By Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
As soon as you walk into the Amazon Prime‘s Carnival Row pop-up at Yonge-Dundas Square, filled with the sounds of Classical and Opera, you are handed a card that tells you if you are human or creature. As the actors walk around they notice what card you are holding and talk to you accordingly. Which gives the feeling like you are really in this fictional world.
As you walk around the event, there are different shopping stations from the show and actors that interact with guests. Asking what they would like to buy at their shop. There is also a station at its center that has a stage and mic stand and a creature goes off and on singing to the crowd. There is more fun to be had with a station to put on your own creature wings!
After screening Carnival Row, I can say the Fantasy genre is used interestingly to touch upon themes of refugee scenarios and immigration. Delevingne and Bloom deliver solid performances and while we only get to see them in one scene together, but their chemistry is great. Steam Punk fans will be delighted.
Synopsis:
Orlando Bloom (Pirates of the Caribbean) and Cara Delevingne (Suicide Squad) star in Carnival Row, a series set in a Victorian fantasy world filled with mythological immigrant creatures whose exotic homelands were invaded by the empires of man. This growing population struggles to coexist with humans — forbidden to live, love, or fly with freedom. But even in darkness, hope lives, as a human detective, Rycroft Philostrate (Bloom), and a refugee faerie named Vignette Stonemoss (Delevingne) rekindle a dangerous affair despite an increasingly intolerant society. Vignette harbors a secret that endangers Philo’s world during his most important case yet: a string of gruesome murders threatening the uneasy peace of the Row.
See some Snaps from the Pop-Up:
See the Trailer:
CARNIVAL ROW streams on Amazon Prime beginning Labour Day weekend.
(Photo/video credit: Amazon Prime/Amanda Gilmore)
By Mr. Will Wong
And in a blink of an eye, another TIFF has passed and this one had us working right to the finish line! It’s only after the fact that we have a moment to take it all in how much we went through. We estimate double our average in Celebrity Snaps this year. That’s how star-studded TIFF ’18 was. It was that kind of a year!
We had the pleasure of previewing several of this year’s Awards Season contenders and we are waiting with baited breath to see A STAR IS BORN and GREEN BOOK, both outstanding, duke it out for Oscars glory in coming months. We loved both, are thrilled the latter was honoured with the People’s Choice Award at the Festival, but something about the former makes our heart sing. We cannot stop thinking about it or its Soundtrack. It takes a magical Film to do that.
Let’s relive some of my favourite star-studded moments of the Festival, as lensed through the Nikon D3400. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without this amazing camera which worked amazingly-well with our Blackberry Key 2 in terms of file transmission to ensure we were able to get our photos uploaded and edited within moments for you all to enjoy! The clarity of these snaps speak for themselves.
A STAR IS BORN Press Conference
We will never stop taking our signature Celebrity Selfies and TIFF ’18 was unforgettable even if we saw many returning faces. We wouldn’t have been camera-ready without the right gear and depending on each scenario, sometimes the Blackberry Key 2 worked best for those Selfies, sometimes the Nikon D3400 worked better. What matters is that more often than not, we got the snap! And many we did.
Here’s some of our faves!
Alexander Skarsgård
Amandla Stenberg
Amber Heard
Anthony Ramos
Boyd Holbrook
Cara Delevingne
Chris Pine
Claire Foy
Daniel Kaluuya
Elizabeth Debicki
Gwendoline Christie
Hari Nef
Jacob Tremblay
Jamie Dornan
Jamie Lee Curtis
John David Washington
Julianne Moore
Kelly Marie Tran
Lady Gaga
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Margaret Qualley
Olivia Munn
Parker Sevak
Peter Sarsgaard
Quincy Jones
Riz Ahmed
Ryan Gosling
Steve Carell
Steven Yeun
Timothée Chalamet
Trevante Rhodes
Troye Sivan
Zhang Yimou
In case you missed our Television appearances during TIFF ’18 this is our first year hitting-up the three big media giants: Global, CITY and CP24 (Bell Media). Thrilled! Our brand continues to thrive as a Festival go-to and we are so happy for the recognition.
CP24 with George Lagogianes
Breakfast Television with Winston Sih
Until next year. We’re already ready!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
Her Smell tells the story of a self-destructive female Punk Rock musician, Becky Something (Elisabeth Moss), who seems determined to alienate those around her and threatens the success of her band. This is the fourth feature for Director Alex Ross Perry and will have its World Premiere in the Platform Programme at TIFF ’18.
Moss gives an all-or-nothing performance as Becky. It’s a demanding performance that most actors wouldn’t dare to take-on, let alone execute perfectly. Perry’s direction takes the audience on a punk rock ride and challenges the depth to which they are willing to watch. Overall, it’s one hell of a ride that you will be happy you took.
Her Smell screens at TIFF on Sunday, September 9 at 5:45 PM at Winter Garden Theatre, Tuesday, September 11 at 12 PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox, and Friday, September 14 at 9:15 PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox.
By Mr. Will Wong
Toronto is “gaga” for A STAR IS BORN at TIFF ’18 as the Film saw two screenings tonight as part of the Festival’s Galas Programme. Stars Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Anthony Ramos, Sam Elliott and Dave Chappelle were at the Press Conference for the Oscar contender bright and early this morning!
While the Festival was particularly front-loaded this year, we look forward to a bit of a breather these next couple days, before we start focusing on seeing Films at the Festival!
See who we saw!
A STAR IS BORN – Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Anthony Ramos, Sam Elliott and Dave Chappelle
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WIDOWS – Colin Farrell, Steve McQueen Daniel Kaluuya, Robert Duvall, Cynthia Erivo, Brian Tyree Henry, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki and more
HER SMELL – Elisabeth Moss, Cara Delevingne, Amber Heard, Agyness Deyn
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS – Elizabeth Olsen and Mamoudou Athie
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BURNING – Steven Yeun
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With #StevenYeun at his #TIFF18 Premiere for Burning. #TIFF #torontointernationalfilmfestival
THE PUBLIC – Jeffrey Wright
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#JeffreyWright at #TIFF18 for #ThePublic. #TIFF #torontointernationalfilmfestival
QUINCY – Quincy Jones
A FAITHFUL MAN – Lily Rose Depp, Louis Garrel
FIRST MAN – Damien Chazelle
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Academy Award winner #DamienChazelle (#Whiplash, #LaLaLand) is back at #TIFF18 with #FirstMan.
JASON REITMAN’S THE BREAKFAST CLUB LIVE READ – Aaron Paul, Bel Powley, Jesse Eisenberg, Christina Hendricks, Steve Zissis, Richard E Grant and Robert Wuhl
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
eOne Films x Mr. Will want to take Readers in Toronto to an Advance Screening of TULIP FEVER on Wednesday, August 30, 2017.
Synopsis:
In 17th Century Amsterdam, an orphaned girl (Alicia Vikander) is forcibly married to a rich and powerful merchant (Christoph Waltz) – an unhappy “arrangement” that saves her from poverty. After her husband commissions a portrait, she begins a passionate affair with the painter (Dane DeHaan), a struggling young artist. Seeking to escape the merchant’s ever-reaching grasp, the lovers risk everything and enter the frenzied tulip bulb market, with the hope that the right bulb will make a fortune and buy their freedom.
Cast: Alicia Vikander, Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Jack O’Connell, Holliday Grainger, Christoph Waltz, Zach Galifianakis, Judi Dench.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. “Favourite” this Tweet on Twitter: @mrwillw for an extra chance!
eOne Films release TULIP FEVER Friday, September 1, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)
Visionary Filmmaker Luc Besson has long been thrilling moviegoers with a breathtaking catalog of work. Whether it be Léon the Professional, The Fifth Element, Nikita, The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc or more recently Lucy, his Films have mesmerized a generation and raised the bar of innovation for his peers. While often wearing Writer, Producer and Director’s hats simultaneously, he also was responsible as Writer and Producer several smash success including the Taxi, Taken and The Transporter franchises. The personable and private (he doesn’t like being photographed) Co-Founder of massively successful EuropaCorp has gifted us with Films which at once are high art as they are commercial, resonating in a big way with film lovers worldwide.
We had the pleasure of journeying for the first time ever to Montreal where Besson met Canadian Press in support of his latest Action-Fantasy, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. The Film starring Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, is based on the internationally-adored graphic novel series Valérian and Laureline, set for release late July. The Film sees its two leads sent on a mission to Alpha where a dark force threatens a peaceful existence, tasked with protecting the future of the universe.
What are your earliest recollections of Valérian and Laureline and at what point did you decide to adapt it for the big screen?
Besson: “Actually, very late. I was a big fan of the comics since I was 10-years-old. It was a like a little treasure I kept inside me and I never thought about making a Film about it.”.
“Jean-Caude Mezieres (one of the creators of Valérian and Laureline) was working of The Fifth Element 20 years ago abd at one point he asked ‘Why are you doing this stupid 5th Element thing?’.”. “I read the comic again and it wasn’t possible with technology then with four characters and 2,000 aliens.”.
“We needed for Avatar to come along. Avatar was an open tool box. Cameron (James) made it all possible.”.
You’ve previously paired with the artistic greats like Moebius on The Fifth Element. Describe the importance of celebrating French artistry here too in adapting the graphic novels on which Valerian is based upon, to a worldwide audience.
Besson: “There is no nationality with art. No one asks you for a passport for your drawing.”.
“First is the story. What do you want to say to people? When this is done – and I spent a lot of time working on this – then I think what clothes I am gonna put on the script.”.
“For Valerian, I contacted artists around world and wound-up with a team 10 to 12 guys over three years from China, Brazil, American, France. They bring their own sensitivites and drew almost 6,00 drawings. I love tons of ideas coming.”. He adds, “There are over 2,000 costumes in Valerian.”.
“Storytelling is the main stone and I love to spend many, many months making it look better.”.
You have a great eye for talent. Describe for what went behind the inspired casting choices behind Valerian.
Besson: “I’m not sensitive to the marketing point of view. I try to take best actor for the part. If they’re well known and popular, great. If not, I still take it.”.
On stars Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, he says. “They’re only 25, so fresh and so young. It reminds me of when I was 16-years-old watching Star Wars and seeing Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. We didn’t know who these guys were.”.
Watch our Chat:
eOne Films release Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets Friday, July 21, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: eOne Films/Mr. Will Wong)
eOne Films x Mr. Will want to take Readers to an Advance Screening of Luc Besson’s VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS! 3D Screenings take place as follows:
Toronto
Wed July 19
Yonge & Dundas
7:00 PM
Vancouver
Wed July 19
Scotiabank Vancouver
7:00 PM
Winnipeg
Wed July 19
Scotiabank Winnipeg
7:30 PM
Edmonton
Wed July 19
Scotiabank Edmonton
7:00 PM
Calgary
Wed July 19
Chinook
7:00 PM
Ottawa
Wed July 19
Scotiabank Ottawa
7:30 PM
Halifax
Wed July 19
Scotiabank Halifax
7:00 PM
Victoria
Wed July 19
Silvercity Victoria
7:00 PM
Synopsis:
VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS is the visually spectacular new adventure film from Luc Besson, the legendary director of The Professional, The Fifth Element and Lucy, based on the ground-breaking comic book series which inspired a generation of artists, writers and filmmakers. In the 28th century, Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are a team of special operatives charged with maintaining order throughout the human territories. Under assignment from the Minister of Defense, the two embark on a mission to the astonishing city of Alpha-an ever-expanding metropolis where species from all over the universe have converged over centuries to share knowledge, intelligence and cultures with each other. There is a mystery at the center of Alpha, a dark force which threatens the peaceful existence of the City of a Thousand Planets, and Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the marauding menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe.
Cast: Cara Delevingne, Dane Dehaan, Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, John Goodman ,Herbie Hancock, Kris Wu and Rutger Hauer.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. Re-Tweet this Tweet on Twitter: @mrwillw for an extra chance!
Bon chance.
Stay tuned for our chat with Besson on his exciting new Film soon!
eOne Films release VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS Friday, July 21, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)
Jaden Smith already is an accomplished talent at age 18 having a high-profile résumé that includes starring roles in The Pursuit of Happyness, The Karate Kid (2010) and more recently Netflix‘s The Get Down from Baz Luhrmann. The son of Hollywood royalty Will (in-town too!) and Jada Pinkett, he appears ready now for his own close-up in a big way.
In town filming the bittersweet Drama Life in a Year till late May, the Film stars also supermodel Cara Delevingne. The Film centers on a teenager who learns that his girlfriend has only a year to live, making it a mission to give her a lifetime worth of memories in that time. Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr., whose father soul singer Cuba Gooding Sr. sadly passed away just yesterday, also stars and was on-set today. Exterior scenes were filmed along the Humber River.
Smith was just at Coachella last weekend sporting his new cropped do for his role and he put out a call on Twitter to Toronto Filmmakers to get their help directing an upcoming music video he has planned; he also raps. He was seen later in the evening at the I Heart Radio Fest as part of Canadian Music Week, supporting his buddy Big Sean.
While filming a jogging scene, the low-key Smith had a quick minute to stop for fan photos. He even helped navigate me through a puddle to get over to him!
See our Snaps:
#JadenSmith on the set of #LifeinaYear.
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Life in a Year will see a 2018 release.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Filming once again is picking-up again in Toronto and many names are surfacing around the City in recent weeks after a bit of a winter lull.
Front and center is Drama Life in a Year starring Jaden Smith and Cara Delevingne, about a 17-year-old boy whom after learning that his girlfriend has one year to live, gives her an entire lifetime’s worth of experiences. Filming in and around the downtown core, Smith recently chopped off his long locks with the help of his famous father Will. He also last weekend was spotted at Coachella sporting his cropped do.
See a Snap:
We ran into handsome young rising star JT Neal who also stars in the Film along with Cuba Gooding Jr. and Nia Long. The Film will see a 2018 release and films till late May.
Handsome rising star #JTNeal stars alongside #CaraDelevingne and #JadenSmith in #LifeinaYear.
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Also just beginning production is Lifetime‘s TV Movie Flint, directed by Bruce Beresford (Driving Miss Daisy, Mao’s Last Dancer) about a woman in Flint, Michigan dealing with its toxic water scandal and its impacts on her family. Cher originally was tapped to star, although she had to back-out due to family issues. We spotted stars Betsy Brandt (Breaking Bad, Masters of Sex), singer Jill Scott and Marin Ireland (Hell or High Water, Toronto-made series The Divide) out tonight having dinner. Queen Latifah also recently was added to the cast and films through late May.
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Another series set to begin filming is the first season of Condor. The series is about a young CIA analyst who hopes to reform it, but stumbles upon a brilliant plan that also threatens the lives of millions. Max Irons (The Riot Club, Red Riding Hood), son of Jeremy, stars in the series’ lead role. William Hurt and Brendan Fraser also star. It films through August.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Fresh off her appearance at CinemaCon this week, Supermodel/Actress Cara Delevingne soon will be seen in the exciting VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS, which stars Dane DeHaan in the titular role. The new Trailer for the summer release has just been released!
Synopsis:
VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS is the visually spectacular new adventure film from Luc Besson, the legendary director of The Professional, The Fifth Element and Lucy, based on the ground-breaking comic book series which inspired a generation of artists, writers and filmmakers.
In the 28th century, Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are a team of special operatives charged with maintaining order throughout the human territories. Under assignment from the Minister of Defense, the two embark on a mission to the astonishing city of Alpha—an ever-expanding metropolis where species from all over the universe have converged over centuries to share knowledge, intelligence and cultures with each other. There is a mystery at the center of Alpha, a dark force which threatens the peaceful existence of the City of a Thousand Planets, and Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the marauding menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe.
See the Trailer:
eOne Films release VALERIAN AND THR CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS Friday, July 21, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)
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