Not only is the Oscar Buzz feverish for TIFF ’13 Special Presentation 12 Years a Slave, but the controversial Drama from Director Steve McQueen also boasts a stellar Soundtrack too!
Sony Music Canada and Mr. Will Wong want to give Readers a chance to enjoy the Music from what well could be Best Picture Winner at the Oscars! As an added bonus, Winners also will win a Copy of John Legend’s acclaimed latest Disc, LOVE IN THE FUTURE!
Standout Tracks on MUSIC FROM AND INSPIRED BY 12 YEARS A SLAVE include Legend’s soulful version of Roll Jordan Roll, Alicia Keys’ Queen of the Field (Patsey’s Song) and the Alabama Shakes’ Driva Man. The Disc also includes a version of Roll Jordan Roll featuring Star Chiwetel Ejiofor, heard in the Film. Also, legendary Composer Hans Zimmer, who composed the Film’s Score, also is heard here.
Tracklisting as follows:
1. Devil’s Dream – Tim Fain
2. Roll Jordan Roll – John Legend
3. Freight Train – Gary Clark Jr.
4. Yarney’s Waltz – Tim Fain & Caitlin Sullivan
5. Driva Man – Alabama Shakes
6. My Lord Sunshine (Sunrise) – David Hughey & Roosevelt Credit
7. Move – John Legend featuring Fink
8. Washington – Hans Zimmer
9. (In The Evening) When The Sun Goes Down – Gary Clark Jr.
10. Queen Of The Field (Patsey’s Song) – Alicia Keys
11. Solomon – Hans Zimmer
12. Little Girl Blue – Laura Mvula
13. Misery Chain Chris Cornell featuring Joy Williams
14. Roll Jordan Roll – Topsy Chapman featuring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Cast
15. Money Musk” – Tim Fain
16. What Does Freedom Mean (To A Free Man) – Cody Chesnutt
Listen to Legend‘s version of Roll Jordan Roll below:
Official Artwork:
To enter to win a Copy of MUSIC FROM AND INSPIRED BY 12 YEARS A SLAVE, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Double your chances by sharing this Post on Facebook with your Friends!
Purchase the MUSIC FROM AND INSPIRED BY 12 YEARS A SLAVE here.
Purchase John Legend’s LOVE IN THE FUTURE here.
If you haven’t yet seen the outstanding 12 Years a Slave – now in theatres – read our Review here!
Sony Music Canada releases MUSIC FROM AND INSPIRED BY 12 YEARS A SLAVE in-stores on Tuesday, November 19, 2013.
(Photo/audio credit: Sony Music)
After an explosive $31-million Friday opening, THOR: THE DARK WORLD debuts this weekend with $83 million across North America for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Made for $170 million, there is little doubt that this is a profitable venture, opening in 3,841 theatres. By comparison, its 2011 Predecessor also starring Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston and Natalie Portman banked $65 million in its debut. Critics gave it a consensus 66% on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer, while Audiences adored the Film with an A- CinemaScore.
Jackass: Bad Grandpa, a former Box Office Champion, slips to a v. distant second spot in its third week of release with $11.2 million for Paramount Pictures. Domestically, the Film starring Johnny Knoxville is closing-in on the $80-million mark already. This places it ahead marginally of the older demographic-skewing Comedy, Last Vegas, sitting once again in third in its second week with $11.16 million for CBS Films/eOne Films. Free Birds also just gets edged-out in fourth with $11.1 million for Relativity Media/eOne Films, also in its second week out.
Surprisingly, last week’s Champion Ender’s Game wasn’t able to hold as well in its second week, slipping to fifth this weekend with $10.2 million for Lionsgate Films/eOne Films. The Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film to date has earned $43.9 million.
12 Years a Slave this weekend expands to 1,144 theatres for Fox Searchlight in seventh spot with $6.5 million, now having earned $17 million in its domestic run.
About Time expands to 1,200 theatres in its second weekend out, landing in ninth spot for Universal Pictures with $5 million. The Rom-Com stars Domnhall Gleason and Rachel McAdams certainly wasn’t disgraced by Critics, earning a 66% on the Tomatometer.
Rounding-out the Top Ten is Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 with $2.7 million for Sony Pictures, just surpassing $110 million in earnings domestically.
No surprises here! Ender’s Game debuts atop the Box Office this week, saying ‘Game Over’ to the Competition with a strong $27 million earned from 3,407 theatres. The Adaptation of the 1985 Novel by Orson Scott Card, garnered fairly strong reviews, earning a solid 62% on the Tomatometer for eOne Films. Audiences gave the Film starring Asa Butterfield (Hugo), Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit) and Abigail Breslin (August: Osage County) an A- CinemaScore also, boding well for a word-of-mouth buzz.
Last week’s Champion Bad Grandpa slips to second spot this weekend with a still decent $18.1 million for Paramount Pictures in this its second week, landing just ahead of Comedy Last Vegas, which brings together Oscar Winners Robert DeNiro, Morgan Freeman, Michael Douglas and Kevin Kline. It earned $15.5 million for eOne Films, from 3,035 theatres, generally getting panned with a 42% rating on the Tomatometer, although Audiences enjoyed it more giving it a B CinemaScore.
Animated Feature, Free Birds, debuts in fourth spot for eOne Films/Relativity Media, with $16.2 million earned from 3,736 theatres. Critics panned the Film featuring the voices of Amy Poehler and Owen Wilson, giving it a 21% rating on the Tomatometer although Audiences enjoyed it much more with a B Cinemascore.
Gravity in its fifth week still is going strong in fifth spot with $13.1 million for Warner Bros., earning a cumulative total domestically of $218 million thus far.
12 Years a Slave expands to 410 theatres, still mustering a seventh-placing with $4.6 million in this its third week of release for Fox Searchlight.
Carrie rounds-out the Top Ten with $3.1 million for Sony Pictures in its third week out, just surpassing the $30-million mark in North America.
Fans of the Jackass Franchise know v. well what they’d be getting with Jackass: Bad Grandpa, clamouring to the Box Office this Halloween Weekend for some Tricks along with the Treats. Starring Johnny Knoxville disguised as 86-year-old Irving Zisman, the Comedy debuts easily at number one with $32 million for Paramount Pictures, opening in 3,336 theatres. Not only did Audiences enjoy it giving it a B CinemaScore, but Critics gave it fairly positive reviews, tallying-in at 63% on the Tomatometer.
Gravity slips to second spot after an impressive three-week-reign for Warner Bros., earning a still great $20.3 million in its fourth week of release, closing-in on that $200-million mark.
Slipping to third spot is Sony Pictures’ Captain Phillips which makes $11.8 million in this its third week of release. The Drama is en route to surpassing the $70-million mark domestically.
Although expectations were higher, Sir Ridley Scott‘s latest, The Counselor, manages only a fourth-place debut with $8 million for 20th Century Fox. Surprisingly, it received a detrimental D CinemaScore from Audiences despite its stellar Cast which includes Michael Fassbender, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz and Rising Star Natalie Dormer. It opened in 3,044 theatres and had an estimated $25-million Production Budget.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 finds itself in sixth spot with $5 million, just surpassing the $100-million mark domestically, ahead of the Carrie Remake in sixth, in this its second week of release. The Horror garners $5.9 million for Sony Pictures.
Despite it showing only in 123 theatres across North America, Best Picture Contender and TIFF ’13 People’s Choice Award Winner 12 Years a Slave, still manages a placing in eighth for Fox Searchlight, with $2.1 million. The Slavery-themed Drama from Director Steve McQueen with a whopping 95% rating at Rotten Tomatoes, continues to expand in coming weeks.
Prisoners rounds-out the Top Ten with $1 million for Warner Bros., in its sixth week of release, just shy of the $60-mark in its North American run.
Hot off its victory as the Winner of the People’s Choice Award at TIFF ’13, Steve McQueen‘s Oscar Contender 12 Years a Slave soon gets a release, starting with Toronto first. Both Fox Searchlight Canada and Mr. Will Wong would like Readers to experience first the Film everyone’s raving about emphatically!
The Screening takes place the week of October 14, 2013. Final time/venue to be announced.
Offical Synopsis:
In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon‘s chance meeting with a Canadian Abolitionist (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life. Based on the Book by Solomon Northup.
12 Years a Slave also stars: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Sarah Paulson, Alfre Woodard, Paul Giamatti and Lupita Nyong’o.
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Double your shot by sharing this Post via Facebook with your Friends or Re-Tweeting the below:
http://www.mrwillwong.com/12yearsaslave-2 @MRWILLW wants us to #win Double Passes to attend an Advance Screening in Toronto of #12YearsaSlave. Opens 10/18!
See the Trailer below:
Mr. Will and the amazing Steve McQueen himself at TIFF ’13:
Good luck.
Fox Searchlight releases 12 Years a Slave in Toronto on Friday, October 18, 2013, followed by additional Cities.
(Photo/video credit: Fox Searchlight)
With great sadness, we must say farewell to another TIFF. And with fatigue, a limp in my right foot and great pain in my neck today after a gruelling run these past 11 days, I look back at the happy times, the regrets and what TIFF ’14 might hold. Despite all these mixed emotions, I know it won’t be long before I’m begging for more! I live for the Toronto International Film Festival – the greatest in Film Festival the World – and wouldn’t rather be anywhere else.
Here’s a look back at some of the Highlights for me of the Festival in Compiled Lists:
MR. WILL’S MOST GRACIOUS 10
Anyone who encountered these Stars up-close and personal during TIFF ’13 can vouch that they deserve a warm round of applause for the respect, appreciation and courtesy they’ve shown our City. Whether it be Jessica Chastain‘s consistent grace and humility towards her Fans, Brad Pitt‘s surprise Red Carpet appearance in which he took several Photos with Fans at the 12 Years a Slave Premiere, Hugh Jackman stopping in the rain outside the Press Conference for Prisoners to meet and great all his Supporters individually – these Stars understand exactly what the Festival is all about for us Fans!
1. Jessica Chastain
2. Sandra Bullock
3. Tom Hiddleston
4. Daniel Radcliffe
5.. Brad Pitt
6. Josh Brolin
7. Hugh Jackman
8. Jennifer Aniston
9. Nicolas Cage
10. Emma Thompson
MR. WILL’S SUCCESSFUL 6
These six Films gained a great amount of buzz and momentum coming out of TIFF ’13 in advance of their forthcoming Awards Season Best Picture Campaigns. Sadly, August: Osage Country didn’t wind up getting critical love universally (I enjoyed it much!) hoped for, but it still remains a major Contender in the Acting categories – especially for a heartbreakingly-absent Queen Meryl Streep.
1. 12 Years a Slave
2. Labor Day
3. Dallas Buyers Club
4. Prisoners
5. Gravity
6. Rush
MR. WILL’S EMERGING 5
These five up-and coming Stars caused quite a stir wherever they spotted around TIFF ’13. This time next year, expect to know them pretty much on a first name-basis.
1. Benedict Cumberbatch
2. Emilia Clarke
3. Daniel Brühl
4. Jai Courtney
5. Taylor Schilling
MR. WILL’S NAUGHTY LIST
Although we try to keep things positive here, we remain hopeful that next time these Stars visit our City, they show us a bit more Fan Appreciation – not just only when the Cameras are on – than they showed this year. Little things like picking-up a Sharpie or taking time to pose for Photos with Fans, or maybe not distancing themselves a 15 feet from the Barricades where their Fans had queued for hours to see them, would be a first step. In all fairness, some had hyper-assertive Handlers or lateness to blame.
1. Benedict Cumberbatch
2. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
3. Scarlett Johansson
4. Mila Kunis
5. Emilia Clarke
MR. WILL’S FASHIONABLE 5
These Stars certainly made a Statement whether it be out and about in our City or on the Red Carpet. I still cannot get over Kitsch‘s gray-on-gray Suit he wore at the Premiere of The Grand Seduction and certainly was a bit obsessed with Toni Collette‘s new Bangs. Julia Roberts was a Vision in her Dolce & Gabbana Dress at the Premiere of August: Osage County too, but my favourite look was Sandra Bullock at the Gravity Premiere in Narciso Rodriguez!
1. Sandra Bullock
2. Julia Roberts
3. Taylor Kitsch
4. Toni Collette
5. Jessica Chastain
And who exactly did Mr. Will got a Photo-with at TIFF ’13?
Ben Cotton, Dane Cook, Jason Reitman, Josh Brolin, Nicole Kidman, Anika Noni Rose, Bill Condon, Donnie Wahlberg, Paul Wahlberg, Jack Huston, Tom Arnold, John Torturro, Lauren Lee Smith, Sami Gayle, Mary Walsh, Saoirse Ronan, Michael C. Hall, Tye Sheridan, Katie Boland, Aaron Abrams, Kelly Rowan, Daniel Radcliffe, Taylor Schilling, Effie Exarchopoulos, Dan Stevens, Daniel Brühl, Alicia Vikander, Tom Hiddleston, deadmau5, Carice Van Houten, Tom Welling, Vanessa Paradis, Michael Bolton, Alice Cooper, Taylor Kitsch, Toni Collette, Dakota Fanning, Jai Courtney, Ciaran Hinds, Jessica Chastain, Emilia Clarke, Jared Harris, Adelaide Kane, James Lafferty, Jennifer Morrison, David Arquette, Alfre Woodard, Ryan Kwanten, Catherine O’Hara, Mark Boone Junior, Will Forte, Emma Thompson, Cara Gee, Demian Bichir, Jude Law, Tom Wilkinson, Alfonso Cuaron, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Thompson (again!), Lea Seydoux, Robert Baker, Amanda Walsh, Adam Driver, Keanu Reeves and Nicolas Cage.
To re-visit some of the amazing names that I snapped in the City over the Festival, click here.
To read some of my Reviews of the Films that premiered at TIFF ’13, click here. More Reviews to come over the next day or two as I play catch-up after all the madness.
…until next year, Wongsters!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
*Photos taken on Samsung Galaxy S4 and Olympus E-PL5
The Stars began to descend upon Toronto for the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival today and although some of the Actors to arrive don’t see their Movies for a few days, they just couldn’t resist enjoying our City a bit more than work permits!
Daniel Brühl is definitely a name to look out for TIFF ’13 with two Marquee Titles at the Festival this year including Opening Night Gala The Fifth Estate, premiering tonight at two venues. Unfortunately there have been no sightings yet of his brilliant Co-Star Benedict Cumberbatch still. This weekend he also will be here to present Ron Howard‘s RUSH, in which he stars as Formula 1 Driver Niki Lauda. The Actor was low-key, signing a couple Autographs, telling Fans he’ll greet them over the course of the week during TIFF Festivities.
Rising Star Paul Dano is a major force at TIFF ’13 also, here to present Thriller Prisoners in which he stars alongside Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal as a Suspect involved in the disappearance of two young Girls. He also will be promoting Oscar Contender 12 Years a Slave from Director Steve McQueen, boasting an equally stellar Cast of Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Sarah Paulson and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Dano was seen with the aid of cane and sans Girlfriend Actress Zoe Kazan, who also will be here this weekend for Romantic-Comedy, The F Word in which she stars opposite Daniel Radcliffe.
Although he’s not here for TIFF ’13 per say, Hugh Dancy and his Wife Claire Danes certainly are no strangers to the Festival, having visited many a time in the past for it. Dancy is back in Toronto (Baby Cyrus in tow) to prep for the forthcoming second season of Hannibal. I spotted Co-Star Mads Mikkelsen earlier today working out in my Building even!
One of the Films premiering at TIFF ’13 with the most buzz certainly is Blue is the Warmest Colour, which won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival this past May. The Lesbian-theme French Drama stars an impeccably-talented Duo of Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos. Although both resisted Fans a bit, eventually they gave way taking Photos and signing Autographs. The Duo premiere their Film at TIFF tonight.
Ahh, my favourite Snap thus far! I love Jake Gyllenhaal and it always is a pleasure seeing him. The Actor, who stars in two Films at the Festival, Prisoners and Toronto-filmed Enemy, arrived in Toronto from New York City a couple days early and will be hard at work through the weekend in support of both Thrillers. The former is gaining lots of Oscar buzz already after a strong showing at the Telluride Film Festival.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
The names have never been bigger. The 2013 Toronto International Film Festival will run from Thursday, September 5, 2013 – Sunday, September 15, 2013 and our City soon will host some of the biggest names in Cinema internationally. Especially outstanding this year is the Female Contingent. Thanks to Films like August: Osage County, The Railway Man,Don Jon and Labor Day, Toronto will be seeing the likes of Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Scarlett Johansson, Kate Winslet and Nicole Kidman and we couldn’t be more excited not only to see their performances, but also what they’ll be donning on our Red Carpets.
Without Film, we would have no TIFF. In addition to making it out to catch a glimpse of these A-Listers, it is important that we support the Films which give a reason for these Stars to visit our fabulous City. I’ve had the chance to preview a number of this year’s major Titles seeing a Premiere here during the Festival, some for which I wait to see still with baited breath.
Here are my 12 most notable Players premiering at TIFF ’13, which will be a major force this forthcoming Awards Season:
AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY – A look at the lives of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose paths have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Oklahoma house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them. Stars Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Juliette Lewis and Abigail Breslin. Review to go live September 10th.
Screening times:
Monday September 9 – Roy Thomson Hall 6:30 PM
Tuesday September 10 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) 11:00 AM
Trailer:
RUSH – A biography of Formula 1 champion driver Niki Lauda and the 1976 crash that almost claimed his life. Mere weeks after the accident, he got behind the wheel to challenge his rival, James Hunt. Stars Liam Hemsworth, Olivia Wilde, Natalie Dormer and Daniel Brühl; Ron Howard directs.
Screening times:
Sunday September 8 – Roy Thomson Hall at 9:30 PM
Monday September 9 – Ryerson Theatre at 12:00 PM
Trailer:
LABOR DAY – Depressed single mom Adele and her son Henry offer a wounded, fearsome man a ride. As police search town for the escaped convict, the mother and son gradually learn his true story as their options become increasingly limited. Stars Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin and Tobey Maguire. Review to go live September 14th.
Screening times:
Saturday September 7 – Ryerson Theatre at 6:00 PM
Sunday September 8 – TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 at 9:00 AM
Saturday September 14 – Ryerson Theatre at 6:00 PM
NO TRAILER
TRACKS – A young woman goes on a 1,700 mile trek across the deserts of West Australia with her four camels and faithful dog. Stars Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver. Review to go live the evening of September 10th.
Screening times:
Tuesday September 10 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 6:00 PM
Wednesday September 11 – TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 at 2:45 PM
Trailer:
DON JON – A New Jersey guy dedicated to his family, friends, and church, develops unrealistic expectations from watching porn and works to find happiness and intimacy with his potential true love. Stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore. Review to go live the evening of September 10th.
Screening times:
Tuesday September 10 – Princess of Wales at 6:30 PM
Wednesday September 11 – Ryerson Theatre at 3:00 PM
Trailer:
ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE – A story centered on two vampires who have been in love for centuries. Stars Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton. Review to go live September 5th.
Screening times:
Thursday September 5 – Ryerson Theatre at 9:00 PM
Saturday September 7 -The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema at 12:15 PM
Trailer:
THE FIFTH ESTATE – A look at the relationship between WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his early supporter and eventual colleague Daniel Domscheit-Berg, and how the website’s growth and influence led to an irreparable rift between the two friends. Stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Stanley Tucci, Daniel Brühl, Laura Linney and Anthony Mackie. Review to go live September 5th.
Screening times:
Thursday September 5 –Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 6:30 PM and Roy Thomson Hall at 8:00 PM
Saturday September 7 – Winter Garden Theatre at 12:30 PM
Trailer:
DALLAS BUYERS CLUB – The story of Texas electrician Ron Woodroof and his battle with the medical establishment and pharmaceutical companies after being diagnosed as HIV-positive in 1986, and his search for alternative treatments that helped established a way in which fellow HIV-positive people could join for access to his supplies. Stars Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto, Dennis O’Hare and Steve Zahn.
Screening times:
Saturday September 7 – Princess of Wales at 10:00 PM
Sunday September 8 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM
Trailer:
PRISONERS – A Boston man kidnaps the person he suspects is behind the disappearance of his young daughter and her best friend. Stars Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Mario Bello, Viola Davis, Melissa Leo, Terrence Howard and Paul Dano. Review to go live September 13th.
Screening times:
Friday September 6 -Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 9:00 PM
Saturday September 7 – Princess of Wales at 12:00 PM
Friday September 13 -Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 2:30 PM
Trailer:
THE RAILWAY MAN – A victim from World War II’s “Death Railway” sets out to find those responsible for his torture. A true story. Stars Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgård.
Screening times:
Friday September 6 – Roy Thomson Hall at 6:30 PM
Saturday September 7 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM
Thursday September 12 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM
NO TRAILER
12 YEARS A SLAVE – In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch and Paul Giamatti.
Screening times:
Friday September 6 – Princess of Wales at 6:00 PM
Saturday September 7 – Ryerson Theatre at 11:30 AM
Saturday September 14 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 9:00 PM
Trailer:
PHILOMENA – A world-weary political journalist picks up the story of a woman’s search for her son, who was taken away from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent. Stars Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.
Screening times:
Sunday September 8 – Princess of Wales at 3:30 PM
Monday September 9 -Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM
Don’t forget to check back as Reviews and loads of Celebrity Photos and Scoops will be posted throughout the Festival. Click here for our Reviews section and get the scoop on what we thought of these TIFF ’13 Titles!
(Photo credit: Fox Searchlight)
Anticipation is building for TIFF ’13, with less than two months to go as Toronto prepares to light-up on Star Power! The first batch of Films were announced by Piers Handling and Cameron Bailey on July 23, 2013 at TIFF Bell Lightbox and indeed there are several exciting Galas and Premieres to take place in Toronto this September. Today, August 8, 2013 the Canadian Film Slate was unveiled also!
The Opening Night Gala slot goes to DreamWorks‘ highly-anticipated WikiLeaks Film, The Fifth Estate from Director Bill Condon. “It’s about one of the most important issues of the day, information, and who controls it”, says Bailey. The Crime-Comedy, Life of Crime, will close-out the Festival.
With only one-quarter of the titles announced, there are several more Titles to be confirmed in coming weeks. I’ve also listed some major Contenders to get their Premieres here in the City after Labour Day Weekend! Most of these are based on Awards buzz, with speculation being made based on their release dates or the fact that they already are on the Festival Circuit.
AMONG THE CONFIRMED:
The Fifth Estate – A look at the relationship between WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his early supporter and eventual colleague Daniel Domscheit-Berg, and how the website’s growth and influence led to an irreparable rift between the two friends. Stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Stanley Tucci, Daniel Brühl, Laura Linney and Anthony Mackie.
August: Osage County – A look at the lives of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose paths have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Oklahoma house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them. Stars Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Juliette Lewis and Abigail Breslin.
12 Years a Slave – In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch and Paul Giamatti.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom – A chronicle of Nelson Mandela‘s life journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa. Stars: Naomie Harris, Idris Elba and Robert Hobbs.
The Railway Man – A victim from World War II’s “Death Railway” sets out to find those responsible for his torture. A true story. Stars Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgård.
The Grand Seduction – A much-needed boost, in the form of a new factory, is promised to the residents of the tiny fishing village St. Marie-La-Mauderne, provided they can lure a doctor to take up full-time residency on the island. Inspired, the villagers devise a scheme to make Dr. Christopher Lewis a local. From Toronto’s Don McKellar, starring Taylor Kitsch, Brendan Gleeson and Liane Balaban.
The Art of the Steal – A third-rate motorcycle daredevil and part-time art thief teams up with his snaky brother to steal one of the most valuable books in the world. Film in Toronto and directed by Jonathan Sobol, it stars Jay Baruchel, Kurt Russell, Katheryn Winnick and Matt Dillon.
The Right Kind of Wrong – Leo the dishwasher falls in love with a bride on the day of her wedding – to another man. Stars Ryan Kwanten and Catherine O’Hara.
Don Jon – A New Jersey guy dedicated to his family, friends, and church, develops unrealistic expectations from watching porn and works to find happiness and intimacy with his potential true love. Stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore.
Dallas Buyers Club – The story of Texas electrician Ron Woodroof and his battle with the medical establishment and pharmaceutical companies after being diagnosed as HIV-positive in 1986, and his search for alternative treatments that helped established a way in which fellow HIV-positive people could join for access to his supplies. Stars Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto, Dennis O’Hare and Steve Zahn.
Devil’s Knot – The savage murders of three young children sparks a controversial trial of three teenagers accused of killing the kids as part of a satanic ritual. The latest from Toronto Director Atom Egoyan, starring Reese Witherspoon, Colin Firth, Mireille Enos and Stephen Moyer.
Labour Day – Depressed single mom Adele and her son Henry offer a wounded, fearsome man a ride. As police search town for the escaped convict, the mother and son gradually learn his true story as their options become increasingly limited. Stars Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin and Tobey Maguire.
Prisoners – A Boston man kidnaps the person he suspects is behind the disappearance of his young daughter and her best friend. Stars Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Mario Bello, Viola Davis, Melissa Leo, Terrence Howard and Paul Dano. One of two possible Denis Villeneuve Films to premiere at TIFF.
Rush – A biography of Formula 1 champion driver Niki Lauda and the 1976 crash that almost claimed his life. Mere weeks after the accident, he got behind the wheel to challenge his rival, James Hunt. Stars Liam Hemsworth, Olivia Wilde, Natalie Dormer and Daniel Brühl; Ron Howard directs.
The Past – An Iranian man deserts his French wife and two children to return to his homeland. Meanwhile, his wife starts up a new relationship, a reality her husband confronts upon his wife’s request for a divorce. Stars Bérénice Bejo, Tahar Rahim and Ali Mosaffa.
Blue is the Warmest Colour – The story of a young lesbian couple’s beginning, middle and possible end. Stars Léa Seydoux, Adèle Exarchopoulos and Salim Kechiouche.
Can a Song Save Your Life – A dejected music business executive forms a bond with a young singer-songwriter new to Manhattan. Stars Hailee Steinfeld, Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo.
Belle – Period drama inspired by the life of Dido Elizabeth Belle. She was the illegitimate daughter of John Lindsay a Captain in the Royal Navy, stationed in the Caribbean with a Black woman named Maria Belle who bore him a daughter c. 1762. There has been a great deal of speculation about Maria Belle‘s status: whether enslaved, captured, free and so on. It is likely she was a slave aboard a captured Spanish ship. Stars Sarah Gadon, Matthew Goode and Tom Felton.
Bad Words – A spelling bee loser sets out to exact revenge by finding a loophole and attempting to win as an adult. Stars Jason Bateman and Ben Falcone; Bateman also directs.
The Double – A comedy centered on a man who is driven insane by the appearance of his doppleganger. Stars real-life Couple, Jesse Eisenberg and Mia Wasikowska.
Enough Said – A divorced woman who decides to pursue the man she’s interested in learns he’s her new friend’s ex-husband. Stars the late James Gandolfini, Ben Falcone and Toni Collette.
Ida – Poland 1962 Anna is a novice, an orphan brought up by nuns in the convent. She has to see Wanda, the only living relative, before she takes her vows. Wanda tells Anna that Anna is Jewish. Both women start a journey not only to find their family tragic story, but who they really are and where they belong. They question their religions and ideas they believed in. Both are trying to go on living but only one of them can. Stars Agata Kulesza, Dawid Ogrodnik and Agata Trzebuchowska.
Third Person – Three interlocking love stories involving three couples in three cities: Rome, Paris, and New York. Stars James Franco, Mila Kunis and Olivia Wilde; Toronto’s Paul Haggis directs.
Felony – Life changes in an instant for a decorated police officer on his way home after having a few drinks when he kills a bicyclist, but he ends up hiding the truth from his fellow officers. Stars Joel Edgerton, Jai Courtney and Melissa George.
Gravity – Astronauts attempt to return to Earth after debris crashes into their space shuttle, leaving them drifting alone in orbit. Stars George Clooney and Sandra Bullock.
Like Father, Like Son – Ryota Nonomiya is a successful businessman driven by money. He learns that his biological son was switched with another child after birth. He must make a life-changing decision and choose his true son or the boy he raised as his own. Masaharu Fukuyama, Machiko Ono and Yôko Maki.
Mystery Road – An indigenous detective returns to the Outback to investigate the murder of a young girl. Stars Hugo Weaving and Aaron Pedersen.
Joe – An ex-con, who is the unlikeliest of role models, meets a 15-year-old boy and is faced with the choice of redemption or ruin. Stars Nicolas Cage, Tye Sheridan and Sue Rock.
Man of Tai Chi – A young martial artist’s unparalleled Tai Chi skills land him in a highly lucrative underworld fight club. Stars Keanu Reeves, Hu Chen, and Karen Mok.
Under the Skin – An alien in human form is on a journey through Scotland. Stars Scarlett Johansson, Paul Brannigan and Antonia Campbell-Hughes.
Philomena – A woman searches for her adult son, who taken away from her decades ago when she was forced to live in a convent. Stars Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.
Night Moves – A drama centered on three environmentalists who plot to blow up a dam. Stars Dakota Fanning and Jesse Eisenberg.
Tracks – A young woman goes on a 1,700 mile trek across the deserts of West Australia with her four camels and faithful dog. Stars Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver.
Pioneer – This conspiracy thriller is set in the early 80’s, the beginning of the Norwegian Oil Boom. Enormous oil and gas deposits are discovered in the North Sea and the authorities aim to bring the oil ashore through a pipeline from depths of 500 meters. A professional diver, Petter, obsessed with reaching the bottom of the Norwegian Sea has the discipline, strength and courage to take on the world’s most dangerous mission. But a sudden, tragic accident changes everything. Petter is sent on a perilous journey where he loses sight of who’s pulling the strings. Gradually he realizes that he is in way over his head and that his life is at stake. Stars Wes Bentley and Stephen Lang.
Omar – The portrait of a 17 year-old girl, in 4 seasons and 4 songs. Directed by François Ozon and starring Marine Vacth and Géraldine Pailhas.
Only Lovers Left Alive – A story centered on two vampires who have been in love for centuries. Stars Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton.
Parkland – A recounting of the chaotic events that occurred at Dallas’ Parkland Hospital on the day U.S. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Stars James Badge Dale, Zac Efron, Paul Giamatti, Colin Hanks, Marcia Gay Harden and Billy Bob Thorton.
The Lunchbox – Indian Drama set in Mumbai about love by correspondence. Stars Irrfan Khan, Nimrat Kaur and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
Life of Crime – Ordell Robbie and Louis Gara hit it off in prison, where they were both doing time for grand theft auto. Now that they’re out, they’re joining forces for one big score. Stars Jennifer Aniston, Isla Fisher and John Hawkes.
The Green Inferno – A group of student activists travel from New York City to the Amazon to save a dying tribe but crash in the jungle and are taken hostage by the very natives they protected. Stars Lorenza Izzo, Sky Ferreira and Ariel Levy.
All Cheerleaders Die – A rebel girl signs up a group of cheerleaders to help her take down the captain of their high school football team, but a supernatural turn of events thrusts the girls into a different battle. Stars Sianoa Smit-McPhee, Caitlin Stasey and Brianna Womick.
Kill Your Darlings – A murder in 1944 draws together the great poets of the beat generation: Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs. Stars Daniel Radcliffe, Ben Foster, Dane DeHaan, Michael C. Hall and Elizabeth Olsen.
Enemy – A man seeks out his exact look-alike after spotting him in a movie. Stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Mélanie Laurent and Sarah Gadon; a second Denis Villeneuve Film (made in Toronto) which could well premiere at TIFF.
The F Word – A story of a young man and woman who struggle to navigate their friendship, which has developed a deep romantic undercurrent. Stars Daniel Radcliffe, Adam Driver, Rafe Spall, Megan Park and Zoe Kazan.
All the Wrong Reasons – An ensemble Film about four everyday people: a Store Manager, a Security Guard, a Fire Fighter and a Clerk who struggle in the aftermath of trauma. Stars Kevin Zegers, Emily Hampshire and the late Cory Monteith.
Tom à la ferme – A grieving Man meets his lover’s family, who were not aware of their son’s sexual orientation. Stars and is directed/written by Festival Favourite Xavier Dolan, Lise Roy and Pierre-Yves Cardinal.
TO BE CONFIRMED:
Machete Kills – The U.S. government recruits Machete to battle his way through Mexico in order to take down an arms dealer who looks to launch a weapon into space. Stars Danny Trejo, Jessica Alba, Alexa Vega, Mel Gibson, Vanessa Hudgens, Sofia Vergara and Lady Gaga.
Runner Runner – When a poor college student who cracks an online poker game goes bust, he arranges a face-to-face with the man he thinks cheated him, a sly offshore entrepreneur. Stars Ben Affleck, Anthony Mackie, Justin Timberlake and Gemma Arterton.
Carrie – A sheltered high school girl unleashes her newly developed telekinetic powers after she is pushed too far by her peers. Stars Julianne Moore, Chloë Grace-Moretz, Judy Greer, Ansel Elgort, Portia Doubleday and Gabriella Wilde. Filmed in Toronto, this would be a welcome return home and possible Midnight Madness Premiere.
The Counselor – A lawyer finds himself in over his head when he gets involved in drug trafficking. Stars Michael Fassbender, Cameron Diaz, Natalie Dormer, Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem.
Oldboy – An advertising executive is kidnapped and held hostage for 20 years in solitary confinement. When he is inexplicably released, he embarks on an obsessive mission to discover who orchestrated his punishment, only to find he is still trapped in a web of conspiracy and torment. Stars Josh Brolin, Samuel L. Jackson and Elizabeth Olsen.
The Wolf of Wall Street – Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, from his rise to a wealthy stockbroker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government. Stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew McConaughey, Jonah Hill, Jon Favreau and Ethan Suplee.
Nebraska – An aging, booze-addled father makes the trip from Montana to Nebraska with his estranged son in order to claim a million dollar Mega Sweepstakes Marketing prize. Stars Bruce Dern and Will Forte.
Grace of Monaco – The story of former Hollywood star Grace Kelly‘s crisis of marriage and identity, during a political dispute between Monaco’s Prince Rainier III and France’s Charles De Gaulle, and a looming French invasion of Monaco in the early 1960s. Stars Nicole Kidman, Tim Roth and Frank Langella.
American Hustle – The story of a con artist and his partner in crime, who were forced to work with a federal agent to turn the tables on other cons, mobsters, and politicians – namely, the volatile mayor of impoverished Camden, New Jersey. Stars Christian Bale, Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Robert DeNiro and Jeremy Renner.
How to Catch a Monster – A single mother is swept into a dark underworld, while her teenage son discovers a road that leads him to a secret underwater town. Stars Saoirse Ronan, Eva Mendes, Christina Hendricks and Ben Mendelsohn; Ryan Gosling‘s directorial debut.
Noah – The Biblical Noah suffers visions of an apocalyptic deluge, and takes measures to protect his family from the coming flood. Stars Russell Crowe, Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Jennifer Connelly and Anthony Hopkins.
Inside Llewyn Davis – A singer/song-writer navigates New York’s folk music scene during the 1960s. Stars Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, Justin Timberlake, Adam Driver and Oscar Isaac.
Haunter – The ghost of a teenager who died years ago reaches out to the land of the living in order to save someone from suffering her same fate. Stars Abigail Breslin, David Hewlett and Stephen McHattie; filmed in Toronto.
Very Good Girls – Two New York City girls pact to lose their virginity during their first summer out of high school. When they both fall for the same street artist, the friends find their connection tested for the first time. Stars Elizabeth Olsen, Dakota Fanning, Demi Moore and Peter Sarsgaard.
Diana – The last two years of Princess Diana‘s life: her campaign against land mines and her relationship with surgeon Dr. Hasnat Khan. Stars Naomi Watts, Cas Anvar and Naveen Andrews.
More Titles at ‘TIFF 13 to come in the coming weeks… Full Schedule to be released August 20, 2013.
(Photo credit: DreamWorks)
Although we don’t know for sure, I’m almost certain this will be at TIFF ’13 this September as it would be the perfect Launching Pad for its Oscar Campaign. Everything about the Drama 12 Years a Slave says Awards and a brand new Trailer just surfaced today for it! How can we resist the Canadian connection this Story and above all, Brad Pitt playing one of us?
Official Synopsis:
12 YEARS A SLAVE is based on an incredible true Story of one Man’s fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent Slave Owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender) as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian Abolitionist (Brad Pitt) forever alters his life.
Solomon Northrup Day celebrates its 15th Anniversary on Saturday, July 20, 2013.
The Drama also stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Garret Dillahunt, Paul Giamatti, Scoot McNairy, Lupita Nyong’o, Adepero Oduye, Sarah Paulson, Michael Kenneth Williams, Alfre Woodard, Chris Chalk, Taran Killam and Bill Camp; Steve McQueen directs.
Watch the Trailer below:
Fox Searchlight releases 12 Years a Slave on October 18, 2013.
(Photo/video credit: Fox Searchlight)
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com