Today’s post is more like journaling rather than journalism
TIFF 2024 was a fabulous experience.
Having only been to two other film festivals before, this one is incomparable. This is a top-tier festival. The choices were varied and outstanding. The public turnout was staggering, including the A-list stars who attended. King Street W (where my late hubby and I used to own a condo) in the heart of the Entertainment District, was all about “TIFF” From September 5th to the 15th with streets blocked off and lots going on. Elizabeth and I saw some amazing selections. We also missed some amazing selections. We both navigated the subway system which was easy enough. Now we’re pros.
I stayed with my brother-in-law who lives mid-town in a really nice high rise. Coincidentally, an old friend of mine lives in the building right across the street. I went over for a pitcher of her delicious homemade margaritas one evening and sat on her balcony looking over to where I was staying. How strange is that in such a big city? Elizabeth stayed with her brother (my other cousin Frankie) who lives in trendy High Park area.
I ended up going back to Montreal with Liz for a little side trip while the festival was still on. I wasn’t intending to at first, but we decided to bury our Uncle Chuck (who was living in Florida) and whose ashes were in Elizabeth’s closet for one year. I can explain. Last year, when we all met up for a wedding in Montreal, Chuck’s wife brought his ashes to be buried with his parents (our grandparents) on Mount Royal – the mountain in the heart of the city. As luck would have it, workers were on strike at that time, so we were unable to carry out his wishes. Now he’s out of the closet and back with his parents in a beautiful last resting place.
I was also able to get together with a long-time friend one evening for dinner and another evening with my childhood bestie Linda, and her parents. Her mom is exactly the same, only with white hair. Her dad is partially paralyzed in a wheelchair now, but his face lit up when he saw me. We had dinner at their home. It was like going back in time but very familiar. These people I saw were all at my wedding and we have history. While a lot of the movie themes were suggesting “out with the old, in with the new” – I like to keep the old around for old times sake.
Elizabeth and I travelled Via Rail “Business Class” which is really the only best way to take the train from TO to MTL. The seats are more comfortable and they feed you. But a word of advice: try not to miss your train. If you do; you might have to wait a few hours and pay more $. You shouldn’t have to pay more, but they justify the reason as just a different train with a higher fare. Yeah; happened to me. Won’t happen again!
As promised, here are some other movies and docs that were on my list that I really wanted to see, but didn’t get around to. LOOK FOR:
Will & Harper (a documentary with SNL alumni and close friends, Will Ferrell & Harper Steele, as they take a road trip following Steele’s announcement of her transition – I imagine with lots of questions along the way). Steele was a writer for Saturday Night Live TV show; four years as head writer. In theatres now – available on Netflix end of September.
We Live in Time (Florence Pugh, Andrew Garfield) A romance about how to make the most of our time in this world. I wonder what they have to say about that.
The Room Next Door (Julianne Moore, Tilda Swinton) – about re-connecting an old friendship when one of the friends is sick. This one got a long standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival and it’s Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar’s first English-language feature. I’ve always liked his films.
Conclave (Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossellini). I didn’t even know Rossellini was at TIFF until I saw her interviewed – I worked for her when she was dating David Lynch while filming a movie in Vancouver. Again; history. I’ll see it at VIFF -Vancouver Int’l Film Festival.
Road Diary: A documentary about Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
Without Blood (Salma Hayek Pinault; directed by Angelina Jolie). That’s enough.
Disclaimer (a mystery starring Cate Blanchett – anything with her in it).
Mistress Dispeller (a true story about the work of Chinese women who practice unorthodox techniques to repair marital infidelity – sounds fascinating).
The Apprentice (I watched the first season of this popular series featuring you know who).
The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos (my late husband spent some time in Lagos – not in a prison; his company set up telecommunications there – but don’t blame him for all the scams).
The Shrouds (because…well; it’s David Cronenberg). It will be sombre.
Can I Get a Witness? (Sandra Oh; written/directed by Ann Marie Fleming – someone I know from Vancouver. This is getting a lot of buzz and I’m excited to see it at VIFF).
Taking Care of Business (a documentary about another iconic Canadian band – Bachman Turner Overdrive; BTO for short. I have friends in common with Randy Bachman and my brother is good friends with his drummer).
A Movie Short called “SoleMates” starring Richard Jutras, a friend of mine from Montreal. We went to Actors Studio a million years ago. Takes place in a shoe store.
The Life of Chuck – It’s not about my Uncle. It just won a People’s Choice Award at the close of TIFF. Synopsis: The world feels like it’s ending and everybody’s saying goodbye to Chuck. Wherever Marty (Chiwetel Ejiofor) goes, he can’t get away from Charles Krantz (Tom Hiddleston). His face is showing up on billboards, window signs — even TV commercials. What’s so special about this seemingly ordinary accountant and why does he warrant such a sendoff? Guess we’ll have to watch it to find out.
Lots to look forward to. Coming up:
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 