Day 11 Tiff Blog 2018

Papi Chulo is an oddly titled film which didn’t get a lot of press at TIFF, save a mention at the insiders event. It is a very good film about a LA weatherman who happens to be gay, and has a melt down on air, and given a leave. He takes on some minor ‘repair’s’ at home, and quickly realizes he cannot manage, and ‘hires’ a Mexican day labourer to come to his home. What is wonderful about this movie is that the Mexican, and the Gay weatherman have a completely unaffected or predudicial perspective on the other, and the relationship that forms is really wonderful, and likely completly atypical for LA. It is a story about loss, saddness, and the unlikely help the weatherman gets in dealing with his demons. It is one of my top TIFF picks.

Putin’s witnessess is a plodding documentary filmed in some peril I would imagine documenting the rise of Putin in Russia in 2000, and his subsequent terms of office, and the ‘eliminations’ of many who were there at the start, and joined opposition parties. It was educational, but not terrific.

Rafike is a Kenyan film (the only one at the festival) which is about two young Kenyan girls and their emerging lesbian relationship in a society where it is likely illegal, and definately against most morals. The embarassment they cause their families is well filmed, and the acting I thought of the leads excellent. Much better then I thought this would be

Freedom Fields is a documentary regarding an all female Libyan soccer team, trying to exist in a country run by moderate and extreme Muslim ideologies. A good expose of what life is like for millions of Muslim women in countries like Saudi, Iraq, Libya etc.

Belmont is a story about an artist and his interaction with people he paints for. Small budget comedy, left this one early. 4

Burning. OK, I have Chinese cinema one last go at the recommendation on this movie. I gave it an hour. It was the story of a young boy who befriends a young lady, who then leaves for overseas. He is entrusted to take care of her cat. She returns with a strange man an hour later. Can’t do Chinese Cinema!

The Standoff at Sparrow Creek was my second Midnight madness film, though we saw it during the second showing. Speaks to the thousands of American Militia who exist in case anarchy reins in the US, I gather. One group is caught up in a ‘who dun it in our group’, when police are bombed and killed nearby. The several members get together, and attempt to figure out who the culprit is. Had promise. Was just OK in the end

The Dig. What a wonderful start to this, and what a disappointing end. It had such promise. It is a story which starts with the return after 15 years in jail of a tough Irish guy who has served the time for killing a friend in a blind drunk rage to find the victims father digging holes.. which he has for 15 years.. on his property to try to find the body of his daughter. Great imagery. Great boggy Ireland Wonderful characters. So, what went wrong? See it, it would be a spolier. Could have been an 8!

Day 10 Tiff Blog

One more day to go. Exhaused now to be honest. Scaled it back today.

Fig Tree was an Israeli film set around the lives of Ethopian Jews living in Ethiopia during the Civil War. It is a moving and realistic view through the eyes of a 15 year old Jewish girl as she tries to save her Christian boyfriend from being drafted into the army. I’m not sure this is for everyone, but it was a movie which was well selected by Tiff. A good story taking you on a journey, and educating a little bit through telling you this story. For any of you who have African, or particularly, an Ethiopian friend, it is in Amharic, and I can recommend.

The Green Book. Get out the awards. This was my favourite movie at this festival, and maybe in the past several years. It is also based on a true story of an Italian tough guy, who is laid off from a ‘bouncer’ position at a club, and is subsequently hired by a highly educated black virtuoso piano player, who decides to tour the deep south with a small trio in the early 1960’s. It is brilliantly crafted. The evolution of both characters is wonderfully on display, completely believable and full of little nuggets of funny interations. The typical fare of horrible discrimination is there, but somewhat muted, as it takes a back seat to the relationship that forms between the two, and the complex world the black virtuoso lives in, where in reality, he fits into neither a black community, nor a white one. It make me think of some of the criticism Obama got from the black community. It is truly wonderful. Go this this movie. It will win awards.

Jeremiah Terminator LeRoy was the closing Tiff film. A strange one, boring and with a script I could have written on the back of a napkin. Lady writes a good book. Young lady reads it. Curiously, writer asks young girl to pose as man, and to be writer, and who story is about. They get discovered. Crap ensues. Crap being the operative word.

Day 9 Tiff Blog

“I do not care if we go down in history as barbarians”, is a Romanian feature in which a young theatre director tries to reenact in a public square the slaughtering of Ukrainian Jews during WW2, and despite efforts of the government to stop her. This was part of a Tiff Talks series, so the director and some one from the Munk School in Toronto provided commentary. What was tremendously interesting was the fact that during filming, they allowed the public to join ‘extra’s in the square during the reenactment (which was quite well done for a small movie production), and according the the director, the sentiment both in the crowd, and prevailing in Romania is still anti semetic. Prior to the War, over 1 million jews were in Romania, based on last census, just 6000 are there now. Remarkable fact.

Transit was recommended in the ‘insiders event’ by TIFF programmers. It looks like present day, but creatively adapted from a WW2 refugee novel, it juxtaposes the events facing refugess and illegal residents to a present time. Interesting, and difficult to explain further without ruining the story. Was OK, not wonderful

The Weekend was a romantic comedy with an all African American cast. Complicated love story with two couples away for a weekend, but feelings for the other couple. Hokey. Felt a bit to me like a movie which was selected to ensure underrepresented demographic (production and talent) were represented. Sorry to be that blunt.

White Boy Rick is based on a true story of a young man who’s father is a petty hustler in the 80’s, and becomes a drug dealer, and FBI informant before he turned 16. I don’t want to spoil the plot, so I wont divulge the facts which follow, but they are tell a story which you sympathize with the young Rick. Stars Matthew McConaughey, Bruce Dern etc. Good movie

A Private War tels the true story of a war correspondent named Marie Colvin, who along with Paul Conroy enter several front lines in the world following horrible things mainly happening to civilians. Of particular relevancy, is her coverage of the Syrian Cit of Homs in 2012. Since that time, more than half a million civilians have been killed in Syria. My friends Nora, Rada, need to watch this movie. It stars Rosamund Pike. The evil that mankind does is on full display. It will disturb and educate you.

Hidden Man is a Chinese movie by actor director Jiang Wen as a follow up to two prior movies in Chinese cinema. Great throngs of Chinese press were there.. more people blocking our view of the intro then for the Lady Gaga movie. Unbelievable. 1/2 of the theatre was Chinese, and seemed to enjoy what was an absolute piece of junk. Supposed to be funny in parts I think, and outside of the initial cinematography which was beautiful, it was just junk.

Day 8 Tiff Blog

Hold the dark. Violent movie follows a mass murder investigation in Alaska (actually shot in Alberta), and pits a native community against police and a strange couple. Very weird backdrop, lots of darkness in the community related to what I think is a“native” wolf related spirit. Tons of action, though the plot lets you down, and in the end, you don’t’ really know what you saw.

Husband Matieral is a Punjabi film which almost feels like a musical, or a movie for which the music was written first, and the movie wrapped around it. It was a battle of two half’s! The first half of the movie was terrible, and to me, was Bollywood Cinema meant for an Indian audience. There is even an Intermission stop notification (it wasn’t stopped for this screening). The second half, however, followed a love and wedding triangle back and forth and back and forth, and in the end,  somewhat redeemed the horrible start. Several times I thought both of the males involved should have told the source of their affection to get lost. She wasn’t worth fighting over, save her beauty.

The Lie was a very good movie which asks the question ‘how far would you go to protect your child’. Very good plot, excellent twist (which a few of us guessed), and good acting, and filmed entirely in Toronto I understand. The daughters lethal mistake leads to actions which are disturbing and dramatic. What may have been an 8 though, was dropped to 6.5 because some of the events nearing the end caused the audience to laugh, rather then gasp.. and if you see it, you will understand what I mean. Obviously any pet release focus group wasn’t effective.

The Kindergarden Teacher stars Maggie Gyllenhaal as a teacher who notices an talent in one of her students, and goes through a obsession which is unatural in promoting her student. It is a remake of a 2014 drama by Israeli Nadav Lapid. It is a bit slow, and a good through the first part, and drops off at the end. Funny, the guy next to me fell asleep, and woke in a start tipping his popcorn onto the floor,.. we all laughed. Was also my first trip to the Green Room at RTL, and saw the stars there before the film.

Day 7 Special Post

My 33rd film was a very special documentary/feature called Elephant Queen. We have been to Africa many times over the past 20 years, and spent hundreds of hours watching elephants. Many thousands of people come just to see them, over and over. To many, elephants just look like a huge beast, where in reality, they are unique in so many ways. They feel, they mourn and grieve, and are vegetarians exclusively. They are most intelligent, and the babies are all raised in a communal day care by several females, like each was their own. This movie is truly wonderful, and atypical of African wildlife docs as there is no predator prey footage. It also shows the symbiotic relationship between the elephants and so many other creatures existing in their water holes, and on them. It is simply a beautiful movie. 9/10. This review for our friends Natan Bergman and Meital Bergman. Who are in South Africa as we speak!

Funny Tiff moment. Sitting in front, I waved at this little co-star with Maggie Gyllenhaal in the Kindergarten Teacher. He waved back, and couple behind asked ‘Is he your son’? I said.. ” Yes, Yes he is.. !

Look at Me is a strong movie about a Tunisian Man who leaves his ‘home’ in Marseille to go and care for an autistic child he has by another woman. For anyone who knows anyone on the Autistic Spectrum, go see this. The instituations which everyone wants the father to put his boy into, are a compelling choice, but his uneducated and unconventional convictions challenge this somewhat effectively, and is good for thought.

Vita and Virginia is based on the true story of Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Wolfe’s lesbian relationship, and more importantly, their friendship, among husbands, boyfirends, in an increasingly accepting society. Good characerization, intersting story, and amusing relationship. Bit of a chick flick, but it appealed to me too.

What they had is moving story about a woman returning home to help her brother and father deal with a progressing Alzheimer’s patient, her mother. While I felt the mother’s portrayal of the paitent a bit lacking in quality, Hilary Swank and Michale Shannon are perfect, battling their own past and relationships, and trying to come together in what has to be the most difficult of family situations. The father rightfully says at one point, ‘you say the institution is best, but who is better then me to care for her’? (Not unlike autistic child’s father noted above) One of the most incredible lines deilvered by the mother late in the movie which I won’t spoil, but it made this an

The Land of Steady Habits is a weak movie starring Ben Mendelsohn and Edie Falco. A second very weak Gala, this time where a retired husband leaves his wife for freedom. Not engaging or memorable at all. Don’t bother ever watching this movie.

Day 6 Tiff Blog

Better weather returned to Toronto, and there was a real gem or two found today.

One Last Deal is a foreign language film from Finland. It sounded interesting, and boy was it one wonderful movie. The story follows an aging and struggling art dealer as he tries to make ends meet, and with a slow moving inventory. It is a bit of a bunch of things, a treasure hunt looking for a masterpiece, a relationship story with his partly estranged daughter and grandson, a commentary about the art auction houses. Wonderfully shot with strong attention to detail in such a small budget film. Watch Klaus Haro as a director. This was a fraction of the budget of Hotel Mumbai, but I give it the same

Sunset is the latest movie from Laszio Nemes who has a wonderfful movie at Tiff a couple of years ago called Son of Saul (Go see that one). Shot in 35 mm, a somewhat disjointed effort this time though about a young woman from a legendary hat store attempting to uncover her past. Fell asleep a couple of times. Slow. 6

Shadow. This was a surprise. It is one of the Gala’s, but saw second screening. I can’t say I’ve ever liked any of the Chinese cinema I’ve seen before at TIff, but this one was different. In Mandarin, but this was beautifully shot.. and is a story about two groups at conflict with each other, and with ‘insults’ resulting in a small scale war between the two feudal groups. What was particularly engaging was the technology used and depicted including ‘scuba’ equipment, and paddle wheel ‘boat’ used by one group in attacking the other. Really enjoyed this.

Colette is based on the true story about a French novelist during the turn of the century who’s writings are attributed to her husband, due to acceptance and success that wouldn’t be the case if she published them. Great and true to real characters. Husband is somehow likeable, and not stereotypically oppressive in this film which will likely get some Oscar consideration for Kiera Knightley as the lead, and perhaps for best costume. It is very topical right now at TIFF, as the women in film movement gains momentum.

Boy Erased is the story about a gay son of in a very religous family (father played by Russell Crowe is a minister). Also staring Nicole Kidman, I felt this was a strong movie, in particular it will resonate with anyone who is gay, has a gay family member or friends who are gay. It may actually save some lives, and speaks to the fact that in more then 1/2 of the US, ‘gay retraining’ is still practiced, much of it under the auspices of Christian churches. Bound to be some backlash here from both sides.

Day 5 Tiff blog

Miserable outside, but such great movies inside.. and the dog of the day was a gorgeous friendly police dog.

The Wedding Guest is the second Dev Patel movie at the festival, about a a young man travelling to attend a wedding in Pakistan, and the real reason why he is going which is revealed slowly. Lots of twists and turns. In the end, some of the character’s actions and plot are a little unbelievable, and it misses for this reason from being a second wonderful Patel movie at this festival.

The Public is the story of homeless people occupying a Public LIbrary at a time where a cold snap has killed several homeless, and the shelters are full. Terrific social commentary on the plight of homeless throughout the US (and we actually have a higher per capita in Canada), and how they are completely ignored, and well, the issue is a deeper one than simply these points made here. Emelio Estavez, Christian Slater Alex Baldwin etc. An excellent movie, which will have you looking at the person you step over to get the the subway in a different way. The QA was enlightening.

American Woman is a good drama following the story of the disappearance of a womans teenage daughter over decades, and her relationship with her grandson. Stars Aaron Paul of Breaking Bad fame.

First Man is the Gala at TIFF dramatizing the story of Neil Armstrong on his path to being the first man to walk on the moon. Wonderful information, good to great acting with Ryan Gosling, who is really a TIFF regular. Definately in Theatres soon, and may get best actor nominee for Gosling.

The Old Man and the Gun is reportedly Robert Redfords last film? It is true story about a brazened elderly (now) bank robber who has been at it for years and years, caught a few times, and continues his craft into his 70’s.. and never harms anyone, and is in fact depicted by his ‘victims’ as being polite and s nice guy always smiling. Stars Bob (as he liked to be called), Sissy Spacek, Danny Glover, Tom Waits, Casey Afleck. Directed by David Lowery. Excellent fllm, wonderful characterization by Redford.

Destroyer is a dark detective drama starring Nicole Kidman, who is unrecognizable as a strung out, sustance abusing cop caught up in an undercover operation facing brutal (and violent) events, while facing her own demons. A bit disjointed for me. Tough to follow the two timelines a little bit, and as a funny comment, a few of us thought the wigs used were crappy, a comment someone actually made during the Q and A afterwards, which clearly upset Kidman, who immediately looked elsewhere for another question.

Day 4 Tiff Blog

The Sisters Brothers is a western style movie set in the mid 1800’s in the west, Oregon and California. Great cast with a lot of promise, and it didn’t disappoint, but for an unusual reason. Joaquin Phoenix, John C. Reilly, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Riz Ahmed. Complete Francophone director Jacques Audiard was brilliant and funny in his Q and A, clarifying points about things like ‘I;m not really sure this is a western’, and discussing the unusual sensitivity in John C. Reilly atypical for western characters, who has a lead character part. Reilly bought the rights to the sceenplay it appears. This was an unusal western. Funny, sensitive, engaging, but not losing the fundimental violence which is requisite. It follows two brothers with the last name ‘Sister’, brutally efficient hired guns. Loved it. Lots of humour, Lots of gunplay. What a great ‘western’.

Donnybrook is a story woven about several characters headed toward a bareknuckle fight, with the backdrop of hardship and people living on the fringe of existance, beg borrowing and stealing to survive. It pits two brutal fighters together, one with a concience, the other without, is a battle for a $100000 prize. It’s title aside, and good and violent, the movie really isn’t (unexpectedly) about the fight, rather the journey these two in getting there.

Quincy. Quincy Jones was in Toronto, along with her daughter, directors and staff for a retrospecitive biography created over 6 years by his daughter Rashida and Alan Hicks. Lots of great music, and wonderful Question period with Quincy, the legend (his recent criticism of the Beatles and even Michael Jackson (both withdrawn and apologied) notwithstanding. The move itsef was just OK, 6/10, but the event was a 9/10. There was a short performance by some of his protégés, and a new piece sung by Shaka Khan and Mark Ronson (Uptown Funk fame), with albeit poor sound quality (but perhaps rush set up related) in the pow theatre.

A Star is Born was at Roy Thompson Hall, which stars Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper (also directing) in the 3rd remake of the film by same name. While the story doesn’t follow exactly the 2 prior Star is Born movies, this wasn’t an issue. The music is all new, and fantastic. Beautiful melodies, and wonderful performances on screen by Gaga and Cooper. This likely will be Oscar consideration, including picture, soundtrack, supporting actress etc. Gaga in first real acting job, and she was surprisingly excellent. The musicianship, and the performances within the performance were wonderful. Will give Hotel Mumbai a run I think for fan favourite.

Ok, after a wonderful day, the last Gala was a real stinker. High Life. The description talks about a ‘provocative sic-fi drama’. What crap. Looked cheesy, and low budget (first scene is main character fixing something in space outside ship, and you can noticable tell the non-gravity issue related to movement and bolts etc). The development is disjointed, the acting so-so, and plot nonsense, and uninteresting. Worse, it was slow and boring. The first minute was perhaps the best moments of the film, some beautiful footage of the hydroponic garden on the ship. You can leave after that scene. A Gala? Really TIFF?

Day 1 Blog

Driving into Toronto is terrible. If you are coming in, leave plenty of time. Festival street is set up, and it just makes it worse. Saw 5 films today. Quick capsule of each:

1. Monsters and Men. Timely story of a black man shot dead by police (accused of reaching for an officers gun), and the cover up which ensues, eventually outed by cell footage, reluctantly placed on social media. It felt realistic, as it didn’t depict either side as all good or all bad. Rather, it was a complex look at people affected and struggling with aftermath and decisions. Realistic portrayal of daily struggles in some/many US communities.
2. Loro. Italian film satrically based on Berlusconi. Tremendous amount of gratuitous sex and nudity in first half. Hard to follow, left half way.
3. Manto. Based on true story of short story writer in the mid 40’s who is Muslim, living in Bombay at the time of independance. His work was true depictions of life struggles and interesting situations. So interesting, that he gets charged with obscenity in a very conservative Pakistan. This is a good movie. My dad told me once he was walking during the riots in the 40’s, and was asked by small mob if he was Hindu or Muslim, which he answered Christian.. and they left him alone.
4. Fireflies and Gone. French Canadian movie about a teenager from a split family coming to terms with her own demons. Liked it till the end. Fireflies? Why?
5. Outlaw King. This was the opening Gala. Story of Robert the Bruce, and his struggle to unify Scotland after King of England occupied the country. Brutal, violent, and not well told. Excellent cinematography though.