Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to see TIFF ’17 selection BREATHE, the directorial debut of Andy Serkis. Screenings take place: Toronto (10/18), Vancouver, Halifax, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary and Victoria (all 10/23).
Synopsis:
Robin Cavendish (Andrew Garfield) spots a beautiful young woman named Diana (Claire Foy) at a cricket match and even though his friends tell him he doesn’t stand a chance, they fall in love and get married.
In 1959, the Cavendishes are in Kenya with their first child on the way when Robin is struck down by polio. The doctors say he’s paralyzed and only has a few months to live. They return to Britain, where Robin is confined to a hospital bed day in and day out, staying alive only thanks to a ventilator that keeps him breathing.
Although Robin would rather die than lie in a hospital bed for the rest of his life, Diana refuses to listen, saying their son needs his father. In order to bring back Robin’s will to live, Diana has to figure out how to get him out of the hospital and home, where she plans to care for him herself.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
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Elevation Pictures release BREATHE in select cities Friday, October 20, 2017 and wide Friday, November 3, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)
Review by Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong
Following in the tradition of other Oscar hopefuls, motion-capture pioneer Andy Serkis brings his directorial debut to TIFF. Written by Oscar-nominated Screenwriter William Nicholson, Breathe, tells the true story of a man stricken with Polio and a woman who refuses to lose hope.
While in Kenya, Robin Cavendish (Andrew Garfield) became paralyzed from the neck down after contracting Polio. When he and his pregnant wife Diana return to England they are faced with a lifetime spent in cold, restrictive hospitals. Unwilling to accept the doctors’ dire prognosis, Robin and Diana decide to move home so he can be with his family. With the help of his friend Teddy (Hugh Bonneville), Robin is able to escape the prison of his bed through a wheelchair with a built-in respirator.
Although Breathe is about Robin, the Movie truly belongs to the remarkable Claire Foy who portrays Diana as more than a naïve girl in love but rather a woman with strong beliefs who is not prepared to give-up. Strong performances overcome Nitin Sawhney’s dreadful Score are sure to help drive the Festival popularity of this by-the-numbers Biography.
Elevation Pictures will screen Breathe at TIFF ’17 at the following times:
Monday, September 11 6:00 p.m. Roy Thomson Hall
Tuesday, September 12 10:00 a.m. Winter Garden Theatre
TIFF ’17 continues to go amazingly-well for us, but even being at the half-way mark we’re still not done! Check out some of the amazing sightings we had today!
MARK FELT: THE MAN WHO BROUGHT DOWN THE WHITE HOUSE has all the pedigree of a winner. The Drama centers on “Deep Throat“, the man who as an anonymous source led to the Watergate Scandal investigation. Its stars Liam Neeson, Diane Lane and Tony Goldwyn and premieres tonight at Ryerson Theatre. We spotted Neeson and Lane out earlier and they were both amazingly- nice, taking a quick moment to stop. We’re in love with our Selfie with Neeson and Lane has starred in two of our faves, Secretariat and Unfaithful!
#TIFF17: #DianeLane at #TIFF2017 with #MarkFelt. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF
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BREATHE is coming into TIFF ’17 with lots of buzz. The Tearjerker marks Andy Serkis‘ directorial debut and is based on its Producer Jonathan Cavendish‘s parents’ story. Robin Cavendish, his father, is known for breaking ground in helping the severely-disabled gain freedom with mobility chairs. Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy, long with Serkis were out and about today doing Press and it was a pure joy seeing them interact with their fans!
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HOSTILES also premieres tonight at Princess of Wales Theatre and stars Academy Award winner Christian Bale and Academy Award nominee Rosamund Pike. The Duo were out and about earlier promoting the Film and while they were private largely most of the day we were lucky to spot them amidst their hectic schedule. The Drama is about a US Cavalry Officer who accompanies reluctantly, a Cheyenne War Chief and his family back to their tribal lands. Bale is sporting a new look for his role as Dick Cheney, hence if you couldn’t recognize him, someone’s done their job good!
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We loved chatting with Ari Graynor, Dave Franco and Paul Scheer about their new Film THE DISASTER ARTIST, premiering at Midnight Madness. While James Franco was to be a part of the chat, alas he was behind schedule. We did find him on the Red Carpet though where he was really giving to Media and fans! And even Rachel McAdams and Cult Icon Tommy Wiseau whom James Franco portrays, came out! You will LOVE this Film. It is hilarious! Check back towards the Holidays as our chat goes live.
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(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
We live for TIFF and our hearts are filled with gratitude that we live in the City with the greatest Film Festival in the world! Team Mr. Will break-down for you their top Films to look-out for at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival. With single tickets going on sale to the public Monday, September 4, 2017 at 10:00 AM EST, perhaps you could use a bit of inspiration for your own Festival picks?
From our Family to yours…
Siobhán Rich (@Typo_Eh)
Pop culture played a big part in my picks this year with The Room, Barack Obama and Wonder Woman playing key roles in three of my selections. The other two premiered at festivals earlier this year to wide acclaim are are sure to be on everyone’s top Films of 2017.
BPM (Beats Per Minute)
Call Me By Your Name
The Disaster Artist
The Final Year
Professor Marston and the Women
Jonathan Godfrey (@Skot_Somers)
This year I’m sticking to Indies! First off there’s Cannes darling, The Square. A satirical look at the Post-Modern Art World and all of its troubling social issues. Second is Jane, a Documentary about the beloved primatologist Jane Goodall. Third, The Lodgers, is an Irish Horror that was shot in one of the country’s most harrowing haunted houses. Fourth, Apostasy. The aptly-titled Film focuses on a rebellious youth within a controlling cult. Lastly, my only non-Indie, The Shape of Water. The latest Monster Movie from Toronto’s adopted son, Guillermo del Toro. All good and hopefully great. Time will tell. Have a happy Festival!
The Square
Jane
The Lodgers
Apostasy
The Shape of Water
Justin Waldman (@DubsReviews)
The Disaster Artist
James Franco tackles The Room in adapting the Book written by Greg Sestero who played “Mark” in arguably one of the worst movies ever made, The Room.
Unicorn Store
Brie Larson makes her directorial debut with an extraordinary cast.
The Florida Project
From the director of Tangerine this small Indie film will be one of the standouts from the Festival as well without a doubt.
Molly’s Game
Aaron Sorkin script. Aaron Sorkin directing.
mother!
Early reviews and buzz out of Venice, alleviate all rumours surrounding its changed release date.
Amanda Gilmore (@GilmoreAmanda)
The Disaster Artist
This Film is hilarious from beginning to end and James Franco gives the performance of his career as Tommy Wiseau. It will delight Midnight Madness fans, The Room fans and everyone else that sees it.
Call Me By Your Name
Since Sundance, this Film has received rave reviews for the story, direction, and acting. It’s sure to garner multiple award nominations and possibly some wins come Awards Season.
Downsizing
As soon as it screened at the Venice Film Festival it was a sure fire hit calling it Alexander Payne’s finest work.
The Florida Project
Sean Baker impressed audiences with his directorial debut Tangerine and now he’s back with this touching examination of familial love. Set around a daughter and her young mother living in a motel, this will be the tearjerker of the Festival.
Lady Bird
Greta Gerwig has written some brilliant female roles over the past few years. Now she’s making her directorial debut with her latest script starring Saoirse Ronan.
David Baldwin (@DaveMABaldwin)
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
I saw the Trailer for this Movie back in March and was on-board immediately. Frances McDormand looks like the perfect match for Martin McDonagh‘s spectacular writing.
The Disaster Artist
I love The Room, and the behind the scenes story is the most fascinating, hilarious, ludicrous and absolutely insane thing I have ever read. I have been waiting ever so patiently since SXSW to experience the madness — and bonus points because it will be at Midnight Madness with the maestro himself, Tommy Wiseau, in the audience.
mother!
I know literally nothing about this Film beyond it starring Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem, and that it is directed by Darren Aronofsky. That’s more than enough to get me excited. The posters have been cryptic at best, so I’m really hoping that I’m rewarded for going in blind.
Mom and Dad
The premise of parents killing their kids for 24 hours had my curiosity. Having Nicolas Cage in the leading role got my attention.
Manhunt
John Woo‘s return to the kind of action movies that influenced a generation of Filmmakers and film fans. If there aren’t any doves or dual wielding pistols, I’m rioting.
Mr. Will (@mrwillw)
Having seen a handful of the key TIFF ’17 titles, I am the greatest champion for Sundance favourite CALL ME BY YOUR NAME. I love Luca Guadagnino (I Am Love, A Bigger Splash)‘s work and once again he pushes the boundaries and our perceptions of love in this beautifully-told Novel adaptation. It is gorgeous, a bit dangerous and emotional – everything a TIFF Film should be. I have yet to see I, Tonya and mother! but both have great pedigrees and with that come high hopes. The Disaster Artist was magical, Battle of the Sexes was superb. That being said, my Top Five are as follows:
Call Me By Your Name
I, Tonya
mother!
The Disaster Artist
Battle of the Sexes
By Siobhán Rich and Mr. Will Wong
Now in its 42th edition, the Toronto International Film Festival is set to go Thursday, September 7 – Sunday, September 17, 2017. Normally seen as a major precursor to Awards Season culminating in the Academy Awards, the Festival showcases several of the Films that will go on to prominence and glory in the coming months and also rare Films which may not ever be seen again outside the festival circuit. Cinema Lovers had plenty to rejoice today as the first batch of TIFF ’17 Films were announced this morning at TIFF Bell Lightbox! Several highly-buzzed Films and their stars will be gracing the Festival this year which takes over the City post-Labour Day.
International star of silver screen and television Priyanka Chopra has the honour of being this year’s TIFF Soiree Guest. The Gala is held on the Festival’s opening night. The Closing Night Gala has been unveiled as SHEIKH JACKSON starring Ahmad El-Fishawi and Ahmed Malek.
Cameron Bailey TIFF Artistic Director (sans pocket square) says, “You may have noticed we love movies in Toronto. And the world has noticed also.”. “If you’re somewhere in public and hear a titile you’re excited for, don’t squeal.”. And we certainly have much to squeal for this year!
TIFF ’17 will play host to several high-profile Films and many are talking about Angelina Jolie‘s two Films at the Festival. She serves as Director on FIRST THEY KILLED MY FATHER and Producer on THE BREADWINNER. Could we be seeing her this year?
Megastar George Clooney returns to TIFF with Crime Comedy SUBURBICON, this time as Director. The Film stars Matt Damon, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin and Julianne Moore.
Matt Damon stars also in Toronto-made DOWNSIZING from Alexander Payne (Sideways) which also appears at the Festival.
Margot Robbie and Allison Janney are getting tons of Oscar buzz for I, TONYA, a Biopic about disgraced Figure Skater Tonya Harding and the controversy surrounding her conspired attack against opponent Nancy Kerrigan.
SUBMERGENCE is a Thriller from Win Wenders, based on J.M. Ledgard‘s Novel of the same name and stars Academy Award-winner Alicia Vikander and James McAvoy.
Andy Serkis makes his directorial debut with romantic drama BREATHE starring Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy.
THE CURRENT WAR stars red-hot Tom Holland and fan favourite Benedict Cumberbatch, centering on Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse‘s competing to create a sustainable power system and marketing it to Americans.
Stars don’t come more accomplished than Glenn Close who costars with Christian Slater in THE WIFE about a woman who makes the difficult decision to leave her husband.
Elle Fanning and Maisie Williams star in the highly-anticipated biopic about the first lady of horror fiction MARY SHELLEY.
From the director of TIFF ’15’s Mustangs comes KINGS starring Halle Berry and Daniel Craig about a foster family in South Central in the aftermath of the Rodney King trial.
Fans of the incredible Annette Benning will be sure to line-up early to see her in FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL co-starring Jamie Bell about a young actor who falls for his leading lady.
Starring Guy Pearce and Paul Rudd THE CATCHER WAS A SPY marks the triumphant return of Director Ben Lewin to TIFF.
Directed by Indie darling Greta Gerwig and starring Saoirse Ronan, LADY BIRD will open the Special Presentations section.
VICTORIA AND ABDUL reunites Judi Dench with her TIFF ’13 selection Philomena Director Stephen Frears.
THE SQUARE is sure to be a big with fans of Elisabeth Moss and director Ruben Östlund as they visit the issue of more courage and egocentricity.
HOSTILES brings Black Mass Director Scott Cooper back to TIFF with powerhouse actors Christian Bale and Rosamund Pike.
DISOBEDIENCE Rachel Weisz produces and stars along with Torontonian Rachel McAdams in this story about a woman returning to her Orthodox Jewish home.
THE CHILDREN ACT from the pen of Atonement Scribe Ian McEwan and starring Emma Thompson and Stanley Tucci comes a Movie that feels very relatable with headlines in the UK right now.
MOM AND DAD (stars Nicolas Cage and Selma Blair) – a pair of siblings must survive the mass hysteria that ensues over 24 hours as their parents inexplicably attack them.
REVENGE (stars Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz and Jevin Janssens)
GREAT CHOICE (stars Carrie Coon and Morgan Spector) – a woman gets stuck in a Red Lobster commercial.
LET THE CORPSES TAN (Elina Löwensohn and Stéphane Ferrara), an Adaptation of the 1971 Crime Thriller by Jean-Patrick Manchette and Jean-Pierre Bastid.
Untitled Kevin Hart/Bryan Cranston Project also stars Nicole Kidman and is rumoured to be a remake of the massive 2011 hit The Intouchables.
Emma Stone, who attended last year for La La Land en route to winning an Oscar, and Steve Carrell join forces in BATTLE OF THE SEXES, based on the true story of the famed 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.
Some Trailers from this year’s Films:
BORG/MCENROE (stars Shia LaBoeuf and Sverrir Gudnason) – OPENING NIGHT GALA
BATTLE OF THE SEXES (stars Emma Stone and Steve Carell)
SUBURBICON (directed by George Clooney)
MOTHER! (stars Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem)
BRAD’S STATUS (stars Ben Stiller and Austin Abrams)
THE BREADWINNER (produced by Angelina Jolie)
THE SHAPE OF WATER (stars Sally Hawkins and Michael Shannon)
BREATHE (stars Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy)
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (stars Armie Hammer)
TIFF’s Documentary Programme also was highlighted today and some higher-profile titles include Opening Night Film GRACE JONES: BLOODLIGHT AND BAMI, BOOM FOR REAL: THE LATE TEENAGE YEARS OF JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT, ERIC CLAPTON: LIFE IN 12 BARS, THE FINAL YEAR (features Barack Obama and John Kerry), THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ANDRÉ (as in André Leon-Talley), JIM & ANDY: THE GREAT BEYOND (centes on Jim Carrey and Andy Kaufman), JANE (on conservationist Jane Goodall), SAMMY DAVIS JR. I’VE GOTTA BE ME and SUPER SIZE ME 2: HOLY CHICKEN!. The Programme’s Closing Night Film is MAKALA.
UPDATE 8/9/17:
Canadian titles have been announced for TIFF ’17 and they include: Alanis Obomsawin’s Our People Will Be Healed, Alan Zweig’s There is a House Here, Simon Lavoie’s The Little Girl Who Was Too Fond of Matches (La petite fille qui aimait trop les allumettes, Mina Shum’s Meditation Park; Robin Aubert’s Les Affamés, Ingrid Veninger’s Porcupine Lake; Pat Mills’ Don’t Talk to Irene; Oscar nominee Kim Nguyen’s Eye on Juliet; Adam MacDonald’s Pyewacket; Denis Côté’s Ta peau si lisse (A Skin So Soft); and Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas de Pencier’s Long Time Running.
An announcement also was made on TIFF ’17‘s Rising Stars and they are: Daniel Doheny, Mary Galloway, Théodore Pellerin and Ellen Wong.
UPDATE 8/15/17:
Some additional Galas and Special Presentations for TIFF ’17 were announced today and there definitely are some great ones including Toronto-made directorial debut for Oscar-winning Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, MOLLY’S GAME and KODACHROME from Director Mark Raso.
GALAS added include:
55 STEPS is a patients’ rights Drama starring Helena Bonham Carter and Hilary Swank.
CHAPPAQUIDDICK follows the derailment of Ted Kennedy’s political career after the death of political strategist Mary Jo Kopechne, starring Jason Clarke and Kate Mara.
THE LEISURE SEEKER follows a couple who go on an unforgettable journey in their RV of the same name as the Film’s title, starring Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland.
THREE CHRISTS stars Richard Gere and Peter Dinklage, centering on a doctor treating three paranoid schizophrenic patients, each believing they are Jesus Christ.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS added include:
THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER follows a teenager’s attempts to bring a brilliant surgeon into his dysfunctional family. It stars Nicole Kidman, Alicia Silverstone, Barry Keoghan and Colin Farrell.
KODACHROME (made in Toronto) is set in the final days of the photo development system of the same name. Stars Elizabeth Olsen, Ed Harris and Jason Sudeikis.
JOURNEY’S END stars Sam Claflin and Asa Butterfield, about a group of British officers in World War I, led a young officer who is mentally disintegrating.
I LOVE YOU, DADDY, Funnyman Louis C.K.’s first feature Film in over 16 years, also stars him as a Producer and Writer. Chloë Moretz also stars in the black and white Film.
THE FLORIDA PROJECT is about a six-year-old and her friends and their wonder-filled summer. It stars Willem Dafoe a Brooklynn Prince.
THE ESCAPE follows an ordinary woman who makes an extraordinary decision one day that changes her life. Stars Gemma Arterton and Dominic Cooper.
THE CURED is about a disease that turned people into zombies having been cured. The once-infected zombies then get rejected from society and their families. Stars Ellen Page and Sam Keeley.
LEAN ON PETE is about a boy who moves to Oregon to begin a new life and befriends a horse trainer and failing racehorse. Stars Steve Buscemi, Chloe Sevigny and Travis Fimmel.
LOVING PABLO has real-life couple Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz playing Pablo Escobar and Virginia Vallejo.
MICHAEL JACKSON’S THRILLER 3D, preceded by MAKING OF MICHAEL JACKSON’S THRILLER.
MOLLY’S GAME (made in Toronto) is about an Olympic skier who ran the most exclusive high-stakes poker game, becoming an FBI target. Stars Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba.
MARK FELT – THE MAN WHO BROUGHT DOWN THE WHITE HOUSE is about the man who went by the name “Deep Throat” to help journalists uncover the Watergate Scandal. Stars Julian Morris, Liam Neeson and Diane Lane.
ON CHESIL BEACH centers on a young couple’s honeymoon, set in the ‘60s. Stars Saoirse Ronan and Billy Howle.
OUTSIDE IN has Laggies and Your Sister’s Sister Director Lynn Shelton returning to TIFF ’17 with her latest effort.
REDOUBTABLE centers on French Director Jean-Luc Godard’s romance with 17-year-old Anne Wiazemsky. From Oscar-winning Director Michel Hazanvicius.
UNICORN STORE has Oscar-winner Brie Larson making her directorial debut. She also stars in it and it is about a woman who receives a mysterious invitation which fulfills her childhood dreams.
WHO WE ARE NOW is about a woman sentenced to ten years in prison and she hires a young public defence lawyer to help her children. Stars Zachary Quinto and Emma Roberts.
What didn’t make the cut or yet get announced?
We heard a lot of great titles but not all the Movies on our Wish List were mentioned. The most anticipated and buzzed-about Movie this morning was the Denis Villeneuve-directed Blade Runner 2049. With a Canadian Director and Canadian Ryan Gosling as its star, Blade Runner 2049 seems like a strong guess for future TIFF ’17 announcements. Staying strong on the Can-Con front we were surprised not to hear Xavier Dolan’s The Death and Life of John F Donovan at today’s press conference. What is TIFF without a Movie starring Ethan Hawke? To check that TIFF Bingo box we’d like to suggest Paul Schrader’s First Reformed costarring Amanda Seyfried. Already in town for the Festival will be Julianne Moore who stars in Todd Haynes’ Wonderstruck, based on the book by Hugo scribe Brian Selznick. Wonder Wheel from Director Woody Allen starring Kate Winslet (who is in town for The Mountain Between Us) and Justin Timberlake.
Stay tuned. There definitely will be more…
For more, visit the Toronto International Film Festival website here.
(Photo credit: Paramount Pictures/Fox Searchlight/Elevation Pictures)
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