1 Naked Man l 0 Bed Bugs

On the eve of my departure, I've been ruminating about this year's total experience, as well as the film high and low lights. Overall I feel that the festival was different this year - not better or worse but a different experience. First of all, they moved all the P&I screenings downtown - and the financial district of Toronto is not that much fun to wander. Most of the screenings were at a huge multiplex. On one hand, I could see every movie I wanted to because there were loads of seats. On the other hand, I was running to catch films and having to weave though the Dipping Dots dispensers and arcade games. Music was blaring and there were many projection and communication issues I'd not experienced in the past. It's tough to move so many people through a building all day and night and change films every two hours. I think it will be better and smoother next year. There were a couple extreme cock-ups - and I was glad I wasn't in charge. They also added the Bell Lightbox - and for those that have been attending TIFF for a few years, we've all sat through the promo trailers (over and over again). This is TIFF's permanent home, not only to be used during the fest, but for year round programming. My pals at Dolby did an extremely nice job on the presentation, and the Dolby 7.1 is excellent. The public spaces are light and welcoming.

How were the films this year?
Umm, pretty good. I can certainly see our Fall and early winter getting added to - but that's if these films get picked up for distribution. At this writing, it's been a slow market. In the last couple days probably the best film in terms of quality and playability was The Debt, with Helen Mirren, Ciaran Hinds (TV's Rome) and Tom Wilkinson. I also loved rocking out to the new Bruce Springsteen doc about the making of Darkness at the Edge of Town. Ken Loach's Route Irish takes on the world of contract soldiers for hire in Iraq.
TIFF Gifty Bag - I bought the gifts today at the cool swag store at the Bell Lightbox. Don't forget to click here to join our email 'blast' list, so that you can receive interesting info and showtimes each week. One new member from each market will win - deadline September 30th.
Today, my last day, was a bit of a disappointment - I'll never forget seeing A Single Man last year literally on my way out of town and being so thrilled. I know I missed a lot of great film, and we'll be proud to play the great ones we saw in the coming year. Oh - and the bed bugs? None in my room or the theatres. And the naked man? He wasn't naked - just pantless - and he liked our hotel lobby. Next year a few changes will be in order.

From the TIFF Trenches

After a long night of partying and camera downloading (Jeremy.....:)), it was a bit tough to face the dawn and the slate of films today. But I was mightily rewarded with the first film off the bat with Beginners. Starring Christopher Plummer as a 71 year old who embraces leaving the closet and living the life he'd wanted to for so long. His son, played by Ewan McGregor is a sweet sad sort who winds up taking care of his dad in his final months. Loved the script - so original. Loved the character of the Mom whose death after 44 years of marriage liberates the father. Loved the dog. Next up Casino Jack - It's the fascinating story about uber-lobbyist Jack Abramoff, and Kevin Spacey was born to play the role. I double dipped on two films in the early afternoon, The Trip and Last Night. No need to say more. Not much to say about the next one either, What's Wrong With Virginia with Jennifer Connelly and Ed Harris. Must say a bit of a disappointment as it was directed by Dustin Lance Black (Milk). The day ended well with the documentary Client 9 - The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer. Great intrigue filled show - a big reccommend. Only one celebrity sighting - Morgan Spurlock. I think it's cool - he's just watching movies along side we drones. Don't forget: Sign up to be a member of our weekly email blast and one luck puppy from each market wins a TIFF Swag gift. No chicken dogs.

Miles to Go Before I Sleep

Poor Will Farrell. It's like he's having an identity crisis. Today I saw him in a film called Everything Must Go. He's depressed and the world has dumped on him. And it's not a comedy. That was the first film that I sat through under the most freezing conditions. I'd say the Scotiabank folks were having a truly terrible day. Air con was broke and later that day they tried to fit 500 people into a 300 seat aud for 127 Hours. Didn't work too well - I left without seeing it.
Robert Redford and Robin Wright arrive for the Gala premiere of The Conspirator.

After the 127 Hours debacle I repaired back to the hotel to prepare for the evening. First up, rock star seats to The Conspirator. The film is beautifully shot and the cast gives an authentic glimpse into a time in history where the country was exhausted by the Civil War and the loss of President Lincoln. In that state, they were loose with civil rights. Before the film began, Redford introduced the principal cast on stage: Left to right Redford, Wright, McAvoy and Kline.
Because we are so cool, we had a party to attend before heading
to the Conspirator after-party. Fox Searchlight is having a stellar year and a stellar Toronto Film Festival with four pictures. They hosted a lovely party with cast and friends to celebrate. I caught a shot of Thandie Newton before the step 'n repeat.

Shot completely in the opposite direction in the rain and crowds to the Conspirator party where I was able to congratulate Redford on the film.

Sunday awaits with 5 films and another party.

Hit the Ground Running

After the overnight flight spent watching Sex and the City 2 (Abu Dabi via Morocco via Worst Sequel Ever), I got in around 5 am. Thank god for Tim Hortons and a quiet driver into town. What an amazing first day - allow me to count the ways: 1) Colin Firth 2) Colin Firth. Our first film of the festival was The King's Speech, based on a not too well known aspect of King George the VI's life - not only did he have a dire speech impediment, but he was never groomed to be King. When his brother Edward abdicated to be with that hussy Wallis Simpson, a reluctant King was born. The entire cast is beyond wonderful, with Colin Firth (oh did I mention that I saw his majesty in person today), Helena Bonham Carter as his Queen and a perfectly toned Geoffrey Rush as the man who helped the King succeed. Next up, Wood Allen's 'fall picture' (do you think the guy is stuck in a rut?) You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger. I feel comfortable using the term tepid to describe the film, the cast and the editing. At least every single character did not sound or speak with Woody's voice. Had a more than lovely time watching the film with friend and Sundance Sistah Sarah B from the Channel. A light, fun romp Made in Dagenham set in swinging 60's England with the always fun Bob Hoskins. The last film of the day was It's Kind of a Funny Story, with some Jon Stewart alum. We slogged 28 miles into the heart of University of Toronto for a party for Mongol Films where we received out first fest swag bag. Still tryig to figure out the what's and why's on the contents. Big day tomorrow, including Sundance's own Robert Redford Gala premiere of The Conspirator. Can't wait to see the film (getting fabulous advance word) and go to the chic after party. Thrilled to catch a sighting of Roger Ebert - smiling and so pleasant to all around him. No chicken dogs.

The Importance of Being Ernest

After earnestly agonizing over the bounty of films we'll be seeing this week, my list is done with just one problem: every day there are at least three films overlapping that I must see. This year they moved all the press and industry screenings downtown with most of the p&i's happening at the Scotiabank (sexy name) theatre, and a few at the new Bell Lightbox. I wonder if the Canadians experience the same angst as we Americans do with corporate naming? This is too early to begin my Canada-bashing - I digress - back to the movies. My flight gets in at 5:54 am on Friday, and I'll rush over to choose from three films that once again, I must see: Darren Aronofsky's BLACK SWAN, Colin Firth (oh my) in THE KING'S SPEECH and the new doc by Charles Ferguson INSIDE JOB, about the fiscal crisis. And those are just the films during the 9 am slot. Jeez!

I'll be watching films until midnight on the 14th, then heading back to California. There are so many high quality films that are looking for a distribution home at the Festival - and no doubt that they will. I'll post late night or early morning, and will once again keep track of 'talent' (movie stars, directors, and any other person of interest seen wandering or at parties), but I have to admit I am worried.

Looking for chicken dogs, too.

Worried about chicken dogs. All the screenings have moved downtown...are there chicken dog vendors on the streets of Downtown Toronto? Only time will tell.

One more thing - I'll find time to buy (steal/beg) one extra fabulous souvenir from the Toronto International Film Festival. I will choose one new member of our email 'blast' list from each market to receive this prize and a pair of passes to Sundance Cinemas...send your email address to this spot and you'll be entered to win. Bon Voyage!