We’re into TIFF‘s final weekend and spotted a few notable names in the City today. Tomorrow the Closing Night Gala, Mr. Right will commence at both the Princess of Wales Theatre and Roy Thomson Hall and we expect to see both Sam Rockwell and Anna Kendrick out for that.
See who we saw today!
Julie Delpy. Making an extremely rare visit to the City today, Actor/Director/Writer Julie Delpy was spotted out in a foot cast. She tells me she broke her foot recently and being the trooper she is, that wasn’t enough to stop her from promoting her latest, Lolo. You know her best for hers, Ethan Hawke and Richard Linklater‘s Before Sunrise Trilogy.
Dany Boon. This French-Comedian also stars in Lolo opposite Delpy and was just charming and as he greeted fans earlier, he let them know he also was recording the interaction for a French program.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Anya Taylor-Joy. This up-and-coming Actress is outstanding in hotly-buzzed horror, The Witch. She tells me that she loves Toronto and actually filmed that Movie locally.
Robert Eggers. This talented Filmmaker makes his feature debut with The Witch, which (pardon the pun) has critics and audiences all talking.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
Scott Cooper (Out of the Furnace, Crazy Heart) takes on his most ambitious project to date as he tells the story of James “Whitey” Bulger one of the most infamous South Boston gangsters in history. Black Mass tells this intense story featuring performances from the incredible Johnny Depp who restores his faith in his acting career with arguably the best performance of his career in the film. Black Mass is an incredible feature that sheds a light on a story that needed the light.
James “Whitey Bulger (Johnny Depp) is one of the most notorious gangsters of South Boston, while his brother Billy Bulger (Benedict Cumberbatch) was state senator, as the story depicts Whitey’s rise to the top of the criminal empire and how he managed to continually fall through the cracks of the justice system. Whitey always believed in not being a rat, because if you’re a rat you’re going to die and it will certainly not be pleasant. However, when rival gang families starting moving in on Whitey’s territory and old friend from Southie, FBI agent John Connolly (Joel Edgerton) offered him a deal where he provides information and in return gets protection from the FBI Whitey could not say no. Black Mass tells the story of how James “Whitey” Bulger became one of the most feared men in South Boston.
Johnny Depp who has chosen some interesting roles in the last few years of his career, have made people start to forget how talented he truly is. Thankfully though his performance in the film is nothing short of terrifying and riveting as he brings life to the screen as the sadistic psychopath. He has restored his faith in his fans with this performance, which could potentially get him a fourth Oscar nomination. Benedict Cumberbatch who plays the brother to Whitey also does a phenomenal job at hiding what he knows and trying to protect his brother while he is completely aware of the terrible human being that he is. Moreover, Joel Edgerton who never has managed to disappoint audiences shines through yet again delivering another compelling performance that keeps the audience at the edge of their seats. Other mentions to performances have to be mentioned with respect to Kevin Bacon who plays the FBI lead who allows the alliance that Connolly and Bulger have together, as Bacon delivers a stellar performance as well.
However, Black Mass has not only incredible performances that will surely receive buzz and potential academy recognition, but the directing in this two hour heavyweight is flawless as Scott Cooper never lets anything become too dull or diluted as the gruesomeness is not toned down for a lighter audience. The reason why this had to be done, is to truly show how terrifying and how much of a menace James “Whitey” Bulger truly was and still is.
Black Mass is an fascinating piece about a terrifying force. It is one of the better gangster films of recent years, and adds another great addition into the careers of everyone involved.
Just two days left of TIFF ’15, it’s only midday and we’re shocked how many stars still are milling about doing press. See who we’ve spotted this afternoon!
Keith Richards. The Rolling Stones rock legend made a spirited entrance at his Press Conference for Documentary Under the Influence, drawing lots of cheers. He’s got a jam-packed day with his Premiere tailgating the conference!
Cynthia Nixon. This one’s for all my Mirandas! I adore Sex and the City and made it a point of finding the gorgeous actress! She’s here for James White, premiering at Ryerson Theatre tonight.
For all my Mirandas. With #SexandtheCity star #CynthiaNixon. She is at #TIFF15 with #JamesWhite. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Christopher Abbott also is with Nixon promoting James White and we caught-up while he was having a smoke break.
Dev Patel is no stranger to TIFF and he’s actually grown to be a handsome, stylish young man, no? The Chappie star is here for The Man Who Knew Infinity.
With #TheManWhoKnewInfinity star #DevPatel. #TIFF15 #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Jeremy Irons always has been a goal of ours to meet and today he was kind to do a roll down of his window for Photos. Note, the legend doesn’t do Selfies, so he made a bit of an exception. He also is here for The Man Who Knew Infinity.
Joshua Jackson came out to support Diane Kruger tonight at her Roy Thomson Hall Premiere for Disorder.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
The lovely Diane Kruger heading from a private dinner to her big premiere tonight. Love the colours on her dress!
‘(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
We’re huge fans of Guillermo del Toro and are thrilled to present to you a chance to see first his latest masterpiece, CRIMSON PEAK, which was made in Toronto! Screenings take place in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton on Wednesday, October 14, 2015.
Synopsis:
Legendary Pictures’ Crimson Peak, a co-production with Universal Pictures, is a haunting gothic horror story directed by the master of dark fairy tales, Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy series, Pacific Rim), written by del Toro & Matthew Robbins and starring Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam and Jim Beaver.
In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author Edith Cushing is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds…and remembers.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this post at Mr. Will on Facebook. Tell me whom Edith should choose, the childhood friend or the mysterious outsider. Also remember to indicate your city.
G’luck Willionaire$!
Universal Pictures Canada release CRIMSON PEAK on Friday, October 16, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
With stars Departure-bound at the Airport, we still have a few here to visit as TIFF ’15 approaches an end. We’re still excited though nonetheless and hope you are too! See who we spotted today…
Analeigh Tipton. I first wrote a blog post about this former America’s Next Top Model finalist after being wowed by her in an advanced screening of Crazy.Stupid.Love. Her sweet, delightful awkwardness is irresistible and I have loved seeing her star gradually rise these past few years. Tipton is here for gambling drama Mississippi Grind starring alongside Sienna Miller, Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendohlson, premiering tonight at Roy Thomson Hall. She promised me a Selfie after getting yanked away at the Damsels in Distress premiere here a few years ago and she kept her promise today. She looked AMAZING.
Charlie Kaufman. This Filmmaker is getting tons of acclaim for his TIFF ’15 entry Anomalisa and it was recently announced the stop-motion animated feature was picked-up by Paramount Pictures. It just won the Grand Jury Prize a Venice too. Here he is after a morning screening today, stopping to sign some autographs. Photo via our Dave Baldwin.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Salma Hayek. We love this beauty and are grateful to have met her last year at TIFF. She is here for Septembers of Shiraz, starring opposite Adrien Brody and was even see kissing fans yesterday after completing press.
#SalmaHayek at #TIFF15 for #SeptembersofShiraz. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Diane Kruger. We’ve longed to meet this incredibly-talented woman for so long now and are pleased to have met her and get a Selfie today as she quietly started her day of press this morning. She stars in both Sky and Disorder, premiering at TIFF ’15 today and tomorrow respectively. And for those curious, no Joshua Jackson.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
TIFF ’15 is starting to wind its way down and although the star power might not be where it was this past weekend, there still is plenty to be excited about. Today we caught-up with the casts of Man Down, Room and Anomalisa.
David Thewlis. The English actor gained much popularity with a younger generation for his work on the Harry Potter franchise as Remus Lupin. He is at TIFF ’15 with Anomalisa, a stop-motion animated feature directed by Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson. The Film won a Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival recently.
Tom Noonan. The tall American actor also is here for Anomalisa, known best for his work in Manhunter and Heat.
With #TomNoonan, at #TIFF15 with #Anomalisa. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Shia LaBeouf. The controversial actor was a big hit with fans at TIFF ’15, generously stopping to greet fans at the Red Carpet of his Film Man Down, at Roy Thomson Hall.
Jacob Tremblay. This young Canadian talent is mesmerizing in Room, which debuted to phenomenal response this evening at Princess of Wales Theatre.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Joan Allen. The TONY-winning, Oscar-nominated actress is here also for Room, gracious enough to stop for fans at the Red Carpet.
Brie Larson. This talented young actress this past weekend at TIFF ’15 was honoured with the IMDB Star Meter Award, normally given to an actor who shows a lot of promise and buzz. She is garnering tons of acclaim for her breakout role in Room. We loved her Red Carpet look tonight and are even thrilled after many tries, finally getting that Selfie moment with her!
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Review by David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong
Youth, the new film from Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino, is a Film about nostalgia and the fear of an uncertain future. Fred (Michael Caine), a former composer who wants nothing to do with his past glory, and Mick (Harvey Keitel), a director trying desperately to put together his next picture, are vacationing together at a Swiss resort. They are in the twilight of their lives, people watching at the hotel and dealing with the fallout of their children’s divorce.
There is not much to Youth on the on-set (and surely not when describing it), but the film is both hilarious and moving. It is a bit slower paced in the second half, but Sorrentino seems to care more for its exquisite visuals – which will go down as some of the best of the year. This truly is a film to marvel at for its details.
Caine is terrific and I do not remember the last time Keitel put in a performance this great. I could watch them banter for hours. Supporting turns from Paul Dano as a hotel guest and Rachel Weisz as Caine’s daughter Lena are both well done, but Jane Fonda steals the show as Mick’s lead actress Brenda. She has an extremely limited amount of screen-time, but she arrives like a bat out of hell and chews up every piece of scenery the Film has. She is like a jolt of electricity, giving the Film a shot to the heart and the true reality that shows just how fragile nostalgia can be. Expect Oscar to be calling a number of names this January.
Fox Searchlight Pictures release Youth and has one last screening at TIFF’15 on Friday, September 18 at 3:00 pm at Princess of Wales.
Review by David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong
Much like director Jeremy Saulnier’s previous film Blue Ruin, Green Room is the very definition of a slow-burn thriller. A punk rock band perform at a small venue run by Neo-Nazis, and witness an act of violence. Now they are trapped and their chances of survival are fleeting.
It feels excruciating at first with its lengthy set-up, but once Green Room gets moving, it becomes downright relentless. The Film is a nightmare wrapped inside another terrifying nightmare, forgoing its staggered laughs for increasingly vicious violence. I am not one to have an aversion to blood and gore, but I found myself grimacing more than once with some of the horrific things that happen to people here, good or bad. Anton Yelchin, Alia Shawkat, Imogen Poots, Saulnier regular Macon Blair and a scary-good Patrick Stewart all give great performances, but the real star is the incredible tension Saulnier envelopes you in right until the very end.
Green Room has completed its screenings at TIFF’15.
By George Kozera for Mr. Will Wong
Dancing to the infectious beats laid down by guest DJ, Oscar-nominated, uber talented director Jean-Marc Vallée (at TIFF ’15 with DEMOLITION), the homegrown crowd at the DIRECTORS GUILD OF CANADA party themed The Canada Party feasted on specialty donuts from Tim Hortons (my favourite was the beer glazed Bob & Doug and the Don Cherry and Chocolate donut was pretty snazzy looking) and were all genuinely happy to be there to mingle with friends and co-workers.
The FIFTH SOCIAL CLUB was the perfect venue for this intimate soiree where the women were dressed to kill and thrill and even the gents went out of their way to look spiffy! Above this it was packed with local talent including breakout star Jacob Tremblay of Room, Aaron Abrams, David Sutcliffe, Callum Keith Rennie, Kristian Bruun, Amanda Brugel, Kristin Booth and several more.
See some Snaps!
(Photo credit: George Kozera)
Although we’re at the half-way mark at TIFF ’15, we’re nowhere near done! The Town is set to be electrified at Princess of Wales Theatre as the eagerly-awaited Premiere for BLACK MASS shuts down a portion of Entertainment District with Johnny Depp making his way to the Red Carpet.
See some of the stars we spotted today!
Kevin Bacon. The veteran actor was amazing today at the Press Conference for Black Mass, quite literally stopping for every single Fan in-waiting. There’s a reason why he’s adored and we saw it today.
Dakota Johnson already has been catapulted to stardom in a big way starring in the Film Adaptations of the Fifty Shades of Grey series, but Black Mass is what will solidify her standing as a serious Actress. She was wonderful today stopping for Fans. A huge Fan of hers, I even slipped myself in for a Selfie amidst the commotion!
Awkward selfies with #DakotaJohnson, at #TIFF15 for #BlackMass. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #FIFTYSHADESOFGREY #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
And of course, who doesn’t love Johnny Depp? After a late arrival, he delivered his promised and went around the lined circle of Friends, stopping for Autographs as security cautiously tossed any clipboards thrust towards his face. The cheers were deafening for the King of Cinema and the reviews are fantastic for his performance as gangster Whitey Bulger in Black Mass.
#JohnnyDepp at #TIFF15 for #BlackMass. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
A more accurate snapshot of the Johnny madness.
Actual #JohnnyDepp madness. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF15 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Joel Edgerton greeting Fans for Black Mass.
Julianne Nicholson at the Black Mass Press Conference, v. gracious.
#JulianneNicholson at #TIFF15 for #BlackMass. #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Nick Robinson is one to look out for. The young Actor made a huge splash this summer in Jurassic World and is here for Rob Reiner‘s Being Charlie.
#NickRobinson of #JurassicWorld at #TIFF15 for #BeingCharlie. #TIFF40 #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Cary Elwes’ visit comprised of two reasons TIFF ’15 including a live-read of The Princess Bride as his original character, presented by Jason Reitman and also the Film Being Charlie.
#CaryElwes at #TIFF15 for a live reading of #ThePrincessBride and #BeingCharlie. #Tiff40 #Tiff40 #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Common is a man of many talents – acting just one of them. He and iconic Director Rob Reiner were out doing press earlier today for Being Charlie.
#RobReiner + #Common at #TIFF15 for #BeingCharlie. #TIFF40 #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Joan Allen is fantastic in Thriller, ROOM which premieres Tuesday night TIFF ’15. Here she is at a Press Conference earlier for the Film. Film star Brie Larson unfortunately has been v. private this entire trip not interacting at all with fans. What gives?
#JoanAllen for #RoomTheMovie at #TIFF15. #Tiff40 #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
John Slattery. We’ve long loved this Mad Men star and were ecstatic to run into him on our way home tonight. He was here for the Premiere of well-received drama, Spotlight.
Dream meeting #JohnSlattery of #MadMen at #TIFF15. He is here for #SpotlightMovie. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
AP McCoy. The 20-time champion jockey in the UK, made a rare appearance here in Toronto for the first-ever screening of his BBC Documentary, Being AP. He revealed that he made the Documentary for his two-year-old son who will never know him as a jockey following his retirement earlier this year.
Kate Winslet just stunning at the TIFF ’15 Premiere for The Dressmaker at Roy Thomson Hall.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Liam Hemsworth at the TIFF ’15 Premiere for The Dressmaker.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com