Toronto International Film Festival – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

Trains, Planes and Subways.

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 15^th 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:

Film Reviews

TIFF: THE FRIEND

If I had to choose only one movie favourite from all the ones I’d seen during TIFF, this one would be it. Naomi Watts + Bill Murray in “THE FRIEND.”

I went to a “full-house” press screening of this International Premiere alone. Even though Naomi Watts and Bill Murray (I love them both) get top billing, there’s no denying the scene stealing Great Dane who should get an Oscar nomination for best performing canine in a movie. Oh; they don’t have a category for this? Maybe they should start one.

Boy, did this move hit all the right notes and left me feeling all the feels. Like all great comedies, it also has an element of tragedy, so we can all relate. But I don’t want to give it all away. I started to tell someone about the film and they said “no more please… I want to see this one and be surprised.”

I’ve included a synopsis from tiff below. You don’t have to be a dog lover to enjoy this movie. Although if you are; you’ll find it even more endearing.

The character drama is based on the acclaimed novel by Sigrid Nunez and directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel.

In a theatre filled with media types, I tried to pull myself together during several scenes – not always successfully, but from the sniffles and laughs I heard in the audience, at least I wasn’t alone.

Synopsis taken from tiff films + events list:

Iris (Watts) has had a long, complex friendship with Walter (Murray, also at this year’s Festival with Riff Raff). Walter is an irresistible charmer, a brilliant author, a lover of many women, and a master at letting down loved ones. When he dies suddenly, Iris is left to deal with all he left behind — three ex-wives with unfinished business, his interrupted literary legacy, and his beloved beast Apollo (Bing). It’s not that Iris doesn’t like dogs, but this is Manhattan, and she’ll get kicked out of her building if they find out she’s pretty much trying to house a horse.

Watts delivers a career-best performance here, weaving New York confidence through the anxieties of a struggling writer, through her principled offence at how Walter treated his wives, and through encounters with the women themselves. Life is complicated, and McGehee and Siegel (Montana Story TIFF’21, What Maisie Knew, TIFF ’12, The Deep End), reflect that in their writing and in how they direct Watts. They also cast supporting actors of the calibre of Constance Wu, Ann Dowd, Noma Dumezweni, and Carla Gugino, who help create a film of both depth and lightness.

Until next year!

Film Reviews

TIFF: ANDREA BOCELLI: BECAUSE I BELIEVE

I attended the press screening for this amazing world-premiere documentary. Bocelli’s voice is pure magic and I’m a huge fan. One of my all-time favourite LP’s is still “Romanza.”

In this documentary we learn so much more about the man behind the voice. Documentarian Cosima Spender follows the Italian tenor and crossover artist beyond the stage and into his private life. Using last year’s magisterial concert at the Baths of Caracalla as its anchor, Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe is an intimate portrait of one of the world’s greatest living singers.

Bocelli grew up in the Tuscan village of La Sterza. We learn that at at the young age of twelve, he became totally blind after suffering a brain hemorrhage as the result of a soccer accident. Doctors resorted to using leeches in a last-ditch effort to save his sight, but they were unsuccessful and Bocelli remained blind. However, undeterred by his lack of sight, he studied law at the University of Pisa while singing at piano bars and nightclubs to finance his education.

Despite his being born with congenital glaucoma and suffering a complete loss of sight at such a tender age, this is a completely uplifting documentary. He appears to not let anything hold him back from doing regular stuff. He declares having “zero fear”, as he goes for long horseback rides alone. That same fearlessness helped him work his way up, going from paying gigs singing Sinatra songs at piano bars to eventually having a worldwide smash with “Time to Say Goodbye,” his astounding duet with Sarah Brightman.

Traversing the decades on his journey he’s earned recognition from everyone from Pavarotti to Jennifer Lopez and 29-year-old Dua Lipa.

This is an inspiring documentary with archival performance footage and informal gatherings with friends and family. Friends that he’s known all of his life. Aside from the obvious fame and glory, he and they remain true to each other. And his amazing young, beautiful daughter…the father/daughter duet in this doc is a must-see! It will bring tears to your eyes.

Because I Believe shows you that when you Believe it, you can Become it.

Film Reviews

TIFF: RIFF RAFF

Debbie & Elizabeth at the Movies

Noticing a lot of major movie star and A-list actor names on a movie billing doesn’t always mean that the movie will turn out to be any good. Case in point: Knives Out (as least in our opinion). Actors can be a draw for sure, but wouldn’t you prefer the storyline to be as good as the talent?

RIFF RAFF has both a stellar cast and a fun story about blood ties. The TIFF Special Presentation was a super enjoyable dark comedy, done extremely well. Especially when you have actors like Jennifer Coolidge, Bill Murray, Ed Harris and Pete Davidson. Except for Pete Davidson, they were all in town for the premiere.

Writer John Pollano, Bill Murray, Ed Harris & Miles J Harvey.

Gabrielle Union, Emanuela Postacchini, Jennifer Coolidge & Director Dito Montiel.

Comedy is not easy to convey. Slapstick alone doesn’t cut it for us. We love a good laugh. It’s healthy and it feels great – so this pitch-black family (of sorts) comedy was the perfect remedy.

As far as dysfunctional families go, I think this one wins the prize for “best of” dysfunctional family reunions. We have Vince; a one-time criminal (Harris) who turned his life around when he met Sandy (Union). The still-happy couple want to spend a quiet New Year’s Eve nearly 20 years later in their remote country home with their cheerful son, DJ (Miles J. Harvey). Out of the blue, unexpectedly, Vince’s other son Rocco (Lewis Pullman), shows up with his very pregnant girlfriend, Marina (Emanuela Postacchini), along with Vince’s first wife, Ruth (Coolidge). They appear to be escaping from something unclear and Rocco is hiding an ominous situation. He never did divest himself from the family business. Then we have an aging Mafioso called Lefty (Bill Murray) who is trying to settle a score with Rocco. Pete Davidson plays Lefty’s quirky sidekick.

Directed by Dito Montiel (Festival selection Man Down in 2015). and written by John Pollono (TIFF ’17’s Stronger), Riff Raff is gloriously irreverent, taking a deadpan approach to both humour and violence, while inserting some hilarious surprises along the way. Every member of the film’s dream cast has fun with even the most grotesque moments, but special mention goes to Murray, who should be on everyone’s A-list for heavies, and Coolidge, whose singular way with words makes beautiful music of Ruth’s filthiest dialogue.

We highly recommend this movie if you want something rather light, family-oriented (with a twist) and funny.

Sometimes all we need is just that.

This film is well executed.

Film Reviews

TIFF: NIGHTBITCH

Debbie & Elizabeth at the Movies

We went through well over 200 movie listings for this popular festival. We believe that we chose well while knowing that we also missed a bunch of other great choices too. I will list the ones we missed (but wanted to see) in the upcoming days. It’s not easy to see everything and if you were able to; you’d turn into a zombie. We purposely avoided some controversial themes and picked ones we thought would be enjoyable pure entertainment, with a message. The thing is that deciphering the message isn’t always easy. How do you make sense of someone who thinks she may be turning into a dog?

So we agreed on what we wanted to see together, and NIGHTBITCH starring Amy Adams was high on our list. It was a Special Presentation. You have to remember that we try to not know too much about a festival movie before viewing it. Surprises can be good – or bad.

Adams is such an amazing actress and I think the decision to see this one was a combo of Adams being the main attraction, and the story; as bizarre as that turned out to be. So without further ado….

Bottom line in one sentence – Motherhood can be a Bitch and Women have Superpowers. But we should add a little more right?

Okay; admittedly we never quite understood the “dog” comparison…although we are all animals and because neither of us have children of our own, it’s possible that Mother (played by Adams and we think she was only referred to as “mother”) was just going nuts. I mean; baby book club and stuff like that. What women sacrifice in order to have children is… a lot! Oh; yeah, maybe it had something to do with the hormonal change. The whole motherhood deal can be ruff. And sometimes it’s easier to relate to dogs more so than humans. Or, could it be that you can be so overworked or so overtired that you think you’re a dog?? Anyway…

Marielle Heller is the director. She weaves drama, comedy and a significant mix of realism and dark humour in what we childless two believe mothers who’ve had ‘real’ children (instead of canine children) will appreciate even more so.

The movie is based on the bestselling 2021 novel of the same name. Heller has created a profoundly original exploration of mother hood (including what is “never said out loud but thought by many”) and destined to be one of the most talked about films of the year.

After this movie we can say that we fully appreciate all our relatives and friends who’ve had babies…while being happy that we’ve never had any of our own.

And men take note: you could never do it with the same expertise.

We morning bitches are here to say “you might think so; but you can’t.”

Film Reviews

TIFF: Elton John – Never Too Late

Debbie & Elizabeth at the Movies

How we kill time in between movies. Never too late for a cocktail.

NEVER TOO LATE is an excellent ROCKUMENTARY about the man and the MUSIC LEGEND.

As Elton John fans we both absolutely loved this doc. Co-directed by Elton’s husband, David Furnish, it shows us an intimate glimpse into Elton’s private life. Furnish is originally from Toronto, so deciding to hold the world premiere at TIFF was a perfect choice. R.J. Cutler co-directed this fabulous documentary alongside Furnish. They were all here in Toronto for the opening.

My first EJ concert was many moons ago at the Montreal Forum – it was the “GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD” performance. And, an all-encompassing performance it was. I was already hooked; but my parents finally stepped in and asked me to please stop playing that album for a while. They were so sick of hearing it played so loud. I just turned down the volume.

Here comes the rocketmobile with Elton in the back. Photo: d. king

Some people think that the movie “Becoming Rocketman” was a documentary. It’s more of a fantasy musical that Elton gave his approval to take creative license with. This one is nothing like that. It shows all his sides. We were moved to say the least.

“NEVER TOO LATE” chronicles Elton throughout the years; from a humble beginning, to present time. It shows his upbringing with strict and sometimes abusive parents, his complicated love life, the drugs, the struggles, the loneliness, the success. The highs, the lows, and finally, finding love and family…the reason for his decision to finally retire once and for all. We’ll see about that.

There are a few surprises that most of the public might not know. One giveaway is his relationship with the late, great John Lennon. How he was able to coerce a reluctant Lennon into coming on stage at Dodger Stadium (the first time) to sing “WHATEVER GETS YOU THROUGH THE NIGHT,” the old Beatles song, while Yoko sat secretly in the audience. Lennon did not want Ono to be there for fear that he would not be able to get on that stage following their two year breakup. However; Yoko did go backstage after, they got together again and the rest is (was) history. I don’t like giving too much away. Okay; one more…

There’s also a scene where Elton + Lennon are drinking up a storm and doing lines in Elton’s hotel room, when all of a sudden someone knocks on the door. Elton looks through the peephole to see Andy Warhol standing there. He and Lennon look at each other, decide not to open the door. I mean; the polaroids might not be such a good idea at this time. They just laugh it off.

The one thing I was hoping for was a nod to the late, great Long-John Baldry; the musician who discovered Elton and who Elton took his last name from. Long-John was a neighbour of mine and the information is well documented, although not mentioned in the doc.

The enduring pop star has done it all. He’s even added his name to the history books. On January 15,2024, he become an EGOT—as the winner of an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony—as his live-streamed concert Elton John: Farewell from Dodger Stadium captured an Emmy Award. Oh; thanks for clearing up my misunderstanding. I always thought the recipient of that award meant that they were EGOTistical! (kidding).

We laughed, we cried and we realized…what a major talent and humanitarian this man is! Wonderful, wonderful documentary.

We had **Red Carpet access** for this one. Ruby (redhead in middle was there to interview Elton). Elizabeth and I were waiting for our camera call. And this was going on once inside:

Photo: d. king

TIFF might be almost over, but there’s always next year. I’ll be posting more movie reviews on here daily until I’m done. I’m sure that most of these movies and documentaries will be coming to a theatre near you by, or before Christmas. Christmas isn’t that far away.

Film Reviews

TIFF: The Tragically Hip – No Dress Rehearsal

This was the World Premiere of a four part mini-series which will be available to watch on Amazon Prime starting September 20^th.

What can we say about The Tragically Hip…or as they’re often referred to, simply, as “The Hip” – a small-town five-piece band from Kingston, Ontario (that’s in Canada for those of you who do not know) who went on to make nine number one albums in Canada, over a mammoth 33 year career?

Photo courtesy of TIFF – playing to one of their numerous sold-out shows.

They’re unique, they’re lifelong friends, and their songs have come to unite Canada in a way no other band has ever achieved. They’ve make it cool to be Canadian.

The remaining group were all here for the premiere with one noticeably missing person. Very sadly, Gord Downie, the much loved lead singer and lyricist for the group, passed away from brain cancer in 2017. He was also an activist and an amazing live performer with his own indescribable unique style.

Director Mike Downie (Gord’s older brother) takes us on an emotional look at the origin, impact, and legacy of the band that defined Canada, to the world and to itself.

Their story is one truly amazing ride.

Remaining group members are guitarist Paul Langlois, guitarist Rob Baker (known as Bobby Baker until 1994), bassist Gord Sinclair, and drummer Johnny Fay.

Admittedly, I was never a really huge Hip fan. Granted, I did like a lot of their songs…but I wanted to learn what the really big fuss was all about. And let me tell you; there was (still is) a big fuss. Dan Aykroyd (another huge fan) introduced them for countless shows as you’ll see by watching the mini-series. Now I understand. They’re awesome and so much more than just another rock group. But what makes them awesome for me, is much more than their music.

These guys are all from Kingston, Ontario. Friends since childhood, they have great family values and have managed to achieve enormous success through hard work and by doing exactly what they love best – making music. They’ve managed to keep their friendship all these years, and they work around any problems that may arise. That speaks volumes about how they were raised. I may be biased about men from Kingston as my late husband and also my former dance partner were both from there. They were the nicest, smartest, most down to earth and capable guys ever. Doesn’t mean all men from Kingston are that amazing, but it certainly did colour my opinion. Plus, there are scenes from there and other parts of Canada.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this docu series. It has heart. I think you’ll enjoy it too – especially if you’re a Canuck. And if you don’t know what a Canuck is; you’re not one of us!

I’m loving this festival! I now realize why it’s the most popular film festival in the world. One has only to come here to find out. If you love cinema and can make it out here next year it will be the 50th Anniversary.

Something more to celebrate!

Film Reviews

TIFF: THE LAST SHOWGIRL

Debbie & Elizabeth at the Movies

Here’s another one we wanted to see starring Pamela Anderson, Jamie Lee Curtis and Dave Bautista in the World Premiere of THE LAST SHOWGIRL. Directed by Gia Coppola.

You got us at Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee. Sorry Dave! We knew that Anderson would do the movie justice and that Curtis would add some spunk; and we were right. A bold prediction is that Jamie Lee Curtis gets a Best Supporting Actress nomination (again) at the Oscars. You heard it here first. Curtis also claimed in an interview on the Red Carpet that the independant movie was shot in only 18 days – almost unheard of in the film business! A testament to the professionalism of the team.

As much as we love the movie title that depicts some showbiz sparkle, the film is much more than its title. In fact, it has girth and sadness. This story is more from behind the lights, than in front of them.

Out with the old; In with the new – a pattern arising in some films at TIFF and, the world in general.

As Vegas continues to change, the old seasoned performers must adapt to their new environs and change along with the times. Easy to say; difficult to do. Such is the case with Anderson’s character Shelley, when she learns that her bread and butter, a long-running traditional Vegas floor show must come to a close after 30 years .

Of course; who better to play this role than Pam Anderson? She plays it to an emotional Tee. However; Elizabeth thought that Anderson played the role a bit more ditzy than she needed to.

The stage manager Eddie (Bautista) is the bearer of bad news that the show will close permanently with only two weeks notice. All the dancers are devastated but none more than Shelley.

This is a real life dilemma that could be realized with not only this job, but any job. When you are 50 instead of 20, and your sole job skill has been dancing for 30 years; you’ve got to figure out a new life. You can become an emotional wreck.

Her brazen best friend Annette (Curtis) is a cocktail waitress who we believe secretly lost her dream of becoming something more. Something much bigger. One scene shows us that possibility. She’s incredible, as usual.

We really enjoyed this movie. It wasn’t spectacular but it was heartfelt and sometimes that’s enough. You really feel for Shelley’s situation of starting a new life.

And like the movie, cocktails seem to help, at least temporarily. There are so many choices of nice places to go for one (or more) in Toronto.

Only a few more days to go. For Tickets:

https://tiff.net/

Film Reviews

TIFF: “THE SUBSTANCE”

This is a new limited series entitled “Debbie & Elizabeth at the Movies.”Elizabeth is my cinema companion & collaborating cousin from Montreal who met me in Toronto to experience our first TIFF together– which is the abbreviated version of the Toronto International Film Festival. Which I’m certain most people are now very familiar with.

So let’s start with a movie that will be released in theatres on September 20^th. It’s called “THE SUBSTANCE” – starring Demi Moore in her much anticipated movie comeback role.

Moore portrays a fading Hollywood star named Elizabeth Sparkle alongside Margaret Qualley (from the TV series “Maid” where she starred with her mom, Andie MacDowell). Both Moore & Qualley are outstanding in their respective roles. Dennis Quaid; who’s having a movie moment, we can both agree, played a larger than life slimeball in this masterful horror-satire from writer-director Coralie Fargeat (Revenge).

A little bit of sad movie trivia is that Ray Liotta apparently was cast in the film in February 2022. He died in May that year before he could film his scenes. Dennis Quaid replaced him as a result. However sad that is, Quaid did a superb job.

There’s a lot to say about this movie and quite frankly, not sure where to start.

We could just leave it at one sentence “be careful what you wish for; you just might get it.” But that wouldn’t be enough.

We could say “if you were given an opportunity to become a younger (emphasis on “younger,” more perfect (but what does that really mean?) version of yourself, with let’s say a downside where you weren’t exactly sure what to expect because instructions were a bit vague – would you go for it?

This movie is mesmerizing and many call it a Masterpiece. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and TIFF was the North American Premiere, just few days ago.

It’s IN YOUR FACE. It’s OVER THE TOP. It’s INTENSE. But it’s also BRILLIANT.

It confirms that you make your choices and you live with the consequences – good and BAD.

We now know what the disclaimer at the start of the film *photo sensitive means.

This movie is a real symbol of substance abuse of a different nature. An over exaggeration of so many things. Starting with today’s obsession with looking youthful for as long as humanly possible. Not to mention what lengths we will go to in order to obtain it.

There are a lot of movies wrapped up in one very long package here. A few that comes to mind:

The Shining, The Matrix, The Terminator, Sunset Boulevard, Alien, Jane Fonda’s Workout and Batman (but really Gotham City in the Batman movies).

And lastly: remember; you are one person. You can’t escape yourself.

*Photosensitivity is any negative physical effect that is caused or aggravated by strobing, flashing or quickly changing patterns, luminance, or chrominance. It can lead to headaches, eyestrain or nausea.

Then what about the blood and gore?

The Festival is on until September 15th, 2024. For Tickets & Information:

https://tiff.net/