TIFF 08: Special Presentation Thoughts

Yesterday, an additional 20 films were announced for the Film Festival’s Special Presentations programme.

This programme is the most mainstream of the festival, since the films shown are already set for release and are usually just being shown as a premiere.

Films for this programme have been announced all throughout the summer, however the films in this list are some of the most intriguing.

As such, I will give my thoughts on some of the stand-outs.

The Brother’s Bloom
This film about two con artists is director Rian Johnson’s follow-up to Brick, which was one of my favourite films in recent years (you can even see an image from it in the header). As such, this is the film on this list that I most want to see.

Zack and Miri Make a Porno
You wouldn’t believe how surprised I was that the latest film by Kevin Smith is premiering at the festival. I would expect this film to be a fast sellout, however if I can nab a ticket, it would be neat seeing one of my favourite comic directors in person.

Che: Part One and Che: Part Two
Stephen Soderbergh’s biopic about Ernesto “Che” Guevara previously debuted at Canne’s as one film and will be shown in Toronto as two films as intended (though it looks like the individual films have been renamed from The Argentine and Guerrilla). A possible problem with showing the films individually is that some people may not be able to see the whole package (due to ticket or time unavailability). It will definitely be interesting to see how these turn out.

The Wrestler
Directed by Darren Aronofsky, this film staring Mickey Rourke looks a bit like Rocky, expect with professional wrestling instead of boxing. It may be an interesting film to check out (especially since I’m a wrestling fan).

Well those are the standouts. There are a few other curiousities on this list, such as a new film by Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, 28 Days Later) and the directorial debut for screenwriter Charlie Kaufman (Adaptation, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind).

The 2008 Toronto International Film Festival begins in only three weeks time and my coverage will start increasing as that date becomes closer.