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

VIFF: THE ART OF ADVENTURE

Chasing the Unknown…

This exceptional documentary, with original 1957 restored footage, captures the essence of mid-century exploration in its purest form. Two men, one outfitted range rover and a lust for adventure through untamed landscapes, offers a rare glimpse into a world before greed and chaos upset everything. It’s a film that doesn’t just show you some wild places, it invites you to feel it.

The men in question are renowned Canadian wildlife artist and naturalist, Robert Bateman, and Bristol Foster, a prominent biologist and the first director of BC’s Ecological Reserves Program. What makes it even more special is that these men are lifelong friends.

I think this film will appeal to anyone who loves travel and adventure in general. It will especially appeal to those, who like me, have been to Africa and were lucky enough to see wildlife in their natural habitat and meet local people such as the Maasai with their rich culture, pastoral lifestyle, and deep connection to the land in Kenya and Tanzania.

Although the difference here is that these men traveled to Africa at a time when it was very unusual to see foreign people, especially Caucasians. And they took chances off the beaten path. Young and fearless, but extremely smart and capable. They’re lucky they avoided any harm along the way, sometimes coming close to possible disaster.

The Range Rover (aka “the Grizzly Torque”) ran 30,000 kilometres across Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

Foster made sure to acquaint himself beforehand on every aspect of fixing the vehicle. Bateman sketched animals and people along the way and painted a mural of every place they visited along the Grizzly Torque.

With Robert Bateman who is 95 years old now.

Director Alison Reid (the woman who loves giraffes), Robert Bateman and Bristol Foster were there for a Q&A after the showing. I went with a friend who knew the Bateman family from growing up in Ontario. She told me that when Bateman was a teacher, he would take the kids on nature walks and she credits him with having given her a love of nature.

From the VIFF guide:

Through in-depth interviews with friends and family and the original 16mm film footage of their incredible journey, Reid shows how the trip expanded the pair’s knowledge of the physical world while deepening their spiritual and emotional connection to it.

A heartwarming, inspirational love letter to the adventure of life itself.

The October 12 screening is a Relaxed Screening. For Tickets:

https://viff.org/

Film Reviews

VIFF: Sentimental Value

Right on the heels of the Toronto International Film Festival is The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) which is in full swing right now. What I love about going to these film fests is that you have an opportunity to see movies that you may otherwise never get to see.

My first film was one I missed seeing at TIFF and that won the Grand Prix at Cannes 2025 – the second most prestigious prize. Sentimental Value is cinema (self) – referencing cinema.

Photo Courtesy of VIFF. Nora (Renate Reinsve) + her sister Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas).

Some movies don’t just tell a story; they ask you to feel it from the inside out.

Such as the hauntingly beautiful opening scenes where you hear the voice of one of the main characters as a little girl wondering if the house she grew up in had feelings. It got me in the way she wondered whether the house felt better empty or full, or if it could feel pain. It made the story feel deep, like her house wasn’t just a setting but part of the emotion. I was more moved by the emotional significance the house held for her than the emotional significance the people had for her.

And that’s where the movie lost its charm for me. I think there’s a distinction between movies made primarily for audiences and those crafted with filmmakers or actors in mind. The style and emotional resonance of this one made me think that actors would love it and regular filmgoers would not. I’m neither an actor ~~anymore,~~ or a regular filmgoer – so I left feeling mixed about this movie in general, a movie where the main players are creative emotional wrecks.

Yes, the acting was great. But, the main reason you go to the movies is for the story, right? If you’re okay with the main characters all coming from a dysfunctional place then you’ll probably really like it. If you’re looking for feel-good clarity and entertainment, then this is not the film for you.

A film where parents fight, the father (played by the amazing Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård) packs up and leaves, only to come back years later with a movie script he’s written (oh yeah, he’s a once-revered film director by the name of Gustav who hasn’t made a movie for a number of years) in which he offers his stage actress daughter Nora (Renate Reinsve) who, now has a series of her own, the main part, which she turns down because she’s still hurt over him leaving. He drinks way too much. The part is then offered to a well-known American actress (played by Elle Fanning) who becomes his new muse. She’s adorable and questions his choice of her in the lead and ends up feeling uncomfortable in the part. Did I mention the mother (Gustav’s wife) who worked as a therapist, committed suicide?

Directed by Joachim Trier. The VIFF overview says “Trier mines both humour and heartbreak from these damaged souls’ attempts to mend their frayed family ties.” I didn’t see much humour in it.

Bottom line is this movie is more chaotic than my take on it. But it has a somewhat happier ending, which is nice.

The Festival is on until October 12th. For Tickets:

https://viff.org/

Film Reviews

VIFF: CONCLAVE

DRAMA, SUSPENSE, INTRIGUE…

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of viewing two fantastic films that are part of the VIFF Special Presentations – Emilia Pérez & Conclave. Both films have extraordinary stories and the actors were truly outstanding. While these two films are completely different from each other (as they should be), they share a common human thread. I’m still wrapping my head around Emilia Pérez so I’ll focus on CONCLAVE for this post.

The movie was shot entirely in Rome. The story centres around a sitting Pope who becomes an unexpected deceased Pope which leaves the Cardinals to deal with what to do about that?

In the Roman Catholic Church, a conclave is when its cardinals from around the world assemble to discuss the thorny matter of choosing a new Pope. The conclave elects the new Pope from members within its ranks. As this process usually takes several days and multiple ballots, it is thick with drama. Whoever is first to garner two thirds of the votes, wins. But this story comes with a lot of layers before, during and after the new pope becomes the chosen one.

When Cardinal Lawrence (played by Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with leading one of the world’s most ancient events (selecting a new Pope); he finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could shake the very foundation of the Church. This movie is a Vatican Thriller with some unexpected turns – purposely left out for you to be surprised. Because…don’t you love surprises?

The excellent cast includes Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini and Carlos Diehz.

I also wanted to see this movie because of my personal connection with Isabella Rossellini, whom I got to know years ago when she was filming a movie here in Vancouver. She hired me to do a variety of things like; look after her daughter, plan a party, run errands, pick up an ex-hubby at the airport, etc. Her long time regular assistant had to go back to New York for business so I took over for a bit shortly after being introduced to Isabella when visiting my camera operator friend on set. She was very pleasant – even made me dinner one night. I had so much fun, and my then-boyfriend made no secret of having such a crush on HER…I had to introduce them before breaking up with him.

Rossellini plays a nun. Coincidentally, her mother (the great Ingrid Bergman) also played a nun garnering an Oscar nomination for “The Bells of St. Mary’s.” Like mother, like daughter.

THIS MOVIE is a must-see and a possible Oscar contender. I’ll even go so far as to predict that Ralph Fiennes will get a best actor nomination and John Lithgow a best supporting actor nomination. Let’s see how that plays out.

Carlos Diehz is a Mexican actor who only ventured into the craft of acting in 2020, and landed a lead role in this movie through a global search. He plays an important role.

Taken from the VIFF website:

When the sitting Pope shuffles off this mortal coil, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is handed the responsibility of marshalling the Catholic Church’s most influential figures and orchestrating the arcane process of electing a successor. Sequestered in the Vatican, several cardinals—including John Lithgow’s Cardinal Tremblay—turn cutthroat in their bid to lay claim to the papal throne. As conspiracies come to light and factions are formed, the unassuming Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz) harbours a secret that may have seismic consequences.

In his follow up to the Oscar-winning All Quiet on the Western Front, Edward Berger delivers another immaculately crafted, psychologically complex morality tale. Gifted with a gloriously refined screenplay by Peter Straughan (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy), Berger elicits finely calibrated performances from a powerhouse cast that includes Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini. And while Stephane Fontaine’s cinematography ensures a succession of sublime compositions, it’s the dramatic tension resulting from faith running afoul of corruption that keeps us riveted.

The festival is on until October 6th (that’s tomorrow) but there’s viff movie screenings all year long. Check it out:

https://viff.org/

Film Reviews

Sofia Coppola’s “PRISCILLA”

From a German army base to Graceland, the true story of “PRISCILLA” is one of love, fantasy and fame.

On October 7th, the 42nd Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) held the Canadian premiere of “PRISCILLA” as a special presentation which I had the opportunity and pleasure of watching at the Vancouver Playhouse.

This is the third worldwide screening of this film, based on the 1985 memoir “Elvis and Me” written by Priscilla Presley. Presley served as Executive Producer on this biographical drama (set for release in November) which is written, directed and co-produced by Sofia Coppola. In my opinion, Coppola’s best work since 2003’s “LOST IN TRANSLATION.”

This film premiered last month at the 80th Venice International Film Festival where it received a seven-minute long standing ovation, and later screened as the Centerpiece Selection of the 2023 New York Film Festival on October 6th. Last night, October 7th, was the Canadian Premiere right here in Vancouver.

Some people cannot seem to get enough of Elvis even to this day; but this movie is all about Priscilla from her POV told through the lens from her first meeting with the superstar as a 14-year- old innocent girl while he was stationed at an army base in Germany, through a long courtship, to moving into Graceland with him at 17, a turbulent marriage (depicting news stories of alleged affairs with Elvis and stars like Nancy Sinatra & Ann-Margret), a baby, then divorce.

Many people think that they already know the story, but you will never know it quite so well as the eye opening way it’s told in this movie. Coppola did a wonderful job of portraying a coming-of-age true life docudrama. No wonder she got such a long standing ovation. There was one last night too but I didn’t count the minutes.

Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla and Jacob Elordi as Elvis did an amazingly convincing job of playing these iconic characters. The script was fluid and the story was both provocative and compelling. I would recommend this movie, especially if you love real life stories.

Side note:

I toured Graceland with my late husband when we were passing through Memphis about 20 years ago. There were very few people there at that time.

I spent a very enjoyable evening at a private party in Montreal with Priscilla’s after Elvis boyfriend Mike Stone (he was in town training another famous entertainer). There’s a scene in the movie with someone portraying him. I was not even 20 at the time, and Mike was a gentleman to make sure I got home okay.

If you want to know the backstory: Stone met Elvis and Priscilla Presley in 1968 at the Mainland vs. Hawaii Karate Championships promoted by Elvis’ longtime karate instructor Ed Parker. Stone had a young child and a pregnant wife, and working as a bodyguard for record producer Phil Spector.

After the show, Elvis invited Stone back to the couple’s penthouse suite where Elvis suggested that Priscilla train with Stone. Three weeks later Priscilla made the 45-minute drive to Stone’s school in Huntington Beach. Because of the distance Priscilla opted to train with Chuck Norris who had a school in West Los Angeles, which was closer to the Presley home. Stone would make occasional trips to Norris’s school to train Priscilla. The relationship soon turned romantic, contributing to Elvis and Priscilla’s split in February 1972 and divorce in 1973. Stone and Priscilla would eventually split up because he sold a story to the Globe tabloid entitled “How I Stole Elvis Presley’s Wife From Him“. Priscilla said she split with Stone then, “because he went to the press”.

Stone revealed in a 2020 podcast interview that he dated actress Michelle Pfeiffer when she took karate lessons from him to prepare for her role on the short-lived TV series B.A.D. Cats (1980).

While there were some scenes from Palm Springs, California; principal photography and filming took place in Toronto, Ontario – two places I’ve lived.

Filming Trivia:

The entity which owns the rights to Elvis’ music declined to give permission for any of his songs to be used in the film, so Coppola looked for creative alternatives in compiling the soundtrack, including the use of contemporary music by her husband Thomas Mars and his band Phoenix, in addition to cover versions of songs from the era in which the film is set.

According to an interview with The Guardian in March 2023, Sofia Coppola had to cut a week’s worth of scenes from the script after some of the film’s financing dropped out shortly before shooting was due to begin.

**Due out in Theatres on November 3rd.**

Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxbZyvCJc6U

Film Reviews

HAPPY 40th to VIFF!

How convenient and nice of the Vancouver International Film Festival to let us stream most of the 2021 movies, documentaries, short films + animations from the comfort of home. But what was really wonderful after such a long hiatus, was to be able to view these amazing films in person “in-cinema.” Seems like a long time.

Highlights:

VIFF could not have been more excited to roll out the red carpet this year with Special Presentations that were a cause for celebration. The scope of work that was showcased was simply phenomenal, featuring auteurs like Terence Davies and Kenneth Branagh; stars such as Tilda Swinton and Benedict Cumberbatch; and a spectrum of stories ranging from intimate human dramas to towering historic narratives.

**Belfast** is a 2021 *British-Irish* black-and-white coming of age comedy-drama film written and directed by **Kenneth Branagh.**

Special Presentations included one world premiere, one Canadian premiere, and the latest addition to the VIFF lineup: The Power of the Dog by Jane Campion, which focuses on the charismatic rancher Phil Burbank who inspires fear and awe in those around him until his brother brings home a new wife and her son, tormenting them until he finds himself exposed to the possibility of love; starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons and Kodi Smit-McPhee. Additional highlights included the world premiere of The Sanctity of Space by Renan Ozturk and Freddie Wilkinson, which follows the directors as they traverse Denali National Park and uncover the story of pioneering photographer and cartographer Bradford Washburn; the Canadian premiere of Red Rocket by Sean Baker (The Florida Project), a luminous, seriocomic fable about America’s underclass through the eyes of a washed-up porn star in Texas; and Memoria by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, the director’s first film in English starring Tilda Swinton as an expat orchid grower in Colombia with a strange malady.

**Power of the Dog** – Jane Campion, Australia/New Zealand, 2021. In her strongest movie since The Piano, Jane Campion turns the machismo of the Western film on its head. **Benedict Cumberbatch** is the tyrannical cattle rancher at war with his own brother (Jesse Plemons) in this stark, revelatory drama.

The only animation I screened was Lamya’s Poem, the animated feature whose voice cast includes Mena Massoud (Aladdin), Millie Davis (Wonder) and Faran Tahir (Iron Man).

The film charts the story of a 12-year-old Syrian refugee who is given a book of poetry of classic 13th-century Persian poet, Rumi. As the perils of her journey mount, the book becomes a magical gateway. It was amazingly well executed.

I followed that with Disney blockbuster “Cruella” featuring the two “Emma’s” – Stone and Thompson – both outstanding if you haven’t already seen it. Reminded me of “The Devil Wears Prada.” This was not part of the VIFF lineup; but it made me ponder the notion of having watched an excellent animation that was based on a real person with historical fact followed by a movie acted out by real people that was based on animated fiction.

We hope you join us next year. In the meantime you might be able to catch “best of the fest” at https://viff.org/Online/default.asp