We’ve made it to the finish line of TIFF ’17 and hope you had a blast joining us on our journey! We are thankful to all our partners, sponsors and of course YOU who make it all possible for us!

Our last big sighting of TIFF this year is none other than the highly-recognizable Helena Bonham Carter, in town for 55 Steps. The Film by Bille August is about a mental patients rights lawyer (Hillary Swank) who in her battle for the cause, meets a patient (Bonham Carter) who changes her workaholic ways. Bonham Carter walked the Red Carpet in a floral dress, her signature kitsch with sunglasses, stopping for a section of fans, many who waited since early morning before walking to do interviews.

#TIFF17: #HelenaBonhamCarter at #TIFF2017 with #55Steps. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 15, 2017 at 3:12pm PDT

Earlier while we were out doing our own Press, we were lucky to spot Academy Award-winning Director Michael Hazanavcius (The Artist) and star Louis Garrel at CP24 waiting in the green room. They are here for REDOUBTABLE, centering on the romance between a French Director and a 17-year-old girl. We also saw our esteemed Richard Crouse too and has a new Series on CTV NEWS launching tomorrow night called POP LIFE!

#TIFF17: An action-packed green room at CP24 with the amazing Richard Crouse, whose new Series #PopLife premieres tomorrow night on CTV News, Oscar-winning Director #MichelHazanavicius (The Artist) and star #LouisGarrel. The latter two are at #TIFF2017 with #Redoubtable. 🇫🇷

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 15, 2017 at 10:38am PDT

Until next year, Willionaire$! TIFF ’17 was one for the books!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

We are racing to the finish line of TIFF ’17 but still have some exciting stuff to show you! Premiering tonight at Roy Thomson Hall was THREE CHRISTS starring Richard Gere and Walton Goggins. While stars Peter Dinklage and Bradley Whitford too were confirmed to come originally, unfortunately they couldn’t make it to town – a common occurrence late in the Festival.

Gere was spotted with none other than his father Homer whom he helped out of their SUV upon arrival of their celebration at Weslodge.   While he wasn’t keen on photos with fans, Gere was giving with autographs. Goggins, whom you known from Quentin Tarantino‘s The Hateful Eight and Django Unchained, was a class act to fans.  We were surprised to see Jason Isaacs out celebrating with Gere. The star of upcoming Star Trek: Discovery is filming currently in Toronto.

#TIFF17: #RichardGere and his dad Homer, here at #TIFF2017 with #ThreeChrists. They fêted at Weslodge prior. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 14, 2017 at 6:26pm PDT

#TIFF17: Giving #RichardGere some serious side-eye. 😒 #TIFF2017 #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 14, 2017 at 6:33pm PDT

#TIFF17: #WaltonGoggins at #TIFF2017 with #ThreeChrists. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 14, 2017 at 6:31pm PDT

#TIFF17: #JasonIsaacs celebrating the Premiere of #ThreeChrists with his friend #RichardGere earlier at Weslodge. He is in-town filming #StarTrekDiscovery. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 14, 2017 at 6:28pm PDT

We have one more day of spotting tomorrow. Try not to miss this when we’re done! We look forward to a bit of rest!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

After gaining tons of buzz at TIFF ’17 with raves abound, Guillermo del Toro‘s Toronto-filmed THE SHAPE OF WATER has a new Red-Band Trailer which just surfaced today.

Synopsis:
From master story teller, Guillermo del Toro, comes THE SHAPE OF WATER – an other-worldly fairy tale, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1962. In the hidden high-security government laboratory where she works, lonely Elisa (Sally Hawkins) is trapped in a life of isolation. Elisa’s life is changed forever when she and co-worker Zelda (Octavia Spencer) discover a secret classified experiment. Rounding out the cast are Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Michael Stuhlbarg and Doug Jones.

See the new Red-Band Trailer:

Fox Searchlight release THE SHAPE OF WATER Friday, December 8, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Fox Searchlight)

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers in Toronto a chance to see TIFF ’17 selection VICTORIA & ABDUL! The Screening takes place Monday, September 25, 2017 in Toronto.

Synopsis:
Academy Award winner Judi Dench (“Shakespeare in Love”) reunites with Academy Award-nominated director Stephen Frears (“The Queen”), and returns to the role of Queen Victoria, in “Victoria & Abdul.” The screenplay of “Victoria & Abdul” is by Academy Award nominee Lee Hall (“Billy Elliot”), based on journalist Shrabani Basu’s book Victoria & Abdul: The True Story of the Queen’s Closest Confidant., which brought to light the long-hidden history of Victoria and Abdul from their own diaries and journals. The extraordinary true story of the amazing and unlikely friendship between Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) and a young clerk, Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal), who becomes her teacher, her spiritual advisor, and her devoted friend. In 1887, Abdul travels from India to present a ceremonial medal as part of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee but surprisingly finds favor with the elderly Queen. The unprecedented and unlikely relationship causes a battle royale within the royal household, pitting the Queen against court and family. “Victoria & Abdul” humorously explores questions of race, religion, power, and the farce of Empire through the prism of a highly unusual and deeply moving friendship.

Cast: Judi Dench, Ali Fazal, Eddie Izzard, Adeel Akhtar, Tim Pigott-Smith, Olivia Williams, Fenella Woolgar, Paul Higgins, Robin Soans, Julian Wadham, Simon Callow and Michael Gambon.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Re-Tweet this Tweet at @mrwillw for an extra chance!

Universal Pictures Canada release VICTORIA & ABDUL Friday, September 29, 2017 in Toronto, with additional cities to follow Friday, October 6, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Okay, we admit we were underwhelmed by FIFTY SHADES DARKER but this new Teaser for FIFTY SHADES FREED offers some promise!

Synopsis:
Christian (Jamie Dornan) and Ana (Dakota Johnson) return from their honeymoon. Christian has purchased the publishing business where Ana worked, and she is now the Commissioning Editor.

After missing four of her contraception injection appointments, Ana learns she is pregnant. After hearing the news, Christian is angry, because he thinks Ana will love the baby more than him, and demands that she get an abortion.

Meanwhile, Ana‘s old boss, Jack (Eric Johnson), is causing problems for Ana when he tries to kidnap her and failing, kidnaps someone close to her.

See the Teaser:

Universal Pictures Canada release FIFTY SHADES FREED Friday, February 9, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

This looks incredible! Primed for its release this awards season, comes this new Trailer for ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD starring an unrecognizable Kevin Spacey, Michelle Williams, Mark Wahlberg and Charlie Plummer, the latter just at TIFF ’17 with Lean on Pete.

Synopsis:
J. Paul Getty had a fortune. Everyone else paid the price. #AllTheMoney In the World in theaters this December.

See the Trailer:

Sony Pictures release ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD December 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures)

TIFF ’17 may be winding down but that certainly doesn’t mean there aren’t any more stars left to spot.  While we were so excited about Daniel Craig returning after filming Dream House here a few years back, those hopes were dashed when we received confirmation he no longer would be coming. Academy Award winner Halle Berry however also stars in their new Film KINGS from Mustangs Director Deniz Gamze Ergüven. The Film centers on a family before and after the violent L.A. Riots in 1992 following the Rodney King trial.

Berry looke gorgeous in a shimmery and sheer black dress, her hair like a high ponytail like a Grecian goddess.

See some Snaps of the Cast, Ergüven and Berry tonight at Roy Thomson Hall. Hover left and right to navigate slideshow.

(Swipe left!) #TIFF17: Gorgeous #HalleBerry at #TIFF2017 with #KINGS and Director Deniz Gamze Ergüven. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2017 at 3:35pm PDT

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Review by David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong

Masterpiece. That is the easiest and quickest way to describe Guillermo del Toro’s gothic romance The Shape of Water. The Film recently won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and is the early front-runner to take the Grolsch People’s Choice Award at TIFF this Sunday.

It is the 1960’s and mute Eliza (a never better Sally Hawkins) is working as a cleaning lady in a high-tech government facility. While cleaning one of the labs, she discovers what the scientists and top brass refer to as The Asset (Doug Jones) – a fish/human/creature hybrid. Despite the secrecy of his existence, Eliza befriends the creature, changing both of their lives irrevocably.

Not since 2006’s Oscar-nominated Pan’s Labyrinth has del Toro been able to marry his incredible visuals with a worthwhile story. But he delivers in spades here, creating a dark fairy tale that is just as much touching and emotional as it is thrilling. It is a breathless and surprising experience that is sure to delight audiences, and is easily one of the top movies of the year. And it’s all the more special because so much of this period piece was filmed in Toronto – including at the Elgin Theatre where it will screen during TIFF.

Don’t miss it.

Fox Searchlight Pictures will screen The Shape of Water at TIFF ’17 at the following times:

Monday, September 11 9:30 p.m. Elgin Theatre
Tuesday, September 12 3:00 p.m. Elgin Theatre
Friday, September 15 9:00 p.m. Elgin Theatre
Sunday, September 17 6:30 p.m. Elgin Theatre

TIFF ’17 very much continues to be alive and kicking at its halfway point. We admit it, we’re drained but we look forward to the pace calming down tomorrow.

The Birks Diamond Tribute honouring the accomplishments of Canadian Women in Film. Held on the scenic rooftop of the Spoke Club, the gathering brought to us by Maison Birks and Telefilm Canada was a who’s-who and who’s next in the industry. Diverse honourees this year include Ellen Wong, Amanda Brugel, Mina Shum, Shailyn Pierre-Dixon and Sherry White.  We are so honoured to have been one of 27 selected jurors across Canada! Hover left and right to navigate the slideshow.

(Swipe left!) #TIFF17: Lovely time celebrating the accomplishments of our Canadian sisters in Film at the #BirksTribute tonight. 💎 Carolle Brabant, Executive Director of Telefilm Canada tells us, it is important these Canadian women be “visible, recognized and that we champion them when they succeed. They need to be seen. This is a call for diversity and representation in the industry. We still have a lot to do.”. 2017 honourees are actresses Alethea Arnaquq-Baril (Angry Inuk), Ashley McKenzie (Werewolf), Catherine Bainbridge (Rumble), Chloé Leriche (Before the Streets), and Mina Shum (Meditation Park); actors Amanda Brugel (The Handmaid’s Tale), Ellen Wong (GLOW), Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs (Rhymes for Young Ghouls), Mylène Mackay (Nelly), and Shailyn Pierre-Dixon (The Book of Negroes); and screenwriters Joanne Arseneau (19-2) and Sherry White (Maudie). #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF2017 #BirksTIFF17

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 6:05pm PDT

Annette Bening and Jamie Bell are getting praise for their performances in Professor Marston and the Wonder Women. We spotted the pair who play lovers in Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool. We spotted them out earlier doing the rounds and both were gracious to stop for fans! Huge fan of Bening!

#TIFF17: With the phenomenal #AnnetteBening, at #TIFF2017 for #FilmStarsDontDieinLiverpool. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 8:38am PDT

#TIFF17: #JamieBell at #TIFF2017 for #FilmStarsDontDieinLiverpool. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 8:37am PDT

Luke Evans‘ star continues to rise especially with his fantastic work in Beauty and the Beast. He is at TIFF ’17 with Professor Marston and the Wonder Women tonight, a timely Film which comes off the recent Box Office record-setting success of the superhero on which it centers. Australian Actress Bella Heathcote also is here for the Film and looked lovely for her Premiere!

#TIFF17: #LukeEvans at #TIFF2017 with #ProfessorMarstonandtheWonderWomen. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 1:37pm PDT

#TIFF17: With Australian beauty #BellaHeathcote, who is at #TIFF2017 with #ProfessorMarstonandtheWonderWomen. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 2:26pm PDT

Javier Bardem continues to be amazing TIFF ’17 with starring roles in mother! and Loving Pablo, plus an In-Conversation slated.

#TIFF17: #JavierBardem at #TIFF2017 for #LovingPablo and an in-Conversation. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 11:43am PDT

Lean on Pete is the one Horse Racing Film of TIFF ’17. Buzz came out of Telluride Film Festival for its star Charlie Plummer who finds himself in a quarter horse. Chloë Sevigny plays a jockey in the Drama. Both stars were kind to stop despite Sevigny joking that nobody knew who she was!

#TIFF17: #ChloeSevigny at #TIFF2017 with #HorseRacing Drama, #LeanOnPete. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 11:45am PDT

#TIFF17: #CharliePlumner getting acclaim for his performance in #HorseRacing Drama #LeanOnPete #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 11:47am PDT

THE ESCAPE stars a talented duo of Gemma Arterton and Dominic Cooper and premiered tonight TIFF ’17!

#TIFF17: #DominicCooper at #TIFF2017 with #TheEscape. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 5:45pm PDT

#TIFF17: #GemmaArterton at #TIFF2017 with #TheEscape. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 5:41pm PDT

We love the international component of TIFF in that we get to see stars who normally aren’t based stateside here. Adele Exarchopoulos (Blue is the Warmest Colour) and Matthias Schoenaerts graced the Red Carpet at Ryerson Theatre tonight for Racer and the Jailbird and despite being late, they introduced their Film and came back out to greet fans one-by-one. Amaze!

#TIFF17: #MatthiasSchoenaerts at #TIFF2017 with #RacerandtheJailbird. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 5:38pm PDT

#TIFF17: #AdeleExarchopoulos at #TIFF2017 with #RacerandtheJailbird. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 5:40pm PDT

While they weren’t really ones for Selfies, Don Johnson and Vince Vaughn were at Ryerson Theatre tonight for BRAWL IN CELL BLOCK 99.

#TIFF17: #VinceVaughn at #TIFF2017 with #BrawlinCellBlock99. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 10:14pm PDT

#TIFF17: #DonJohnson at #TIFF2017 with #BrawlinCellBlock99. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 10:16pm PDT

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Review by David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong

It has been well over 12 hours since I watched Darren Aronofsky’s mother!, and I am still processing everything that happens within its 115-minute running time. Aronofsky has never been one to make films with easy interpretations, but mother! is far and away his densest movie to date.

The less you know about mother!, the better. But the plot revolves around a woman (Jennifer Lawrence) who lives with a famous poet (Javier Bardem). His house was destroyed, and she is helping to remodel and put it back together. But when unexpected guests arrive, things begin to get strange.

mother! is wrapped in layers of subtext and varying ideologies. It is at times frustrating to watch because Aronofsky is throwing so much at the screen at once, creating a nightmarish fever dream of a movie that goes to some shocking and bizarre places. But what it lacks in coherency, it more than makes up in astounding visuals and exquisite sound design. And at the heart of all the chaos is Lawrence, putting in an incredible performance that needs to be seen to be believed.

Paramount Pictures Canada will screen mother! at TIFF ’17 at the following times:

Sunday, September 10 9:15 p.m. Princess of Wales
Monday, September 11 11:30 a.m. Elgin Theatre
Wednesday, September 13 9:30 a.m. Princess of Wales