The truth is, I don’t want to let it go. The circus of paparazzi and the hubbub of celebrity stalkers lend an electric energy to Toronto that makes my heart beat just a little bit faster.
Standing in line outside Roy Thomson Hall waiting for Precious to start was like standing in the eye of the electrical storm: people were practically chanting Oprah’s name in prayer. By the time director Lee Daniels introduced her and she joined the dazzling lineup of artists already on stage, including Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige and Tyler Perry, the audience was on its feet flailing their arms as if God was about to descend from above.
I’m not going to lie: I was one of these fanatical people. When Oprah appeared, I let out the longest, most animalistic shriek I’ve ever made — something like a cross between a banshee and a fire alarm.
The movie was brilliant and heart-warming and real and sad and hopeful all at the same time, and I’m pretty sure Mo’Nique (pictured) will win an Oscar for her performance as the lead character’s abusive mother. So there you have it: TIFF simultaneously delivers solid artistry and celebrity worship.
For anyone who’s not an Oprah fan (I know you people exist, and you’re probably wondering what my medical diagnosis is right now), you might be more saddened by the end of the film festival, which closes this weekend, than Oprah’s departure. Luckily, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch some good films (and some stars) tonight and tomorrow.
Some of my picks:
- Road, Movie: Hailed as the new Cinema Paradiso and co-produced by Ross Katz, who is responsible for both In the Bedroom and Lost in Translation, this Indian movie about a boy on the road combines road tripping and coming-of-age with true grace.
- London River: Catch the incomparable Brenda Blethyn in her best performance since Mike Leigh’s Secrets and Lies as she searches the London streets for her missing daughter in the aftermath of 2005’s London bombing.
- The Unloved: Samantha Morton’s directorial debut. Not only is she a twice-nominated Oscar actress, but she has now completed a film she began storyboarding at age 16. The Unloved is based on Morton’s experiences growing up in England’s foster care system.
- The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus: Even though my firm, Heenan Blaikie, was engaged in legal work on Parnassus, I don’t feel biased touting it here since I have long been a fan of director Terry Gilliam. This film is also the final work of Heath Ledger, which he left unfinished due to his untimely death. Gilliam brought in a powerhouse trio of Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell to finish Ledger’s role, so Parnassus is worth seeing just to witness how Gilliam puts their performances together.
Leanne is an associate at Heenan Blaikie LLP. She spends her free time indulging in art, film, music and literature and swears that culture tastes better than chocolate. Her column will appear every Friday here on lawandstyle.ca.