As some of you who’ve followed me over the past few years know, I attend the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) because I love all aspects of film. And also because I have volunteered for TIFF in the past.
For film fans, there is a buzz around TIFF that makes Toronto more exciting around this time of the year. I am well aware, of course, of the celebrity buzz in the city, too. But I attend TIFF for the films, the celebrities are just a nice bonus… for me, at least.
This year I’ve had limited time and did not get around to sharing my pre-festival film list or wishlist, as I like to call it. What I will do instead is share with you my tentative schedule.
In chronological order, and with the aid of tiffr.com (my favourite TIFF organizing app/website), here it is:
Thursday, Sept 4, 8:45pm
Shrew’s Nest / Musarañas
Synopsis: After a debilitating fall, an unlucky neighbour finds himself trapped in the mad, cloistered world of two shut-in sisters, in this Misery-style Spanish thriller produced by Midnight Madness favourite Álex de la Iglesia.
My thoughts: I discovered the works of Álex de la Iglesia through the Midnight Madness programme, and have always enjoyed them. For those who like suspense, drama, and can handle some horror, this film would be a good introduction to Spanish thrillers and the Vanguard programme at TIFF.
Friday, Sept 5, 11:59pm
Big Game
Synopsis: Trapped in the wilderness after Air Force One is forced down by a terrorist attack, the President of the United States (Samuel L. Jackson) must rely on the survival skills of a 13-year-old woodsman, in this thriller co-starring Ray Stevenson, Jim Broadbent and Felicity Huffman.
My thoughts: Who doesn’t need a little Samuel L. Jackson in their life? Plus, he plays the US President, in this film from Finnish director Jalmari Helander. I am curious to see how Nordic humour will play in this too. A twist to the North American action film is often a good change.
Saturday, Sept 6, 9:30am
Cut Snake
Synopsis: The past catches up with an ex-con who has rebuilt his life in a small Australian town, in this incendiary noir drama by Australian director Tony Ayres.
My thoughts: A friend and I picked this film based on the idea that it’s described as “an inspired variation on A History of Violence“. We were immediately sold and will surely be caffeinated for this early morning screening.
Sunday, Sept 7, 5:00pm
I am not Lorena / No Soy Lorena
Synopsis: A case of mistaken identity becomes a living nightmare when a young actress finds herself relentlessly assailed by debt collectors, in this Kafkaesque fable for the information age.
My thoughts: I often try to support films from Latin American directors. This feature debut from Chilean filmmaker Isidora Marras piqued my interest right away. This is a blind choice, as I am going purely on the film’s description. Definitely looking forward to seeing how it unfolds.
Monday, Sept 8, 3:15pm
The Duke of Burgundy
Synopsis: British filmmaker Peter Strickland follows his eerie Festival hit Berberian Sound Studio with this dark melodrama about an amateur butterfly expert whose wayward desires test her lover’s tolerance.
My thoughts: Strickland’s name drew me in, as I very much liked Berberian Sound Studio on first viewing it. Despite the film’s synopsis, I am keen to see how the film’s themes, cinematography, and sound enhance the experience.
Tuesday, Sept 9, 5:00pm
Far From Men / Loin Des Hommes
Synopsis: In this gritty tale of survival adapted from a short story by Albert Camus, a reclusive teacher (Viggo Mortensen) helps a villager accused of murder (Reda Kateb, Un prophète) escape into the mountains during the Algerian War.
My thoughts: At this point, I think it goes without saying that I am a Viggo Mortensen fangirl. I have been following his career for some time. Of course, this film would be on my list. Nonetheless, the film sounds rather interesting. And it comes to TIFF with a positive reception from the Venice Film Festival / La Biennale di Venezia.
Wednesday, Sept 10, 6:45pm
Synopsis: In the dazzlingly ambitious new film from Argentinian auteur Lisandro Alonso (Los Muertos, Liverpool), a 19th-century Danish general (Viggo Mortensen) undertakes a gruelling physical and metaphysical journey when he pursues his runaway daughter into the rugged wilderness of Patagonia.
My thoughts: Yes, a second Viggo Mortensen film. Why not? I first read about Jauja from the coverage it received at Cannes earlier this year. I have also read about Alonso’s other films, but have yet to experience. Jauja sounds like an art film, and as such, I will just follow where it leads me.
Wednesday, Sept 10, 9:00pm
Revenge of the Green Dragons
Synopsis: Executive produced by Martin Scorsese, this dizzying, decade-spanning crime saga from Hong Kong directors Andrew Lau (Infernal Affairs) and Andrew Loo follows two best friends as they rise through the ranks of New York’s Chinese underworld in the 1980s.
My thoughts: Having watched Infernal Affairs many moons ago (and rewatched several times since), this new installment by Lau and Loo sounds like the right type of Hong-Kong film to take in this year. Gangster films are not for the faint of heart, so be warned, and come prepared for the action.
Thursday, Sept 11, 6:00pm
Over Your Dead Body / Kuime
Synopsis: A theatre troupe rehearsing a classic play of murder, betrayal and phantasmagorical vengeance find life bloodily imitating art backstage, in this wild cinematic detour from madly prolific Japanese auteur Takashi Miike.
My thoughts: They had me at Takashi Miike with this film. I also heard from a reliable source that I would very much like this film. Miike’s works are also not for the faint of heart. However, this film incorporates a famous ghost story, which is being produced as a kabuki play. The audience will be in for a treat with this one, I am sure of it.
Friday, Sept 12, 11:59pm
What We Do In The Shadows
Synopsis: Taika Waititi (Boy, Eagle vs Shark) and Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords) co-direct and star in this hilarious mockumentary about a trio of vampires living in a New Zealand suburb who struggle to adapt to life in the 21st century.
My thoughts: Horror-comedies and mockumentaries make for a fun time with friends. I also picked this Midnight Madness screening because I do like the humour from the Flight of the Conchords series. Add some vampiric antics in the mix, and I think it will be a heck of a good time.
Saturday, Sept 13, 11:59pm
The Guest
Synopsis: Writer-director duo Simon Barrett and Adam Wingard (A Horrible Way to Die, You’re Next) serve up a slick, eighties-style action thriller with this story of a mysterious and devastatingly charming visitor (Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens) who arrives at the home of a bereaved family claiming to be the best friend of their dead son.
My thoughts: Every TIFF, I pick a Midnight Madness film for a group of friends and I to attend together. This is my pick this year. I think it will be suspenseful, with some action, and get a few of us feeling a little jumpy in our seats. I hope my pals survive this one…
There may be more Midnight Madness screenings in this list, but as mentioned before, limited time. A reminder that these films, and all other TIFF films, screen at least 2 or 3 times during the festival. Click on film titlles to find other screening times, or visit tiff.net for full festival details.
As TIFF progresses, I may choose to add more films to my schedule. If you’re curious about what else I may check out, follow me here, or via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram too! That way, I can also find out how the rest of you are TIFF’g this year.
