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Toronto Film Fest

TRIBE CALLED QUEST Documentary Opens + Toronto-Bound

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Hello Everyone.

THE TRIP did moderate business over the weekend…just enough to stick around for another week.  That said, SARAH’S KEY is still performing quite well.  In addition to these two films, we will open something new for one week only…a music documentary by actor and filmmaker Michael Rapaport.

Synopsis for BEATS, RHYMES & LIFE – THE TRAVELS OF A TRIBE CALLED QUEST: “Michael Rapaport sets out on tour with A Tribe Called Quest in 2008, when they reunited to perform sold-out concerts across the country, almost ten years after the release of their last album, The Love Movement. As he travels with the band members, Rapaport captures the story of how tenuous their relationship has become; how their personal differences and unresolved conflicts continue to be a threat to their creative cohesion. When mounting tensions erupt backstage during a show in San Francisco, we get a behind-the-scenes look at their journey and contributions as a band and what currently is at stake for these long-time friends collaborators.” (Sony Picture Classics)  Click this LINK to visit the official site.

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On Friday, September 16 at 9:30pm, come to THE NEON for PK Night Dayton, Volume 8– sponsored by AIA Dayton, a chapter of The American Institute of Architects.  Pecha Kucha Night was devised in Tokyo in 2003 as an event where people meet, network, and share their creative endeavors with a lively audience.  PK Nights are now held in hundreds of cities, including Dayton. Presenters share 20 images but with only 20 seconds per image, the timed format keeps presentations lively and concise.  Volume 8 will feature architects from around the region along with Dayton’s own Jane Black, London Coe, and Terry Welker.  The cost for this event is $5, and tickets are already available at our box office.

The 6th Annual Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival is in the final prep stages, and festival passes are currently on sale at our box office (single tickets go on sale Sept. 8).  5 visiting artists are already booked to visit the festival (all 5 are being flown in from L.A.), and our opening night party is shaping up to be something special.

To visit the official website for the festival, visit www.daytonlgbt.com.  The image above is from a French movie called TOMBOY – the film has one of the best child performances you will ever see.  Here’s the trailer:

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onYkjprd-t8′]

I leave for the Toronto International Film Festival Wednesday morning…and I can hardly wait!  If you’d like to read about the films I’m seeing, the stars I’ve sighted, and the parties I’m attending, please visit DaytonMostMetro’s site by visiting the link starting on Thursday:  http://www.daytonmostmetro.com/tag/toronto-film-fest Just a few of the films I’m terribly excited to see are SHAME (with Michael Fassbender), ALBERT NOBBS (with Glenn Close), Almodovar’s THE SKIN I LIVE IN, Cronenberg’s A DANGEROUS METHOD, a new silent film from France called THE ARTIST, and the new film from Nadine Labaki (director of CARAMEL).

Please keep the staff busy in my absence.

Take care,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Sept. 9 – September 15:

SARAH’S KEY (PG-13) 1 Hr 51 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40

Monday – Thursday:  3:00, 5:30, 8:00

BEATS, RHYMES & LIFE:

THE TRAVELS OF A TRIBE CALLED QUEST (R) 1 Hr 37 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 5:10, 9:50

Monday – Thursday: 8:15

THE TRIP (NR) 1 Hr 47 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 7:30

Monday – Thursday: 3:30, 6:00

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.  Some of these dates will change.

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Sept. 16  THE GUARD

Sept 23   HIGHER GROUND

Sept. 30   THE FUTURE

Oct. 7   RESTLESS

Oct. 7   SENNA

Nov. 4  TAKE SHELTER

Nov. 18  MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE

Nov. 25   THE SKIN I LIVE IN

TBD   THE WHISTLEBLOWER

TBD   LIFE ABOVE ALL

British Comedy THE TRIP – Opens Sept. 2 at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone.

A special thanks to all of you who came out for opening weekend for SARAH’S KEY…we had a terrific weekend.  I’ve heard back from many of you that word is spreading about getting to THE NEON to see the film.  I certainly appreciate this…as word-of-mouth is one of the most effective marketing tools for us.

SARAH’S KEY will hold over as well as ANOTHER EARTH (for one screening a day).  In addition, we will open the new British comedy THE TRIP.

Synopsis for THE TRIP:  “When Steve Coogan is asked by The Observer to tour the country’s finest restaurants, he envisions it as the perfect getaway with his beautiful girlfriend. But, when she backs out on him, he has no one to accompany him but his best friend and source of eternal aggravation, Rob Brydon. As the brilliant comic duo, freestyling with flair, drive each other mad with constant competition and showdowns of competing impressions, the ultimate odd couple realize in the end a rich amount about not only good food, but the nature of fame, relationships and their own lives.” (IFC Films)  Click HERE to be directed to THE TRIP’s official website.

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The 6th Annual Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival is in the final prep stages.  Visiting artists are booking their flights, posters and postcards are showing up all around town, and community partners are helping to spread the word.  Check out this wonderful clip from CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE …it’s an interview in which she talks about Jacqueline Kennedy visiting backstage during HELLO DOLLY.  (This particular screening is sponsored by The Human Race Theatre Company)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex8gE6YC63Q’]

The official website is now up and running!  Check out www.daytonlgbt.com to read a synopsis about each film…you’ll also find embedded trailers and links to official websites.  One special treat…The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra will give a pair of tickets away at each LGBT screening to see Lynda Carter when she’s in town!  Festival passes go on sale tomorrow at THE NEON’s box office.  $50 for all seven screenings + the Opening Night Party at Sidebar.  (Single tickets go on sale Sept. 8 for $8 each.)

Living City’s Fall Festival is officially booked.  This year?  Vampires!  From Bela Lugosi’sDRACULA (in 35mm) to Catherine Deneuve & David Bowie in THE HUNGER – the line-up is lots of fun.  More details soon…the series begins Oct. 17!

Don’t forget…Take your NEON ticket stub to our new neighbor Sa bai: Asian Cuisine & Sushi Bar – and receive 15% off your meal.

We’ve got some new great bookings below.  From Pedro Almodovar and Gus Van Sant to the much-requested SENNA.  Check out titles below.

I leave for the Toronto International Film Festival next Wednesday…and I can hardly wait!  Beginning next week, I will blog on a daily basis (right here on DaytonMostMetro.com) about the films I’m seeing, the parties I’ve attended, and the stars I’ve sighted.

See you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Sept. 2 – September 8:

SARAH’S KEY (PG-13) 1 Hr 51 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40

Monday – Thursday:  3:00, 5:30, 8:00

ANOTHER EARTH (PG-13)  1 Hr  32 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  5:10

Monday – Thursday:  5:20

THE TRIP (NR) 1 Hr 47 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 7:30, 9:50

Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 7:50

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.  Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.

Sept. 9   THE GUARD
Sept 9   THE WHISTLEBLOWER
Sept 16  BEATS, RHYMES & LIFE: A TRIBE CALLED QUEST
Sept 23   HIGHER GROUND
Sept. 30   THE FUTURE
Oct. 7   RESTLESS
Oct. 7   SENNA
Nov. 4  TAKE SHELTER
Nov. 18  MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE
Nov. 25   THE SKIN I LIVE IN
TBD   LIFE ABOVE ALL

This Week at The Neon – “Another Earth” and “Sarah’s Key”

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Hello Everyone.

We had a very slow weekend at THE NEON…so it’s time to clear the decks and move forward in a big way.  If you haven’t seen BUCK, SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN orTHE DOUBLE HOUR, you only have until Thursday to see them at THE NEON. (Click here for current showtimes.)

On Friday, we will open 2 new films – the Sundance hit ANOTHER EARTH and the adaptation of the beloved novel SARAH’S KEY.  We haven’t had a big opportunity to market SARAH’S KEY via trailer play…though we know there’s a large interest in the film.  Please help us spread the word about its opening this Friday.

Synopsis for ANOTHER EARTH:  “Rhoda Williams, a bright young woman accepted into MIT’s astrophysics program, aspires to explore the cosmos. A brilliant composer, John Burroughs, has just reached the pinnacle of his profession and is about to have a second child. On the eve of the discovery of a duplicate earth, tragedy strikes and the lives of these strangers become irrevocably intertwined.” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)  ANOTHER EARTH’s official website.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8hEwMMDtFY’]

Synopsis for SARAH’S KEY: “Julia Jarmond, an American journalist married to a Frenchman, is commissioned to write an article about the notorious Vel d’Hiv round up, which took place in Paris, in 1942. She stumbles upon a family secret which will link her forever to the destiny of a young Jewish girl, Sarah. Julia learns that the apartment she and her husband Bertrand plan to move into was acquired by Bertrand’s family when its Jewish occupants were dispossessed and deported 60 years before. She resolves to find out what happened to the former occupants: Wladyslaw and Rywka Starzynski, parents of 10-year-old Sarah and four-year-old Michel. The more Julia discovers – especially about Sarah, the only member of the Starzynski family to survive – the more she uncovers about Bertrand’s family, about France and, finally, herself.” (The Weinstein Company)  The official website for SARAH’S KEY.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AmxnNxiNWA’]

Marketing pieces for The 6th Annual Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival are well underway, and I’m quite pleased with the line-up!  In the coming days, you’ll start to see stacks of postcards popping up all over town (if you’d like to place some at your business or favorite hangout, please let me know…I have 2 different versions).

The official website is now up and running.  Check out www.daytonlgbt.com to read a synopsis about each film…you’ll also find embedded trailers and links to official websites.  One special treat…The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra will give a pair of tickets away at each LGBT screening to see Lynda Carter when she’s in town!  If you are a lover of theatre, don’t miss CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE.  If you like being in the know regarding films that make the critics’ top ten lists…you’ll certainly want to see WEEKEND (one of my favorite films of the year).

Living City’s Fall Festival is also shaping up.  This year?  Vampires!  From Bela Lugosi’sDRACULA (in 35mm) to Catherine Deneuve & David Bowie in THE HUNGER – the line-up is lots of fun.  More details soon…the series begins Oct. 17!

And here’s another treat!!!  Take your NEON ticket stub to our new neighbor Sa bai: Asian Cuisine & Sushi Bar – and receive 15% off your meal.

Take care!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for August 26 – September 1:

SARAH’S KEY (PG-13) 1 Hr 51 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40

Monday – Thursday:  3:00, 5:30, 8:00

ANOTHER EARTH (PG-13)  1 Hr  32 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40

Monday – Thursday:  3:10, 5:20, 7:50

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.  Some of these dates will change.

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Sept. 2   THE TRIP

Sept. 9   LIFE ABOVE ALL

Sept 9   THE WHISTLEBLOWER

Sept 9  BEATS AND RHYMES: A TRIBE CALLED QUEST

Sept 23   HIGHER GROUND

TBD   THE GUARD

TBD   THE FUTURE

2 New Films This Weekend at THE NEON + LGBT Film Fest Line-Up!

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Hello Everyone.

After a phenomenal 10-week run, it’s time for MIDNIGHT IN PARIS to head out.  If you still need to see it (or need to see it one more time), you can find remaining showtimes on ourwebsite.  That said, PAGE ONE: INSIDE THE NEW YORK TIMES is leaving after just one week.  Hurry down if it’s still on your list.

In addition to holding onto BUCK, we will open two new films – SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN and THE DOUBLE HOUR.

Synopsis for SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN:  “In 19th-century China, seven year old girls Snow Flower and Lily are matched as laotong – or “old sames” – bound together for eternity. Isolated by their families, they furtively communicate by taking turns writing in a secret language, nu shu, between the folds of a white silk fan.In a parallel story in present day Shanghai, the laotong’s descendants, Nina and Sophia, struggle to maintain the intimacy of their own childhood friendship in the face of demanding careers, complicated love lives, and a relentlessly evolving Shanghai. Drawing on the lessons of the past, the two modern women must understand the story of their ancestral connection, hidden from them in the folds of the antique white silk fan, or risk losing one another forever.What unfolds are two stories, generations apart, but everlasting in their universal notion of love, hope and friendship.” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)  Click HERE to be directed to SNOW FLOWER’s official website.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wlk7TsdhsY’]

Synopsis for THE DOUBLE HOUR: “Guido, a former cop, is a luckless veteran of the speed-dating scene in Turin. But, much to his surprise, he meets Slovenian immigrant Sonia, a chambermaid at a high-end hotel. The two hit it off, and a passionate romance develops. After they leave the city for a romantic getaway in the country, things suddenly take a dark turn. As Sonia’s murky past resurfaces, her reality starts to crumble. Everything in her life begins to change – questions arise and answers only arrive through a continuous twist and turn of events keeping viewers on edge until the film’s final moments.” (Samuel Goldwyn Pictures)  Click HERE to be directed to THE DOUBLE HOUR’s official website.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4loZt8-MRZw’]

Marketing pieces for The 6th Annual Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival are well underway, and I’m quite pleased with the line-up!  In the coming days, you’ll start to see stacks of postcards popping up all over town (if you’d like to place some at your business or favorite hangout, please let me know…I anticipate their arrival any day).

Here’s this year’s line-up:

Fri. Sept. 23 at 7:30 – THE GREEN – sponsored by Square One Salon & Spa

Fri. Sept. 23 postfilm – PARTY at SIDEBAR – sponsored by Lisa Hanauer & Sue Spiegel

Sat. Sept. 24 at 12:30 – GEN SILENT with THE COLONEL’S OUTING & FIRST AND LOVELISS – sponsored by Greater Dayton LGBT Center

Sat. Sept. 24 at 3:00 – TOP DRAWER SHORTS: I DON’T WANT TO GO BACK ALONE, REVOLUTION, LUST LIFE, CHANGE, THE QUEEN, and THE NOT SO SUBTLE SUBTEXT – sponsored by Miami Valley Fair Housing Center

Sat. Sept. 24 at 7:30 – TOMBOY – sponsored by PFLAG Dayton

Sat. Sept. 24 at 9:30 – GOING DOWN IN LA-LA LAND with 52 – sponsored by MJ’s Cafe, JOHN and Marion’s Piazza

Sun. Sept. 25 at 12:30 – CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE – sponsored by Human Race Theatre Company

Sun. Sept. 25 at 3:00 – WEEKEND with EMPIRE – sponsored by Ken Byers

Ticketing details, trailers, and news about visiting artists will be available soon on the festival website.  One special treat…The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra will give a pair of tickets away at each LGBT festival screening to see Lynda Carter when she’s in town!

We don’t anticipate THE DOUBLE HOUR (and maybe even SNOW FLOWER) to stick around too long…so we hope you’ll hurry down.

Take care!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for August 19 – August 25:

THE DOUBLE HOUR (NR) 1 Hr 35 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:00, 9:30

Monday – Thursday:  2:20, 8:30

SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN (PG-13) 2 Hr

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50

Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

BUCK (PG) 1 Hr 28 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 5:15, 7:20

Monday – Thursday: 4:30, 6:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.  Some of these dates will change.

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Aug 26   ANOTHER EARTH

Aug 26   THE GUARD

Sept. 2   THE TRIP

Sept. 9   LIFE ABOVE ALL

Sept 9   THE WHISTLEBLOWER

Sept 9  BEATS AND RHYMES: A TRIBE CALLED QUEST

Sept 23   HIGHER GROUND

TBD   SARAH’S KEY

TBD   THE FUTURE

LGBT Film Fest + 2 New Films This Weekend at THE NEON.

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Hello Everyone,

I had such a great time in Toronto!  Thanks for so many of your well-wishes.  I saw some really wonderful films and met some incredibly talented people.  What a blast!  Reviewing my notes from last year’s festival, I had 8 films that topped my list of favorites.  Over the past several months, we’ve managed to bring 7 of those films to THE NEON…and #8 – I KILLED MY MOTHER – screens this Friday as part of The 5th Annual Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival.  (The other 7 were A SINGLE MAN, MICMACS, I AM LOVE, BRIGHT STAR, FISH TANK, BROKEN EMBRACES, and AN EDUCATION.)  In the coming days, I’ll assemble my “Toronto Wrap-Up” – and I’ll keep you posted as to where you can read that.

The projection booth will be busy at THE NEON this weekend.  In addition to the LGBT Film Fest, we have 2 films opening – RESTREPO and WILD GRASS – as well as 2 films holding.  The schedule changes quite a bit, so make certain you look at the times listed below.  (As an FYI – this will more than likely be the final week for GET LOW.   WILD GRASS will 100% play for one week only!)

Synopsis for RESTREPO: “To make their bracingly visceral documentary Restrepo, winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, award-winning journalists Tim Hetherington (Liberia: An Uncivil War) and Sebastian Junger (the books The Perfect Storm and the upcoming War) embedded with the soldiers of Second Platoon, Battle Company, as they fought to build and maintain a remote 15-man outpost in Afghanistan’s rugged Korengal Valley named “Restrepo,” after a platoon medic who was killed in action, which was one of the most dangerous postings in the U.S. military. Hetherington and Junger avoid outside commentary and politics to present the war as it is actually lived by soldiers, through their own eyes and in their own words – their backbreaking labor, deadly firefights, boredom and camaraderie – the terrifying and exhilarating experiences they can never forget.” (taken from movieweb.com)  With the access that these soldiers had, it’s incredible that this film was even made.

Synopsis for WILD GRASS: “Alain Resnais, one of the towering figures of the French New Wave, demonstrates he still has plenty to say in this drama based on a novel by Christian Gailly. Marguerite (Sabine Azéma) is a successful dentist with a busy practice and an offbeat hobby, flying small airplanes. One day, while running errands, Marguerite loses her wallet, and it’s found by Georges (André Dussollier), a seemingly happy man with a wife, Suzanne (Anne Consigny), and two children (Vladimir Consigny and Sara Forestier). As Georges looks through the wallet and examines the photos of Marguerite, he finds he’s fascinated with her and her life, and soon his curiosity about her becomes an obsession. Georges’ attempts to integrate himself into Marguerite’s life begin to alarm her, and she hires a private security team (Mathieu Amalric and Michel Vuillermoz) to keep him away, but Georges is determined that his new love for her will not be denied. Les Herbes Folles (aka Wild Grass) received its world premiere at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.” (Mark Deming, Rovi)

The Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival starts Friday, and we still have plenty of single tickets left!  (Single tickets are just $8.00 each.)  My mantra this year: “You don’t have to be Greek to go to the Greek Festival…you just have to love music, dancing and great food!  You don’t have to be gay to go to the LGBT Film Festival…you just have to love good films.”
Check out the official website for images and trailers at www.daytonlgbt.com.  We’re flying in 4 artists from NYC and L.A. to attend this year’s festival.  Casper Andreas – director of VIOLET TENDENCIES (Saturday, Sept. 25 at 9:30), Sarah Louise Lilley – star & producer of NOTHING HAPPENED and Jessica Provenz – writer and producer of NOTHING HAPPENED (Saturday, Sept. 25 at 3:00), and Heath Daniels – writer, star and producer of GO-GO REJECT (also on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 3:00) will attend the fest.  I hope they’ll have a warm reception with an enthusiastic crowd at each screening – please help to make it happen.  We also need your help spreading the word in order to make this the best festival yet!  Below is a trailer from Saturday night’s film – A MARINE STORY.  With the Senate’s decision to turn down the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” there couldn’t be a more timely film.

Here’s more great news.  On Oct. 1, we will begin a one-week run of THE ELEPHANT IN THE LIVING ROOM.  “The Elephant in the Living Room is an award winning documentary about the controversial world of raising the deadliest and most exotic animals on earth as common household pets.  The story follows the journey of two men at the heart of the issue.  One, Tim Harrison, an Oakwood, Ohio police officer whose mission is to protect exotic animals and the public, and the other, Terry Brumfield, a big-hearted man who struggles to keep two pet African lions that he loves like his own family.
Since its premiere in Dayton, Ohio earlier this year, the movie has been playing to sold out crowds all over the country. It has been selected by no less than fifteen film festivals from New York to Chicago to Los Angeles and winning three BEST DOCUMENTARY awards, including one from  Academy Award winning director Michael Moore who called the film ‘One of the scariest, most entertaining and technically perfect documentaries.'” (taken from press notes)

Living City Film Fest is at it again!  This year, the festival will be a celebration of the career of Jeff Bridges.  Here’s the line-up:
THE BIG LEBOWSKI (sponsored by Dublin Pub) – Oct. 15, 16 at 10PM, Oct. 18 at 7PM
THE FABULOUS BAKER BOYS (sponsored by Downtown Dayton Partnership) – Oct. 25 at 7PM
THE LAST PICTURE SHOW (sponsored by Chisano Marketing) – Nov. 1 at 7PM
THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT (sponsored by Jeff Martin Florist) – Nov. 8 at 7PM
RANCHO DELUXE (sponsored by CityWide Development) – Nov. 15 at 7PM
Single tickets will be $8 each available before each show.  A festival pass (available soon) will be just $30 for all five screenings.

With all that’s going on, we hope to see you this weekend.  There’s truly something for everyone!

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for September 24 – September 30:

GET LOW (PG-13) 100 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 5:10
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

JOAN RIVERS: A PIECE OF WORK (R) 84 Minutes
Friday: 3:00, 5:10, 9:45
Saturday: 5:10
Sunday: 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 5:10, 7:30

WILD GRASS (PG) 104 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50
Monday – Thursday: 3:00

RESTREPO (R) 93 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 7:20

LGBT FILM FEST
I KILLED MY MOTHER (with FREE afterparty in Oregon Dist.) – Friday: 7:30
TOP DRAWER SHORTS (with guest artists) – Saturday: 3:00
A MARINE STORY – Saturday: 7:15
VIOLET TENDENCIES (with guest artists) – Saturday: 9:30
STONEWALL UPRISING – Sunday: 3:00
UNDERTOW – Sunday: 5:15

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.  Some of these dates will change.

Oct. 1  THE ELEPHANT IN THE LIVING ROOM
Oct. 1   MAO’S LAST DANCER
Oct. 8   IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY
Oct. 8   LEBANON
Oct. 15   NEVER LET ME GO
Oct. 15   A WOMAN, A MAN & A NOODLE SHOP
Oct. 22   YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER
Nov. 5   CAIRO TIME
Nov. 12   INSIDE JOB
Nov. 19   TAMARA DREW
Dec. 24   MADE IN DAGENHAM
TBD   ANIMAL KINGDOM
TBD   FAREWELL

Toronto – THE FILMS – Day #8

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It was a great day – My last full day of films…capped off with a couple beers with old and new friends.  I write this entry with mixed feelings.  I love Toronto and would love screening movies and running from event to event all the time, but I’m also exhausted and want to sleep in my own bed.

First off, I saw 127 HOURS – the new film from Danny Boyle (director of MILLIONS and SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE) starring James Franco.  This film about a rock climber who gets his arm trapped by a rock – and subsequently spends the next 127 hours alone with little in the way of rations – is an engaging and touching film.  Franco does an incredible job – as he is in about 98% of the film.  It might sound a bit monotonous, but in the hands of Boyle, the film is fresh, vivid and gripping.  WARNING…this film has a scene that is absolutely not for the faint of heart – some have fainted at recent screenings.

Next up, I saw THAT GIRL WITH YELLOW BOOTS – and Indian film about a mixed-race girl who is on a quest to find her never-seen father in India.  While searching, she takes up massage training and earns extra money by providing massages (often with extras) for all kinds of men.  Though well-told and well-shot, I was never entirely engaged in this film.  Some of the characters seems a bit trite & flat, and I was often disappointed in the decisions the main character made (she seemed so gutsy – yet continued to allow herself to be in bad situations).  (There was also a device used at the end that I felt was “unfair” to the audience.)  That said, the film did take unexpected turns – so I give it credit for not being predictable.

Lastly, I saw 3 (THREE) – the new film from Tom Tykwer – director of RUN LOLA RUN and PERFUME.  This new film deals with the relationship of a man and woman who have been together for several years.  Their relationship isn’t bad, it’s just that they’ve become more like siblings than lovers.  Through the course of the film, they each meet a man (the same man – though unbeknownst to the other) who awakens a part of their souls.  This film is provocative, sexy, and quite modern – albeit a bit “busy” and “cluttered” at time.  Ultimately, it was a great way to end the fest.  (Tykwer did a Q&A after the screening…and he repeatedly talked about how great audiences have been to him and his work in Toronto over the years.  He mentioned that several men walked out of the screening in Venice a few weeks ago…and that audiences in Toronto seemed much more sophisticated and engaged.  This sentiment was voiced by numerous directors over the past several days.)

Toronto – THE FILMS – Day #7 (+ sessions)

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Well I set out to see 4 films today…and I only saw 3.5.  One film had been rescheduled, and I had the incorrect time written on my itinerary for the day.  That said, I don’t like to comment on films which I didn’t screen in their entirety, so I’ll only mention the 3 films I did see.  However, I did manage to sit in & participate in a few sessions this afternoon – and they were very insightful.

First off this morning, I went and saw POTICHE – the new film from Francois Ozon…one of my favorite filmmakers of all time.  I was first introduced to Ozon by my friend and mentor Chuck Derry.  He showed me a short film called X2000 just before I scurried off to Toronto for the first time back in 2002.  At that festival, I saw 8 WOMEN…and my life was changed.  (I proceeded to screen dozens of films starring all of the 8 women from the film over the course of the next few months.)  But let’s get back to POTICHE.  Set in the 1970’s, this period piece is a comedy that’s saturated with important details (it’s like NORMA RAE meets 9 TO 5…with a dash of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER).  It references other films (Catherine Deneuve plays a woman whose father founded an umbrella factory) and has hysterical, dated music cues.  All-in-all, I felt like most of the audience wasn’t “getting” the film…but there were a handful of us who simply adored it. This has been my favorite comedy of the festival!

I then attended the latter part of a discussion among three screenwriters which was very well attended.  The screenwriter/filmmakers were John Sayles, Dustin Lance Black and Massy Tadjedin (moderated by Franklin Leonard).  It was quite insightful to hear the three talk about their craft.

After that, I went to IndieWire’s daily broadcast during the fest.  In addition to a group of folks talking about the fest and making predictions to this year’s awards’ race, they had two special guests – Derek Cianfrance & Xavier Dolan.  Though I haven’t seen BLUE VALENTINE (the film Cianfance was talking about), I had of course seen HEARTBEATS – so I was able to participate in the Q&A.

Lastly (in regards to sessions), I attended the first hour of a moderated talk with Christine Vachon – a true trailblazer for indie cinema in the past 18+ years.  She’s funny, smart and kick-ass!

Next up, I went to see Dustin Lance Black’s feature – WHAT’S WRONG WITH VIRGINIA.  (Black is the Academy Award winning screenwriter for  MILK.)  This film, starring Jennifer Connelly & Ed Harris, has had a mixed response.  The performances are great, the set design is fabulous, and story is intriguing.  The movie is about a woman who at first seems a bit “off balance”…and eventually we realize she’s mentally unstable.   That said, as much as I truly cared about the lead character, I never really got into the film.  (I will revisit this film down the road…as I was quite tired upon arrival to the theatre and I feel as though I may have missed some details.)

Lastly tonight, I saw a film from Iceland called MAMA GOGO (dir. Fridrik Thor Fridriksson).  This film is somewhat autobiographical in regards to the director.  It’s about a filmmaker and his strong relationship with his mother…as they both start to realize that something is wrong.  That something is Alzheimer’s.  Though some scenes were a bit “off,” others were gorgeous and spot-on.  The lead actress is remarkable!!

OK. It’s 2:00. Time for bed.
One more full day tomorrow. I can’t believe my time is winding down so quickly.
More soon!!
Thanks for reading.

P.S.  I had Dustin Lance Black sign a DVD copy of MILK.  We will be using this as a prize during the LGBT Film Fest!

Toronto – THE FILMS – Day #6

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After just 4 hours of sleep last night, I woke up, went across town to pick up tickets, and proceeded to see two films.  I then had to take a nap (2 nights with just 4 hours of sleep got to me).  I then woke to see one more…and so glad I got there in time.

First off, I saw a Canadian film starring Zach Braff & Isabelle Blais (from the incredible film THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS).  The films is called THE HIGH COST OF LIVING (dir. Deborah Chow).  In it, a RX, “high end” drug dealer accidentally hits a pregnant woman on the side of the street.  He flees the scene and later feels guilty – so he investigates to see if she’s OK.  Along the way, he befriends her and finds out that the baby inside her died as a result of the accident – and she will have to have stillborn birth.  The film has an interesting set-up, but there’s ultimately something wrong.  It simply didn’t work for me.  The moments of zany  behavior seemed thrown in to break the tension…and seemed out-of-place…but the overall sadness wasn’t working for me either.

Next up was a film that many people are comparing to Wes Anderson – SUBMARINE (from actor-turned-director Richard Ayoade).  However, this film is Welsh…and it’s quite fresh  – with a big heart mixed in with the left-of-center comedy.  The story is one of budding love between teenage minor-outcasts…and all the angst, humiliation and great lengths to please that come along with that – especially when you’re dealing with eccentric kids.  The movie is visually stylish with a brilliant script and some supporting parts from people I love (Sally Hawkins and Paddy Considine).  There’s certainly an audience for this film. (The director and two leads did a Q&A after this screening.  They were delightful.)

Lastly, I saw HEARTBEATS – the new film from Xavier Dolan.  Dolan’s first, Cannes-winning film is the opening night movie of the Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Fest.  (Incidentally, tickets are available.  Visit daytonlgbt.com for screening details.)  This new film follows a gay boy and his straight female friend.  They both fall for the same blonde, tossle-haired boy…and the dynamic between the two friends shifts.  With a gorgeous pallet, a great soundtrack, interesting photography, and some fun intercutting of “confessions” from people in the dating scene, this film is great. (Dolan introduced the film and held a Q&A after.)

I just got back from a party celebrating all of the queer content of this year’s festival.  John Cameron Mitchell was guest DJing, and I met up with some new friends who associated with festival.  It was a fun night, but I’m glad I’m getting to bed before 3:00.

First thing tomorrow is the new film from Francois Ozon – one of my favorite filmmakers of all time.

More soon!

Jonathan

Toronto – THE FILMS – Day #5 (+ An Old Friend)

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After getting some needed tickets early this morning, I met up for lunch with a friend – Bill Taylor.  We met in line for TALK TO HER at TIFF in 2002, and we’ve stayed in touch all these years. He’s a talented filmmaker, and we will screen one of his films – THE YOUNG PRIME MINISTER – at this year’s LGBT Film Fest (it plays with I KILLED MY MOTHER on opening night – Friday, Sept. 24).  Do you already have tickets?

In regards to screenings, I saw three films today.

First off was Susanne Bier’s IN A BETTER WORLD.  Bier is an incredible filmmaker.  The first film I saw by her was also at the 2002 festival – OPEN HEARTS.  She is also responsible for the original BROTHERS (the superior film on which the American remake was based).  IN A BETTER WORLD is quite wonderful.  The film goes back and forth from a refugee camp in Africa to a small town in Denmark…and follows two families along the way (one of the protagonists is a doctor who makes trips to aid with medicine at the camp).  There are lots of details to the plot, but the film is essentially an examination of ethics while pursuing justice.  The photography is lovely, and the performances are great.  Being that Sony Classics has picked it up, I imagine we will bring it to THE NEON.  (sorry…no subtitles on the trailer)

Next up was Julian Schnabel’s MIRAL – starring Freida Pinto (from SLUMDOG) and with smaller parts by Hiam Abbass (from LEMON TREE and THE VISITOR) and Vanessa Redgrave.  The film is the true story of an orphaned Palestinian girl growing up in the volatile Arab-Israeli War.  Though not his best work, the story is of epic scale and is a strong story.  With Schnabel as a Jew and the author of the book – Rual Jebreal (the main character of the story) – as a Palestinian, the creation of the film already nods toward peace.  The final credit states, “This film is dedicated to everyone, on both sides, who still believe peace is possible.”  This film will certainly spur discussion.

MIRAL was introduced by Schnabel, Pinto, Abbass, Jebreal and a couple other supporting actors.  Their Q&A after the film made the film have even more impact.

Lastly, I saw John Cameron Mitchell’s RABBIT HOLE – based on the Pultizer Prize-Winning play by David Lindsay-Abaire.  The film stars Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart as parents who are grieving the loss of their 4-year old boy who was hit by a car.  The film opens 8 months after the accident, and though the film is full of sadness, it has very funny moments as well.  The film is honest and beautifully photographed.  I loved it!  As an added bonus, Mitchell, Kidman and Eckhart introduced the film (and many other cast & crew were in the audience).  This was the world premiere.

In addition to stars at their screenings, I also saw Dev Patel and Harvey Weinstein today.  (And I forgot to mention in an earlier post that Josh Brolin asked me for directions the other night.)

More highly anticipated films coming soon!

Thanks for reading.

Toronto – THE FILMS – Day #4 (+ poutine)

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So I’m definitely in Canada.  I had poutine for dinner.  If you don’t know what that is, click here.

Today’s films were just OK.  I saw three movies…though only 2 of them were part of TIFF.

First off, I saw Robert Redford’s film THE CONSPIRATOR – a story about Mary Surratt (the first woman to ever be executed in the USA – having been convicted for taking part in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln).  The story is intriguing…and its themes are still quite contemporary (government wanting people to remain scared…so as to be more obedient & the need to publicly prosecute someone in order to “restore” a sense of balance after tragedy).  Though well-done in many aspects, there seemed to be something missing.  Robin Wright gives a great performance, and I’ll watch James McAvoy in just about anything.  All said and done, I think this film will be liked…but it won’t be a huge hit.

Next, I strayed from the festival and went to an “Underground Cinema” screening of the new film from Christophe Honore – MAN AT BATH (director of LOVE SONG, MA MERE, & DAN PARIS). This film about two lovers who are splitting up – but can’t stop caring about one another – is sexually charged but strained due to a weak central performance.  The performance of Francois Sagat is so off that he misses at almost every step.  In addition, the chemistry between the two main characters is almost entirely absent.  That said, the film has its moments…and every moment with Chiara Mastroianni is wonderful. (Due to nudity and language, I won’t post the trailer here – you’ll have to look it up yourself on youtube – where you’ll have to subscribe in order to prove your age.)  I think the trailer, having only seen it after the feature, makes the film look much more interesting and less tedious.

Lastly, I saw the world premiere of OUR TIME WILL COME – directed by Romain Gavras (son of Costa-Gavras).  This was Romain’s first feature film – though he has directed some famous music videos.  The film is about a red-headed boy who feels alienated and shunned by society…and how he comes to feel (with the aid of a new friend played by Vincent Cassel) that redheads need to stick together in order to rise above the oppression.  This film about outcasts (or simply feeling like outcasts), is a bit absurdist.  Whereas there are some great moments with really fresh and fun performances, the ultimate feeling I got from the film was “Huh?”  Violence in the 3rd act was upsetting and I really didn’t get the point.  The person who introduced the film said, “This is one of the ‘what the f@#k films.'”  He went on to articulate that this type of film is rare and welcomed…and nothing like pretentious arthouse films.  I disagree.  I think a film like this is even more pretentious in its “F*#! You, I don’t care if you don’t get it,  I’m an arist” attitude.  (Added note: The photography is lovely.)

I’m excited about tomorrow. I’m scheduled to see the new films from John Cameron Mitchell, Julian Schnabel, and Susanne Bier.

Take care!

Toronto – THE FILMS – Day #3 (and THE STARS (galore))

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Today was minimal in regards to number of films screened…due to circumstances beyond my control.  But the 2 films I did screen were wonderful.  (I paid $15 for a cab to get me to a screening of 127 HOURS on time…only to find out that it had been pushed back – which conflicted with my next screening.)  Alas, I only saw two films and attended one hell of a party!

First off, I saw a film that Weinstein Co. has picked up – THE KING’S SPEECH – starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Cater.  The film is fantastic!  Based on a true story of the relationship between the stammering Duke of York and his speech therapist, the title refers not only to the speeches given by the Duke (& future King)…but also to the everyday speaking voice of the protagonist.  If we manage to get it at THE NEON, it will be a hit!  The audience was applauding during the film…and certainly after.  It’s truly wonderul – with award-worthy performances all around.  The film was directed by Tom Hooper (director of DAMNED UNITED).

Later in the day, I attended Mark Romanek’s NEVER LET ME GO – based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro (Mark directed ONE HOUR PHOTO and numerous incredible music videos).  The film is a revisionist historical piece…but also science-fiction.  That said, the “science-fiction” element doesn’t contain monsters or aliens, but rather a different evolution of medicine.  The movie stars Carey Mulligan (AN EDUCATION), Andrew Garfield (IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASUS), and Keira Knightley (ATONEMENT), and it is beautifully done.  It’s a quiet film with a strong punch that is quite clearly about all of us (and with strong supporting actors, too).

Lastly, I just got home from a party sponsored by Fox Searchlight – a distributor who has been a great partner with THE NEON (responsible for SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, SIDEWAYS, YOUNG @ HEART, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, ONCE, THE WRESTLER, (500) DAYS OF SUMMER, and CRAZY HEART).  This was the star-sighting party of the year!!  Upon arrival, I grabbed a cocktail and struck up a conversation with Mark Olsen of the L.A. Times.  He’s a really nice guy, and we talked about the arthouse cinema and the decline of the young demographic.  I then chatted with Danny Boyle (director of SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE).  I told him of my admiration for many of his films (especially MILLIONS – which he said “was a dry-run for SLUMDOG”…and of our gratitude for the success of SLUMDOG.  Once again, a nice guy.  I spoke briefly with  James Franco (we talked about MILK, HOWL, and his grandmother who lives in Shaker Heights), Marion Cotillard (she’s so sweet and down-to-earth), and I had numerous people compliment me on my jacket including Mark Romanek (it really is pretty wonderful…I’d been saving it for a special occasion).  Leonard Maltin was there, a radiant Hillary Swank was there.  An adorable Carey Mulligan was there.  I got a wink from Andrew Garfield.  The adorable Justin Long was there.  The list goes on and on.  In fact, I know there were several more stars who I recognized…but simply can’t name.  It was quite a night…and I love that my bar-tab essentially only amounted to my taxi ride back to the B&B.

Off to bed.  More soon!

Toronto – THE FILMS (and Stars) – Day #2

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First off, I apologize.  I forgot the little cord that connects my camera to my computer…so I’m unable to upload photos at this time.  Keep reading, and I’ll tell you about the pics I snapped today.

It’s already late (after 1AM as I write this), so I’m going to try and keep today’s update short & sweet.

I saw 4 films today!

First off, I saw Darren Aronofsky’s BLACK SWAN – the psychological ballet thriller starring Natalie Portman.  The response to this film has been and will be mixed.  The movie is clearly made by a skilled director, but at times the high stakes, grand gestures, and over-the-top dialog cross over from melodrama into camp territory. Overall, I enjoyed the film…but it seemed more like a guilty pleasure than a film by a master filmmaker.

Next I saw Woody Allen’s latest – YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER.  Everyone’s life in this film is interrupted by their lover’s roving eye & libido.  That said, the film is actually charming – but won’t go down as one of Allen’s best films. (However, Gemma Jones is a real treat!)

Next up was a Swedish thriller – BAD FAITH (dir. Kristian Petri).  In it, a woman comes across a dying body on her way home from work – a victim of a homicide. The protagonist decides to solve the crime herself, but her sanity seems to be as much in danger as she is.  This quiet, slow film had many good qualities, but when lots of action came into the picture in the 3rd Act, I found myself less interested.

Lastly, I saw the first true highlight of the fest for me.  Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s BIUTIFUL  (Inarritu is known for 21 GRAMS, BABEL and AMORES PERROS.)  This film, starring Javier Bardem in an incredible performance, takes place in Barcelona – yet the story has such a global understanding.  Bardem is the central character, and early in the film he finds out that he has Cancer – yet he refuses to inform the people closest to him.  The story is complex and beautifully done – with great camera work and interesting sound design.  It’s a challenging film…but well-worth the 2.5 hours.  (The film is in three different languages – all with different-colored subtitles.  This allows the viewer to understand that not all characters are able to communicate with one another…a point that might escape some if only reading white, English subtitles.)

Here were 2 bonuses from today:  1)  2 seats down from me at the BAD FAITH screening was Atom Egoyan.  2) Alejandro and Javier were at the screening of BIUTIFUL…and they did a nice Q&A.  (I got pictures)

In addition, I witnessed Edward Norton being whisked into the back door of a theater…and Milla Jovovich (someone had to tell me who she was) giving fans a quick pose before ducking into the same venue.

So that’s that.  Full day tomorrow…complete with a big party.  More soon!  – Jonathan

Toronto – THE FILMS – Day #1

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It only takes me about 5 minutes while dining with a couple blokes on holiday from Australia to start using words like “bloke” and “holiday” (which was the case this morning at the Bed & Breakfast where I’m staying)…so needless to say, after 24 hours in Toronto, I feel as though I’ve quickly assimilated myself into Canadian-mode.  I’m loving it!

Though today’s films left a bit to be desired, I’ve scored tickets for the next couple days that already have me feeling better.

The first two films I saw today were from Sweden.

The first was BEHIND BLUE SKIES (dir. Hannes Holm) – a 1970’s coming-of-age story wrapped around a true incident of a major drug ring and consequent bust.  At first glance, the film seemed so honest without being nostalgic…and things suddenly took a turn when strange (and on-the-nose, schmaltzy) music choices started to interrupt the pacing.  The story follows a teenager who finds a summer job that takes him away from his miserable home-life (a volatile, alcohol-abusing father and a mother who takes the verbal (and sometimes) physical abuse).  The films was not without its merits – the period details were wonderful and the central performance was genuine. I’m glad I saw it…but I found it to have some major flaws.

Next I saw EASY MONEY (dir. Daniel Espinosa) – a film that tonally reminded me of A PROPHET.  This film tells stories of three characters who end up crossing paths in the same drug-riddled landscape that has all of them trying to make money the “easy way.”  The storytelling is well-done, the editing is (at times) interesting, the performances are strong, the photography is nice,  and my heart raced.  It’s effective.  That said, I really don’t care about drugs, violence and machismo attitudes.  Male-driven stories with deplorable characters who carry out insidiously graphic violence don’t really interest me (though they did have some redeeming qualities).  Good film.  Not for everyone.  (Below is the trailer…there aren’t subtitles, but I’m certain you’ll be able to “follow.”)

Lastly, I saw the latest from the Grand-Daddy of the French New Wave – Jean-Luc Godard.  This new experimental film – FILM SOCIALISM – strives to find meaning in our obsession with documenting everything.  With a mixture of mediums that range from ultra-saturated high definition to enormously pixillated images with oddly hued pallets, Godard gives us a full range of humanity in this film that seemed to be 3 hours long (it was only 97 minutes).  I don’t speak French, and it was an artistic decision not to subtitle the film…so I felt all the more lost for most of the film – which I’m guessing is all part of the point (other languages were also spoken…so I understood the German).  Ultimately, I think I got the message – but I certainly didn’t understand all of it.  (In addition to numerous documentary -like set-ups, there were also a number of absurdist, narrative elements.)  The point? – we’ve lost our ability to communicate because we communicate too much and in an unfocused way (insert youtube cats meowing).  That said, Goddard is known for semiotics.  I guess he’s just trying to figure it all out.  (Incidentally, the I find the trailer much more intriguing.)  Embedding the youtube video doesn’t work…so here’s a direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKeGpvrjEcQ

It’s time for a good Canadian beer before bed!

I’ll check in again tomorrow.

Jonathan

Toronto Arrival

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Hello!

After one slight delay, I made it to Toronto and have begun to map out my 1st day – which will start bright and early tomorrow.  I plan to screen 3 or 4 films –  barring no problems with my check-in (TIFF has rearranged everything geographically this year…so there will be a new learning curve).

I wanted to at least write something today because I more than likely won’t be able to write my first “reviews” until later tomorrow evening.

Check out the Toronto International Film Festival website at www.tiff.net.   And below is a trailer for a film that we’ll more than likely play at THE NEON…which I’ll be seeing in the next couple days.

Please check back in soon.

Jonathan

Toronto Prep – The Test Blog!

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Hello Everyone,

I’ve got a long list of things that need to be done before leaving for Toronto…and testing out the blog is one of them.

On Wednesday afternoon, I’ll fly out of Dayton to Toronto.  On Thursday morning, I’ll pick up my pass and start seeing movies.  I’m excited to see new films from some of my favorite filmmakers – Francois Ozon, John Cameron Mitchell, Susanne Bier, Stephen Frears, Mike Leigh, Julian Schnabel – just to name a few.  I’ll more than likely see 25+ films over the course of 8+ days.

This blog is where I’ll keep you posted, and if I can post a picture or two, I will.

I’ll catch ya soon from Canada!  Now back to laundry & packing.

Ciao,

Jonathan

P.S.  Attached are a couple pictures.  One if from last year’s premiere of A SINGLE MAN and the other is from the incredible screening of I KILLED MY MOTHER (playing this year in the Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival – www.daytonlgbt.com)