I have to admit, I was nodding in and out during this film, so I may have missed some of its more salient points. The film was directed by the gifted filmmaker, ALEX GIBNEY, who directed one of my faves, THE SMARTEST MEN IN THE ROOM, and won an Academy Award, for TAXI TO THE DARK SIDE.
flick 2:
This movie was called, EVERYTHING MUST GO and was the feature directorial debut for DAN RUSH and starring WILL FERRELL, REBECCA HALL, STEPHEN ROOT (also featured in THE CONSPIRATOR, by the way.)
The movie which is based on a short-story by RAYMOND CARVER, tells the story of a man FERRELL,) who loses his job, girlfriend, home and lives outside his padlocked home.
FERRELL, is very good, the film itself, not so much. It's pretty depressing and slooooooow going.
however, there is a theory that any film that feature, I SHALL BE RELEASED BY THE BAND, can't be all bad, and so...
That's all, my Cine (A)migoes.
Until tomorrow,
T.T.F.N.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
DAY THREE OF TIFF
Welcome my little Cine Maniacs, to Day trois of TIFF (we do live in a bilingual country - n'est-ce-pas (Nescafe?) It was a very good day (indeed.)
The first film up was probably my personal favourite, it was ROBERT REDFORD'S magnificent film, THE CONSPIRATOR. Check out this cast list: ROBIN WRIGHT, TOM WILKINSON, JAMES MCAVOY, KEVIN KLINE, EVAN RACHEL-WOOD.
This movie - which is a masterpiece in my humble opinion - looks at the aftermath of Lincoln's assassination, and then subsequent trial of those who conspired in his demise. WRIGHT, in a masterful performance, plays a woman who runs the inn where the conspirators meet and so is thought to be guilty by association.
Special mention must be made to d.o.p. NEWTON THOMAS SIGEL, whose burnished tones are ravishing, by turns sepia-toned or sepulchral or muted. It is one of the most beautifully-shot films, I have ever seen.
The performances are top-notch across the board and REDFORD, has made his finest film, which found all of his glorious locations, in the state of Georgia. Simply flawless and fabulous.
On to film 2...
This one was made by one of my festival faves: ERROL MORRIS.
It is a simply delightful tale that proves that old adage:' truth is stranger than fiction.' The title is simplicity itself: TABLOID.
As a bonus, the film was shown at the brand-spanking new TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX. it is a magnificent venue that is catnip for film fans like me (for more info, check out info on TIFF 2010, website.)
The theatre that the film was shown in, was state of the art, with stereophonic sound, and very comfy seats.
Mr. MORRIS, was there to introduce the film, which has to be seen to be believed. Let's just say it has to do with, a beautiful blonde, Mormons, tabloid headlines, lurid sexual details, and puppy cloning (of course.)
That was day 3 in a nutshell, want more (see Day 4.)
Until tomorrow, my Cine Fellas,
T.T.F.N.
The first film up was probably my personal favourite, it was ROBERT REDFORD'S magnificent film, THE CONSPIRATOR. Check out this cast list: ROBIN WRIGHT, TOM WILKINSON, JAMES MCAVOY, KEVIN KLINE, EVAN RACHEL-WOOD.
This movie - which is a masterpiece in my humble opinion - looks at the aftermath of Lincoln's assassination, and then subsequent trial of those who conspired in his demise. WRIGHT, in a masterful performance, plays a woman who runs the inn where the conspirators meet and so is thought to be guilty by association.
Special mention must be made to d.o.p. NEWTON THOMAS SIGEL, whose burnished tones are ravishing, by turns sepia-toned or sepulchral or muted. It is one of the most beautifully-shot films, I have ever seen.
The performances are top-notch across the board and REDFORD, has made his finest film, which found all of his glorious locations, in the state of Georgia. Simply flawless and fabulous.
On to film 2...
This one was made by one of my festival faves: ERROL MORRIS.
It is a simply delightful tale that proves that old adage:' truth is stranger than fiction.' The title is simplicity itself: TABLOID.
As a bonus, the film was shown at the brand-spanking new TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX. it is a magnificent venue that is catnip for film fans like me (for more info, check out info on TIFF 2010, website.)
The theatre that the film was shown in, was state of the art, with stereophonic sound, and very comfy seats.
Mr. MORRIS, was there to introduce the film, which has to be seen to be believed. Let's just say it has to do with, a beautiful blonde, Mormons, tabloid headlines, lurid sexual details, and puppy cloning (of course.)
That was day 3 in a nutshell, want more (see Day 4.)
Until tomorrow, my Cine Fellas,
T.T.F.N.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
DAY TWO OF TIFF
Welcome my Cine buddies to Day 2 of TIFF. Today, I managed to assay 3 films and they were in the words of the great LARRY DAVID: pretty, pretty, pretty, good.
First on the agenda was a film I was hotly anticipating: JOHN CURRAN'S STONE, starring ROBERT DE NIRO and EDWARD NORTON. I love both actors and of course they were great together in THE SCORE, in which they co-starred with the late, great MARLON BRANDO.
O.K., so here's the premise: DE NIRO, is NORTON'S parole officer, he has come up for review, for his release, after a stint in prison. It is up to BOBBY (we're very close), to decide if NORTON gets his freedom. To sweeten the deal, NORTON throws in his sexpot wife, played by the alluring MILLA JOVOVICH. DE NIRO, is quite sexually-repressed and while at first he rejects JOVOVICH'S advances, soon push comes to shove (sorry,) and they get it on.
Well, I have to say that the pairing of these 2 actors does not yield the spark it should. The film is torn between being a standard action-thriller and an art house pic. The acting is uniformly-fine across the board - and that has to include the great FRANCES CONROY as DE NIRO'S wife. NORTON has another wacky voice that he pulls out of his repertoire and this time he sports corn-rows on his head. The script is unfortunately a little muddled and the message gets lost somewhere on the way to the screen.
There is some gorgeous photography, courtesy of the gifted D.O.P., MARYSE ALBERTI and some potent religious imagery, but on the whole it's a little heavy-handed and confused.
Film #2, was chosen by my buddy and I have to say it was a real unexpected delight.
The film is called NEDS (which stands for NON-EDUCATED DELINQUENTS,) and I have to say that it was a real surprise, in the best sense of the word.
The film was written and directed by PETER MULLAN, and he is definitely a talented bloke. MULLAN is known for his appearances in DANNY BOYLE'S SHALLOW GRAVE and TRAINSPOTTING, as well as KEN LOACH'S RIFF RAFF (which featured actors with such thick English accents, that it was dubbed!)
This film which is MULLAN'S third, is dubbed as well - although it just translates verbatim, without translating the vernacular phrases (interesting) - is an autobiographical look at his youth and what impact bullies have on a family and society. The film runs the gamut from funny, scary, violent to the surreal.
The reason the film is so memorable, is the bravura performance of CONOR MCCARRON, who goes through an unbelievable display of emotions. it is a complex role, sensitively handled and the film is just a gem that you must watch for if it gets a commercial release or probably on DVD.
Now, on to our third film which was an out and out delight.
It is MICHAEL WINTERBOTTOM'S THE TRIP, starring STEVE COOGAN and ROB BRYDON, who worked before with WINTERBOTTOM on one of my personal favourites, TRISTAM SHANDY: A COCK AND BULL STORY.
The story is simplicity enough: it is Messrs. COOGAN and BRYDON travelling through North London and eating and riffing and doing impressions (you judge who does the better MICHAEL CAINE - my vote goes to COOGAN,) and generally making me laugh my ass off.
COOGAN, seems to be the more melancholy sort, who is definitely not always on. BRYDON, on the other hand is a good-humoured bon vivant, who will do an impression (AL PACINO, DUSTIN HOFFMAN, SEAN CONNERY,) at the drop of a hat.
After the movie, BRYDON couldn't have been more gracious to my wife and I and seemed to be genuinely touched by my favourable comments on the film and he posed for a photo, with me and the missus. COOGAN, was affable, if less effusive and he too posed for a shot.
This was a great day folks and since they say good things come in threes - its on to Day 3.
Until tomorrow, TRIPLE F'S ( Fellow Film Followers,)
T.T.F.N.
First on the agenda was a film I was hotly anticipating: JOHN CURRAN'S STONE, starring ROBERT DE NIRO and EDWARD NORTON. I love both actors and of course they were great together in THE SCORE, in which they co-starred with the late, great MARLON BRANDO.
O.K., so here's the premise: DE NIRO, is NORTON'S parole officer, he has come up for review, for his release, after a stint in prison. It is up to BOBBY (we're very close), to decide if NORTON gets his freedom. To sweeten the deal, NORTON throws in his sexpot wife, played by the alluring MILLA JOVOVICH. DE NIRO, is quite sexually-repressed and while at first he rejects JOVOVICH'S advances, soon push comes to shove (sorry,) and they get it on.
Well, I have to say that the pairing of these 2 actors does not yield the spark it should. The film is torn between being a standard action-thriller and an art house pic. The acting is uniformly-fine across the board - and that has to include the great FRANCES CONROY as DE NIRO'S wife. NORTON has another wacky voice that he pulls out of his repertoire and this time he sports corn-rows on his head. The script is unfortunately a little muddled and the message gets lost somewhere on the way to the screen.
There is some gorgeous photography, courtesy of the gifted D.O.P., MARYSE ALBERTI and some potent religious imagery, but on the whole it's a little heavy-handed and confused.
Film #2, was chosen by my buddy and I have to say it was a real unexpected delight.
The film is called NEDS (which stands for NON-EDUCATED DELINQUENTS,) and I have to say that it was a real surprise, in the best sense of the word.
The film was written and directed by PETER MULLAN, and he is definitely a talented bloke. MULLAN is known for his appearances in DANNY BOYLE'S SHALLOW GRAVE and TRAINSPOTTING, as well as KEN LOACH'S RIFF RAFF (which featured actors with such thick English accents, that it was dubbed!)
This film which is MULLAN'S third, is dubbed as well - although it just translates verbatim, without translating the vernacular phrases (interesting) - is an autobiographical look at his youth and what impact bullies have on a family and society. The film runs the gamut from funny, scary, violent to the surreal.
The reason the film is so memorable, is the bravura performance of CONOR MCCARRON, who goes through an unbelievable display of emotions. it is a complex role, sensitively handled and the film is just a gem that you must watch for if it gets a commercial release or probably on DVD.
Now, on to our third film which was an out and out delight.
It is MICHAEL WINTERBOTTOM'S THE TRIP, starring STEVE COOGAN and ROB BRYDON, who worked before with WINTERBOTTOM on one of my personal favourites, TRISTAM SHANDY: A COCK AND BULL STORY.
The story is simplicity enough: it is Messrs. COOGAN and BRYDON travelling through North London and eating and riffing and doing impressions (you judge who does the better MICHAEL CAINE - my vote goes to COOGAN,) and generally making me laugh my ass off.
COOGAN, seems to be the more melancholy sort, who is definitely not always on. BRYDON, on the other hand is a good-humoured bon vivant, who will do an impression (AL PACINO, DUSTIN HOFFMAN, SEAN CONNERY,) at the drop of a hat.
After the movie, BRYDON couldn't have been more gracious to my wife and I and seemed to be genuinely touched by my favourable comments on the film and he posed for a photo, with me and the missus. COOGAN, was affable, if less effusive and he too posed for a shot.
This was a great day folks and since they say good things come in threes - its on to Day 3.
Until tomorrow, TRIPLE F'S ( Fellow Film Followers,)
T.T.F.N.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
DAY ONE OF TIFF 2010
Well, my little Cine maniacs, welcome to Day 1 of the festival. now in reality today is actually Day 2 of TIFF, but for yours truly it's Day Uno.
O.K., so my first flick of TIFF 2010, was a Canuck one and it was a real sleeper. It was called, DAYDREAM NATION and it really rocked and marked an audacious and auspicious start for it's writer-director, MIKE GOLBACH.
The film is kinda hard to describe: it's sorta JOHN HUGHES meets DAVID LYNCH with a healthy dose of HEATHERS.
KAT DENNINGS, in a tour de force performance, plays the new girl in a small-town Ontario town. She is a misfit, who does not fit in and so she chooses to seduce her hunky teacher to stir things up. DENNINGS, is by turns sexy, seductive, alluring and beguiling, sometimes in the same scene.
GOLDBACH'S script is an interesting amalgam of ideas and one of it's great strengths, besides being so visually stunning is it's unpredictability. It is that rare film that besides being hilarious has a palpable sense of menace.
The cast is uniformly fine but special kudos have to go out to REECE THOMPSON, JOSH LUCAS and in a fine supporting role, ANDIE MACDOWELL (that's right TVs hair babe, who's come a long way since her film GREYSTOKE, in which her southern accent was considered so thick, she was badly dubbed by GLENN CLOSE, in post - talk about damages.)
A great start...next!
Well, the second film is in a category all it's own. I have to say upfront, that I was highly anticipating this flick. The movie is called, I'M STILL HERE, which is the story of the aborted, hip hop career, of JOAQUIN PHOENIX, as documented by his brother-in-law CASEY AFFLECK (those AFFLECK'S are spawning faster than the BALDWIN BROS!)
The first hint that this documentary was scripted, is that it has a written by, credit. Also, at the end it has a cast list - hmmmmmm.
I can't say, I'm sorry I saw the film, but I also can't say it was a very pleasant experience. If you enjoy seeing a bloated self-loathing and pot smoking JOAQUIN, not to mention male genitalia, puking and defecating, then dude, this is the film for you. However, if you prefer a coherent doc, with a point of view, well...not.
Anyways, Day 2 tomorrow, who knows what the day will bring.
Until next time TIFFsters,
T.T.F.N.
O.K., so my first flick of TIFF 2010, was a Canuck one and it was a real sleeper. It was called, DAYDREAM NATION and it really rocked and marked an audacious and auspicious start for it's writer-director, MIKE GOLBACH.
The film is kinda hard to describe: it's sorta JOHN HUGHES meets DAVID LYNCH with a healthy dose of HEATHERS.
KAT DENNINGS, in a tour de force performance, plays the new girl in a small-town Ontario town. She is a misfit, who does not fit in and so she chooses to seduce her hunky teacher to stir things up. DENNINGS, is by turns sexy, seductive, alluring and beguiling, sometimes in the same scene.
GOLDBACH'S script is an interesting amalgam of ideas and one of it's great strengths, besides being so visually stunning is it's unpredictability. It is that rare film that besides being hilarious has a palpable sense of menace.
The cast is uniformly fine but special kudos have to go out to REECE THOMPSON, JOSH LUCAS and in a fine supporting role, ANDIE MACDOWELL (that's right TVs hair babe, who's come a long way since her film GREYSTOKE, in which her southern accent was considered so thick, she was badly dubbed by GLENN CLOSE, in post - talk about damages.)
A great start...next!
Well, the second film is in a category all it's own. I have to say upfront, that I was highly anticipating this flick. The movie is called, I'M STILL HERE, which is the story of the aborted, hip hop career, of JOAQUIN PHOENIX, as documented by his brother-in-law CASEY AFFLECK (those AFFLECK'S are spawning faster than the BALDWIN BROS!)
The first hint that this documentary was scripted, is that it has a written by, credit. Also, at the end it has a cast list - hmmmmmm.
I can't say, I'm sorry I saw the film, but I also can't say it was a very pleasant experience. If you enjoy seeing a bloated self-loathing and pot smoking JOAQUIN, not to mention male genitalia, puking and defecating, then dude, this is the film for you. However, if you prefer a coherent doc, with a point of view, well...not.
Anyways, Day 2 tomorrow, who knows what the day will bring.
Until next time TIFFsters,
T.T.F.N.
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