The Disaster Artist
#EDITORSNOTE: TEAM MR. WILL 2017 TOP TENS
Truly we are blessed to work with an outstanding Team whom we wouldn’t be able to do it without. While you will see many Year’s Best Lists pop-up around this time of year, what makes our Team unique is that we genuinely are paying Filmgoers like you. These are real opinions without the critical pretension, of individuals who know a lot about Film and individuals who live and breathe Film. We all work day and night jobs like all of you, juggling screenings and junkets into our crazy schedules for the love of Film.
We thank David Baldwin, Jonathan Godfrey, Siobhán Rich, Amanda Gilmore and Justin Waldman for their amazing work on the daily!
We thank you for joining us on our adventures throughout the year and hope you’ll be around as we share our thoughts with you on the upcoming 2018 slate.
From our family to yours!
DAVE BALDWIN
The real world may have been a complete nightmare in 2017, but the celluloid world was nothing short of incredible. Each month gifted us with exceptional films that continually surpassed any and all expectations. While there were some terrible stinkers sprinkled throughout, 2017 will go down as a banner year for cinema. There was something for everyone, from blockbusters to indies to everything in-between, and it was incredibly hard to narrow down a list of just 10 of those films. I could easily list 10-20 more genuinely outstanding pictures — it was really that great of a year. And while there is a dark cloud over Hollywood right now, I’d like to think this year’s films prove that we are finally moving in the right direction instead of reliving the past.
1. The Shape of Water
2. The Big Sick
3. Baby Driver
4. Ingrid Goes West
5. Get Out
6. Call Me By Your Name
7. Raw
8. The Disaster Artist
9. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
10. I, Tonya
JONATHAN GODFREY
The Red Turtle
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
Trainspotting 2
mother!
Ghost in the Shell
Blade Runner 2049
Alien Covenant
Justice League
Your Name.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
These are the movies that moved me the most this year. Many of them performed poorly with regards to revenue and reviews. Nevertheless, I enjoyed them deeply, and in my own way. They are all passion projects that were beautiful to behold. So much so that I don’t have an overall “favourite.” I have “favourites,” and I can’t wait to find ten more in 2018.
SIOBHÁN RICH
The Big Sick
Call Me By Your Name
Don’t Talk to Irene
Foxtrot
Get Out
Girls Trip
Ladybird
Loveless
The Post
Shape of Water
Split
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
I found it incredibly difficult to narrow down my list this year. Presented as always in alphabetical order, this list does not include Logan, Wonder Woman or Baby Driver but does include a movie that was criminally left off TIFF’s list for Canada’s Top Ten. I included a comedy that had people falling off their seats and one that reflects what my family looks like. I also snuck in some early favourites to balance out my top two foreign films from TIFF ’17 and a late entry which blew me away. Finally, I rounded out my top twelve with a few hits from TIFF that will definitely be making a comeback during Oscar season.
AMANDA GILMORE
Lady Bird
Call Me By Your Name
The Florida Project
Get Out
A Ghost Story
Dunkirk
The Shape Of Water
The Disaster Artist
Mudbound
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
My Top Ten are in no particular order. In my Top Ten there are Films that I found unique, told honest depictions of the human condition and/or pushed the boundaries of filmmaking. All the Films showcase outstanding acting, writing and direction done by all involved. These Films are in my Top Ten because no matter what time they came out throughout 2017 they have stayed with me until the end. And will probably stay with me throughout the years to come. Hope you enjoyed them if you have seen them. And I hope you seek out the ones you haven’t!
JUSTIN WALDMAN
2017 has been one roller coaster of a year for Hollywood, or Christopher Plummer being in like every movie (ha!). However if you can look past all the horrible things that have plagued Hollywood this year, there are plenty of quality films that hit the silver screen this year. In absolutely no particular order here at my top ten movies for 2017.
The Big Sick
Logan/Wonder Woman
Lady Bird
Call Me By Your Name
Get Out
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
The Disaster Artist
The Post
The Shape of Water
Logan Lucky
These films all possess something to them that made them stand out this year, whether it be the subject matter, the performances, the unexpected fantastic ride it took you on, each of these 11 movies gave me something this year. As well they all have massive re-watch value and are endlessly delights to watch.
For Mr. Will‘s Best-Of 2017 including Movies, Music and Celeb Spottings, click here!
#BOXOFFICE: “THE LAST JEDI” IS FIRST IN HUGE OPENING WEEKEND
Surprise! Or not. STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI opens with a huge bang for Disney, raking-in a superb $220 million from 4,232 theatres. Critics are loving this follow-up to 2015’s The Force Awakens with 93% on the Tomatometer and a resounding A CinemaScore from Audiences. It still however is unable to best the $247 million opening its Predecessor had.
Animated Feature FERDINAND is a distant second with $12.3 million from 3,621 theatres for 20th Century Fox. Starring John Cena, it gets 75% in the Tomatometer and an A CinemaScore.
In third is COCO with $9.2 million now in its fourth week out, surpassing the $150 million-mark domestically for Disney.
WONDER is in fourth with $5 million for eOne Films/Lionsgate Films. It has made a successful $108 million already over five weeks in North America.
DADDY’S HOME 2 is showing incredible longevity into the Holidays in sixth with $3.3 million for Paramount Pictures in its sixth week. It is just shy of $100 million.
In eighth is THE DISASTER ARTIST expanding to 1,010 theatres with $2.4 million for Elevation Pictures/A24 Films. It has made $12.7 million over three weeks.
LADY BIRD continues to capitalize off its Oscar buzz in tenth with $1.9 million from 947 theatres for Elevation Pictures/A24 Films. It has made $25 million thus far.
#BOXOFFICE: “COCO” PICKS AT HEARTS OF MOVIEGOERS A THIRD WEEK
COCO remains atop the Box Office a third consecutive week for Disney with $19 million from 3,748 theatres. Thus far in its domestic run it has grossed a healthy $136 million over three weeks. Expect though for that reign to end next weekend with fellow Disney release STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI with its eyes on the prize.
JUSTICE LEAGUE once again finds itself in second with $9.4 million, a total $211 million thus far over four weeks for Warner Bros.
WONDER is in third this weekend with $9.3 million for eOne Films/Lionsgate Films, just surpassing the $100 million-mark over four weeks.
TIFF ’17 selection THE DISASTER ARTIST expands beautifully to fourth this weekend at 840 theatres across North America for A24 Films/Elevation Pictures. It earns $6.4 million and a total $8 million over two weeks. It comes with strong word of mouth and a 94% on the Tomatometer.
LADY BIRD is in ninth with $3.5 million from 1,557 theatres for A24 Films/Elevation Pictures. It is up to $22 million now in its sixth week out.
JUST GETTING STARTED starring Rene Russo, Morgan Freeman and Tommy Lee Jones, rounds-out the Top Ten with $3.5 million from 2,161 theatres for Broad Green Pictures. It hasn’t yet opened in Canada. It gets a 10% on the Tomatometer and a C CinemaScore.
#INTERVIEW: DAVE FRANCO, PAUL SCHEER + ARI GRAYNOR ON “THE DISASTER ARTIST”
Heralded as the “worst movie ever made”, 2003’s THE ROOM starring, written and directed by Tommy Wiseau has gained Cult Classic status, selling-out screenings on the midnight circuit even to this day. Intended originally as a gripping Drama, the Film is seen as the inverse. Premiering this September at TIFF ’17, THE DISASTER ARTIST is an Adaptation of The Room star Greg Sestero‘s 2013 Memoir of the same title. James Franco directs and stars in the Film as Wiseau in one of the year’s most-talked-about performances. In fact if his Gotham Award for Best Actor earlier this week is any indication, he and the Film will be a major force Awards Season. Truly you don’t need even to have seen The Room to get The Disaster Artist, but this Adaptation gives us a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how The Room was made. Don’t think of the Film as a Parody, it is a love letter to Wiseau.
We had the pleasure of chatting with stars Ari Graynor (Juliette Danielle/Lisa), Paul Scheer (Raphael Smadja, Director of Photography) and Dave Franco (Greg Sestero/Mark) about making delightfully-funny The Disaster Artist, this Holiday’s most-unlikely feel-good Movie.
Their own connections to THE ROOM
Franco: “The Room is a relatable story about two guys after dream and not taking ‘no’ for an answer. The challenge from the beginning is how you get people interested who haven’t heard of The Room. There is a universal story underneath it all.”.
Graynor: “I’d heard about it for years but hadn’t seen it until James texted me about being in it. I watched it alone in my apartment and was screaming and grabbing at imaginary arms. Can you believe this? I had wondered how this will be for people who don’t know it. It doesn’t matter if you’re not one bit familiar with The Room. It’s really a behind-the-scenes look at the fulfillment of so many people’s dreams, which is what if we get to make a Movie and hope it’s the best thing in the world. It’s about dreams.”.
Scheer: “It’s kinda like a drug, where you ask your friends, ‘Hey ever heard of this thing? No? Let’s watch it!’. At first it’s kinda weird and as soon as you’re done and your first reaction after seeing it is you want to share it with someone else. It’s something you need to tell the world about.”.
“The Disaster Artist works as a Prequel and a Sequel. If you’ve never heard of it, it’s a great intro and if you’ve seen it already, it’s an amazing side of the story you’ve never seen.”.
Greatest challenges re-creating THE ROOM
Graynor: “Meticulously recreating scenes from The Room is one of the toughest thing I’ve done in my career. It was such a specific acting talent. It wasn’t about doing bad acting, it was about trying to match the rhythm of this Movie that makes no sense. We would be studying on the iPad these clips harder than we were studying for the SATs to get these moves right. And that was one of the most fun and challenging things I’ve ever done!”.
Franco: “Greg is a subtle, complicated character. You want the audience to understand why he’s so drawn to bizarre individual (Tommy). I met with Greg several times before we began filming and I asked him if The Room could be any good. And he kept saying ‘no’, but there’s something in his inflection I don’t believe. As a young actor you’re just excited to be on a movie set so you come in with blind ambition and have to believe this thing could be good.”.
Scheer: “It’s hard to make it work. Like Tennesse Williams through Google Translate. How do you make this work? These actors did their best job with what they were given. It’s like the Corn Husk Dress Challenge on Project Runway... it’s still a corn husk dress. You’re not gonna get cornsilk.”.
Tommy Wiseau‘s reaction to The Disaster Artist
Franco: “Tommy decided he didn’t want to see it until premiered at SXSW. He was watching amongst 1,000 people who were also watching him watch his own crazy story on-screen. We figured he should like our Movie because we humanize him. It’s a celebration of Tommy, but that being said, who knows how he’s gonna react because he’s Tommy. We didn’t give him a mic at the Q&A, so when we went offstage, we asked what him what he thought. He’s famous for saying that Greg‘s book is only 40% accurate and he said this Film was 99.9% accurate.”.
Graynor: “What’s the .1% missing then you wonder? He told James, ‘I think you need to talk to DP about the light!’.
Scheer: “Tommy has no money value in Greg‘s book, that’s why he didn’t give it 100%!”.
WORKING WITH JAMES FRANCO
Franco: “There’s so many cameos and people would pop-in for a day. We let them know they’re not being directed by James Franco but by Tommy Wiseau. I love working with my brother. He’s a great actor, director and puts a lot of time into casting the right people. He lets actors trust their instincts and to do their own thing.”. “When you feel more safe, you’re more willing to take risks and try things you don’t normally try.”.
Scheer: “We’d work with six-page scenes, one long take. It allows you to get into a rhythm you don’t normally get. To get a real rhythm and know we’re not stopping for five pages, it doesn’t happen that much.”.
Graynor: “Trust was biggest thing. It was like really trusting that people could be responsible for themselves and the Movie and improvise, play and throw each other ideas. It felt like being at movie camp. It was very playful.”.
TAKEAWAYS
Graynor: “You have to put passion into everything. Your expectations will always be off somehow. With The Room, to see the journey it has gone on when it first got shown in a theatre to qualify for Academy Awards to becoming a midnight cult hit and now be at one of the greatest Film Festivals in the world. You just never know what’s gonna happen!”.
Scheer: “Tommy didn’t collaborate. When you have someone so singularly-focused and not listening to DPs nor actors, anyone. Film is a collaborative medium. Don’y get so full of yourself in your vision that you’re not asking other people for their help.”.
Elevation Pictures release THE DISASTER ARTIST Friday, December 1, 2017 in Toronto and Friday, December 8, 2017 across Canada.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN RUN-OF-ENGAGEMENT PASSES TO SEE “THE DISASTER ARTIST”
Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Run-of-Engagement Passes to see TIFF ’17 selection, THE DISASTER ARTIST, based on Greg Sestero‘s Memoir about his experience working on Tommy Wiseau‘s Cult Classic, THE ROOM.
Synopsis:
A behind-the-scenes look at the making of Tommy Wiseau‘s The Room (2003), starring Tommy (James Franco) and his best friend, actor Greg Sestero (Dave Franco). The two met during an acting workshop, when Greg was just an aspiring actor.
Tommy takes Greg under his wing, setting him up in Los Angeles in an apartment Tommy rarely uses. While Greg soon finds an agent (Sharon Stone) and a girlfriend (Alison Brie), Tommy isn’t as lucky, so he decides to write, direct and star in his own movie, despite lacking talent in any of those areas.
The Room, made on a production budget of $6,000, was notoriously awful. It opened in two Los Angeles theaters in June 2003 and grossed a pitiful $1,200, but in a twist of fate, went on to earn a cult following, earning the dubious honor of being dubbed “the Citizen Kane of bad movies.”
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 corresponding Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance!
Elevation Pictures release THE DISASTER ARTIST Friday, December 1, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)
#TIFF17: DAY FIVE SIGHTINGS – CHRISTIAN BALE, ANDREW GARFIELD, JAMES FRANCO, ALISON BRIE, DAVE FRANCO, LIAM NEESON, CLAIRE FOY, ANDY SERKIS + MORE
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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#TIFF17: “THE DISASTER ARTIST”
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
The Disaster Artist chronicles Writer/Director Tommy Wiseau (James Franco) through the development, production and shocking success of the cult classic The Room.
The Film’s script could’ve become a mean mockery of Wiseau’s dream but instead it depicts an empathetic character study of him, all while being uproariously funny. It has a terrific transformative lead performance from Franco, a strong supporting cast, and many hilarious cameos. Franco becomes Wiseau in what is one of his greatest performances to date. Fans of The Room will not be disappointed with this comedic portrayal of how the beloved cult classic got made.
The Disaster Artist screens at TIFF on Sept. 11 at Ryerson Theatre at 11:59PM, and Sept. 12 at Scotiabank Theatre #1 at 6:45PM.
#TIFF17: TEAM MR. WILL’S TOP FIVE PICKS OF 2017 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
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
#TIFF17: TITLES UNVEILED FOR 2017 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
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)
PROFESSOR MARSTON & THE WONDER WOMEN (stars Luke Evans and Rebecca Hall)
Announcements were made for the Midnight Madness Programme including Opening Night Film, BODIED by Director Joseph Kahn. The Horror stars Anthony Michael Hall and Debra Wilson. BRAWN IN CELL BLOCK 99 (stars Vince Vaughn and Don Johnson). The Programme’s Closing Night Film is VAMPIRE CLAY from Sôichi Umezawa.
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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