It's a bit daunting, skimming through the TIFF 2008 programme book and wondering which of the 300-plus films might be worth checking out. Here are a few titles
CityNews.ca was entertained by, courtesy TIFF correspondents
Brian McKechnie and
Suzanne Ellis (A couple were so good they made both our lists):
Brian's Top 5
1.
One Week
One Week is like watching a tour of Canada on film starring your best friend (who happens to have cancer). Joshua Jackson is brilliant in the lead and his performance alone makes this my top pick for the fest (and one of my top Canadian film recommendations of all time). It also made me feel proud to be a Canadian (something you don't feel from our movies that often).
2.
Zack and Miri Make a Porno
Some say Kevin Smith has lost his touch. Well, seeing Zack and Miri made me believe he still has it. Funny, vulgar, and yet very sweet. This is not your typical film fest fare (and you could wait till it opens in October) but I'm sure you will be happy when you leave the theatre.
3.
Nurse.Fighter.Boy
Writer/director Charles Officer is an artist and Nurse.Fighter.Boy is a mesmerizing work of art. Strong characters brought to life by even stronger actors. Background music that will make you run out and buy the soundtrack (a sample of it is on the official website for the film). And beautiful cinematography in a not so beautiful world.
4.
Rachel Getting Married
I really didn't expect much going into Rachel Getting Married and maybe that's why I enjoyed it so much. Anne Hathaway's portrayal of a recovering drug addict is not only believable, it's Oscar-worthy! Jonathan Demme's directing, the visual style, the script, the supporting cast - it all works.
5.
Dean Spanley
This spot on my list could have gone to Blindness, Examined Life, or Burn After Reading (all great films I've seen so far). After giving it some thought though I realized Dean Spanley was deserving of the recommendation. It's a funny, interesting film. Peter O'Toole and Sam Neill give outstanding performances that will leave a lasting impression on you.
Suzanne's Top Five
1.
Rachel Getting Married
Anne Hathaway, yes, she of The Princess Diaries and The Devil Wears Prada, is no less than a revelation in this intimate family drama about a young woman just out of rehab who goes home to attend her sister's wedding. Directed by Jonathan Demme in a gritty style that at times resembles a home movie (albeit a professional one), Rachel Getting Married is funny, sad, and deeply affecting.
2.
Faubourg 36 (Paris 36)
With Faubourg 36 (Paris 36), the latest from Les Choristes director Christophe Barratier, I was reminded of Moulin Rouge, Amelie, and other films that romanticize the City of Lights. The musical comedy tells the story of how the cast and crew of a theatre, the Chansonia, banded together to save it under the crushing weight of the Great Depression. Stars Gerard Jugnot, who fans of Les Choristes will remember as the professor from that film, and he's once again brilliant to watch. Also formidable, Nora Arnezeder, who plays the talented ingénue that could be the Chansonia's key to success.
3.
One Week
Loved this film, easily the best Canadian offering I've seen so far. Michael McGrath, who previously directed Saint Ralph, brings us the story of a young man (Joshua Jackson) who decides to take a road trip across the country after learning he has a terminal illness. Though Jackson gets top billing, Canada is arguably the star of One Week. Don't be surprised if, after you watch it, you want to take your own cross-country trek.
4.
I've Loved You So Long
Kristin Scott Thomas is incredlble in Philippe Claudel's film about a woman rekindling a relationship with her sister after getting out of jail for a committing an unimaginable, and seemingly inexplicable, crime. As the troubled Juliette, Thomas turns in one of the most powerful performances of her career. Elsa Zylberstein is also excellent as Juliette's sister Lea, who's doing her best to forgive even though there's much about their past she still doesn't understand.
5.
Management
In Management, Jennifer Aniston returns to the kind of role that won her acclaim in The Good Girl. Here she plays Sue, an uptight corporate art broker who finds herself the unwilling recipient of hotel manager Mike's (Steve Zahn) affections. Sue shakes up Mike's mundane existence and he falls in love instantly, but clearly doesn't know where to draw the line in the seemingly one-sided relationship. Both Aniston and Zahn have proven their talents in drama as well as comedy and their performances are what make this movie watchable, as well as believable. Woody Harrelson has a choice role as Sue's on-again, off-again boyfriend Jango. A sweet film about unlikely romances.
Comments? Suggestions? Email
tiff@citynews.ca
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Images of Faubourg 36 and Zack and Miri Make a Porno courtesy the Toronto International Film Festival