Programming Director Michael Kamison’s notes from the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival
Executive Director John Toner and Programming Director Michael Kamison recently attended the Toronto International Film Festival, one of the world’s most celebrated yearly film festivals. Michael has put together this overview sharing some of the indie highlights, big films to look out for, and small gems he saw during this year’s program.
After catching up on some much needed sleep, I wanted to share some notes on the films that I saw at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival. I saw 27 films that varied from newly discovered filmmakers to venerated arthouse legends. Many of the films we saw will be coming to the theaters in the next few months and will most likely be big players during this year’s awards season. Here are a few films to watch for in the next couple months:
FIRST MAN
Damien Chazelle returns after La La Land with an introspective biopic that examines the personal life of the first man to walk on the moon. Ryan Gosling stars as Neil Armstrong, a solemn, serious engineer whose focus and determination leads to one of the greatest triumphs of human history. Chazelle is such a talented filmmaker that he is able to jump between genre and style with ease. It’s impressive to realize that this film came from the same person who made a throwback uplifting musical just a few years ago. The sequences on the moon are positively stunning — this movie was made for the big screen. (Opens at the Ambler Theater, County Theater, and Princeton Garden Theatre on Friday, October 12th.)
IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK
One of Chazelle’s contemporaries, who seems to always be neck-in-neck with the young filmmaker, is Barry Jenkins, whose 2016 release Moonlight won Best Picture in the most dramatic way possible. BEALE STREET is a poetic adaptation of James Baldwin’s last novel of the same title. The young stars are tremendous, weaving the heartbreaking story of two families in the early 1970s, their physical expressions are powerful on screen. Jenkins uses such gorgeous cinematic technique that his visual language mirrors the thoughtful prose of Baldwin’s text. Expect to see Regina King nominated for Best Supporting Actress for the caring, steadfast mother.
A STAR IS BORN
Bradley Cooper wrote, directed, and starred in this remake of a remake of a remake, A STAR IS BORN. For his first directorial effort, the result is powerful. Lady Gaga co-stars as an immensely talented young singer with dreams of stardom who, fatefully, meets a troubled famous country-rock singer. Gaga and Cooper have undeniable chemistry on screen and the musical performance scenes are worth the price of admission. But this isn’t some glitzy Hollywood tale of success and fame — Cooper’s version is a gritty, emotional experience that features incredible dramatic performances from the two leads. (Opens at the Hiway Theater on Friday, October 5th.)
WIDOWS
So far, Steve McQueen has directed four perfect films. His last, 12 Years a Slave, was released five years ago and this long anticipated follow-up does not disappoint. In some ways, this is a very traditional heist film, but like McQueen’s other work, it is also brimming with masterful technique and social commentary. The brilliant Viola Davis commands attention on screen as the film’s lead and is supported by a powerhouse cast including Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, Colin Farrell and screen legend Robert Duvall. This film has mainstream crossover appeal, but indie film lovers will be floored by the craftsmanship.
WILDLIFE
Actor Paul Dano stepped behind the camera for this quietly explosive drama set in 1960’s Montana. The domestic drama follows a family at a pivotal moment in their lives when Jerry, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, loses his job and takes temporary work fighting a blazing forest fire. The standout performance is by Carey Mulligan who adds another breathtaking performance to her oeuvre. Dano has a real eye for filmmaking, probably due in part to working with so many talented filmmakers throughout his career.
OLD MAN & THE GUN
Robert Redford announced that OLD MAN AND THE GUN would be his final acting performance. After 60 years in the business, the icon has starred in 50 films, directed 9, co-founded a world famous film festival, and won Oscars — sounds like a job well done. This film, besides being a fascinating story of a charismatic career criminal, is a love-letter to Redford’s career. It’s a throwback in style and substance — the grainy look of the film, the use of vintage techniques — OLD MAN has a great look and feel that will leave audiences charmed. (Opens at the Ambler Theater on Friday, October 19th.)
BOY ERASED
Based on the memoirs of Garrard Conley, BOY ERASED is a powerful drama starring Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, and Joel Edgerton, who also directed the film. Tackling the controversial topic of conversion therapy, this film is at its best when it explores the complicated relationships between one’s faith, identity, and family. Hedges is phenomenal and will likely be nominated for Best Actor, but Kidman and Crowe as the religious parents are great as always and bring sympathy and depth to the characters.
SHOPLIFTERS
Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for this wonderful, understated drama. The film follows a group of misfit petty criminals who form a family unit and share a small apartment. Despite the family’s troubles, Koreeda manages to find moments of levity and humor. The film is delightful, poignant, and affecting. This is a smaller title that I hope gets a larger audience.
Below are a few other highlights from the festival you might see in the coming months.
PETERLOO
Mike Leigh delivers another fascinating period piece set during the lead-up to the Peterloo Massacre in 1819. Brilliant framing and cinematography, excellent writing, and that classic Mike Leigh wit. I didn’t get to see the entire film because of a tech problem, but I am very much looking forward to seeing the rest.
COLD WAR
Beautiful black-and-white cinematography from the filmmaker of 2016’s stunning film Ida. COLD WAR spans 15 years and several countries in this Cold War drama that follows the ups and downs of one couple. Classic arthouse cinema through and through.
NON-FICTION
Director Olivier Assayas scored big with his last two films Clouds of Sils Maria and Personal Shopper. This French language film is a satirical look at the art and publishing world and offers some big laughs throughout. Starring the always wonderful Juliette Binoche.
HIGH LIFE
Claire Denis’ first English language film is a trying, uncomfortable sci-fi experiment. Robert Pattinson as the lead is excellent, but the film will leave most audiences perplexed if they go in not knowing what to expect. There is so much about this film to admire, go into it expecting arthouse film and come out with your head spinning.
VOX LUX
Natalie Portman as a Lady Gaga inspired pop star was quickly hailed as the anti-A Star is Born. I don’t think that’s entirely fair to either movie. VOX LUX, however is a fascinating character and cultural study and features one of the best Portman performances in recent memory. I loved it, but it’s not for everyone.
We’re going to try to get to as many titles as possible, and if there are any films you really want to see on our screen, let us know.
