This week saw the final major TIFF announcement before the official schedule is released next week. The announcement included the remaining Galas and Special Presentations, as well as films in the Contemporary World Cinema and Wavelengths programmes.
Probably the biggest announcement was the North American premiere of Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master, which will be screening at TIFF in 70mm. It will definitely be one of the top films to see this year.
Here are some of my other highlights of the films announced:
Bad 25 – Spike Lee, USA (Special Presentations)
This documentary covers the 25th anniversary of Michael Jackson‘s album “Bad.”
Ghost Graduation – Javier Ruiz Caldera, Spain (Contemporary World Cinema)
This Spanish comedy is described as The Breakfast Club meets Ghostbusters. Count me in!
On The Road – Walter Salles, France/Brazil (Special Presentations)
This is a film adaptation of the classic novel by Jack Kerouac. Of course, most people will probably be preoccupied with the fact that it co-stars Kristen Stewart, which may end up overshadowing the film itself (if I see it, it will be at a celebrity-less repeat screening).
Passion – Brian De Palma, France/Germany (Special Presentations)
Brian De Palma returns with this new erotic thriller starring Rachel McAdams and Noomi Rapace.
The Paperboy – Lee Daniels, USA (Special Presentations)
I’ve been hearing some good things about this Southern film noir.
Smashed – James Ponsoldt, USA (Contemporary World Cinema)
This film, which stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead as recovering alcoholic, was a big hit at Sundance and is poised to be the big breakout film for Winstead (who has spent most of her career so far starring in genre films).
Song for Marion – Paul Andrew Williams, UK (Gala Presentations)
This film about a seniors choir will be the closing film of this year’s festival.
A Werewolf Boy – Jo Sung-hee, South Korea (Contemporary World Cinema)
This is a film that I’d be willing to see based on title alone.
Those are my highlights. The full TIFF schedule is announced on Tuesday and I can finally begin actually planning on what films to see.
