Every September thousands of people ascend on the lovely Canadian city of Toronto for the Toronto International Film Festival. The festival is considered to be one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world with over 200 films screened each year.
This is my first trip to the festival and so far I am overwhelmed by its size and quality. At every turn people are lining for hours to catch the next ‘best’ movie. While standing in these lines myself, I am meeting people from every corner of the world, who all share a love of movies and are not afraid to express passionate opinions to strangers.
After one day of festival-ing I have already seen two movies, spotted 6 celebrities and eaten the most amazing burrito.
The first film I caught was Rust and Bone starring Marion Cotillard. Rust and Bone is Jacques Audiard’s follow up to the much acclaimed A Prophet, and tells the story of Ali (Matthias Schoenaerts) and Stephanie (Cotillard) who form an unlikely bond in trying times. The film is beautifully shot and acted with superb subtlety, although this doesn't mean it is an easy film to watch. Dealing with the pain and disappointment that life can throw at you, I was constantly fearing the unknown for these characters. This film left me in awe of the human spirt and once again in owe of french cinema.
First thing on my schedule tomorrow is a screening of Silver Linings Playbook, starring the ever-so-handsome Bradley Cooper. The film is about a man getting his life together after spending time in a psychiatric hospital for bipolar disorder. Although it may not sound like it, it’s a comedy and I can’t wait.
