My TIFF Experience-Part 1: The Films

Physically sore and tired, but exhilarating and inspired all at the same time. That is how I would describe my   TIFF –AKA -The Toronto International Film Festival experience as a volunteer! 

 I got to the city a day before the festival actually started for a training session. I was already physically sore from lugging a big suitcase around where the handle to pull it was broken, so I couldn't even use the wheels on it to pull it around, so imagine little me with a big red suitcase and other bags. Yes I got looks a plenty. At the training session every other volunteer around me (all different types of personalities and backgrounds) was nervous and excited as well, but those in charge assured us that things will be great and at best organized chaos.  Organized chaos indeed, it was that at the best of times!

The buzz of the city during TIFF is unlike anything I’ve experienced here before.

I had two positions as a volunteer. One was at a particular theatre, where I helped with line/crowd control and organization, ushering, ripping tickets and answering tons and tons of various questions such as, “When does the 7pm showing of [insert film] start?” My response, “The 7pm showing of [insert film] is scheduled to start on time at 7pm.”

You may be laughing, but for those of you who have done any retail or costumer service type jobs know that these types of questions (and we may be guilty of them ourselves) come up.

My second position as a volunteer is called an ACE position. That is where you show up to the Bell Lightbox (festival headquarters) at the start of your shift, some waiting may happen, and then get told to which venue to go to that needs extra help. This is where a lot my excitement and brush with Hollywood happened. More on that later!

My first shift was not until day two of the festival so on day one I wanted to see a film. Before I left for the festival I already had a list of movies and times they were playing. So on day one I knew that Joe Wright’s adaptation of Anna Karenina was playing. What I didn’t know was that it was a press screening, so my poor sister was not able to see it with me since I was allowed to use one of my volunteer vouchers for this. So I ditched my sister and waited in line for almost two hours to “rush” the film.

P.S. to “rush” a film means to wait in line before and hope for no shows/extra seats go on sale about ten minutes before the film. This doesn’t always happen with every film and not everyone in the “rush” line gets in at times. I rushed most of the films I did see. 

It was odd being in a press screening with critics and other media types. They are all pretty much on their phones and even laptops to the last minute. Talking about the films they are going to see, have seen or their deadlines for writing their reviews, etc. There are no commercials or previews. The movie just starts.

Anna Karenina

Directed by: Joe Wright

Visually stunning (as if you couldn’t tell from the trailer alone) from the staging, cinematography, costumes, choreography, etc, and a bold attempt to do something different with a classic novel that has been adapted many times before and not make it feel like another costume drama. This is exemplified by setting the film on an old theatrical stage, as if the Russian Aristocracy is living their lives as actors.  The chemistry between Keira Knightley (Anna) and Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Count Vronsky) is hot! Beautifully seen in an elaborate dance sequence that’s a metaphor for the two falling in love. The one complaint I and many other critics have is that these two characters feel too high-schoolish and melodramatic at times.  Knightley, although not terrible in the film, due to her history with period pieces, her performance doesn't feel like anything new.  Many also noted that the spirit of  Leo Tolstoy’s story got a little lost in the visual spectacle, partially understandable due to the length and density of Tolstoy’s novel. There is also a great supporting cast and subplot that is equally captivating. I also have to say that Jude Law as Alexei Karenin is one of his best performances of late and a supporting actor nomination this award season could follow.

One other recommendation! This is a must see on the big screen!

Camp 14: Total Control Zone

Directed by: Marc Wiese

One of the amazing aspects of a film festival is the smaller and lesser known films that may never see the light of day after the festival. I was lucky to watch a documentary that I would recommend to anyone who wants to know more about the world around them, in particular what is or has happened in North Korea.

This is the story of 29 year old Shin Dong-huyk who was born and raised in a North Korean labour camp and his escape in 2004 when was 20. His biological mother was a “reward” to his biological father for good conduct in the prison. I use “biological” since they were not an actual family unit. I don't want to say too much about his story and this documentary, but if you come across it, PLEASE watch. 

Warning! This film deals with graphic and heavy subject matter and some footage. So this film may not be for everyone.

Great Expectations

Directed by: Mike Newell

Yes another costume drama and adaptation of a classic novel. I can’t help it, I love them!

I didn’t know much about the film itself, outside of a general knowledge of Charles Dickens novel. I and my good friend were very surprised with how much we enjoyed this film.  She’s a little biased since she has a crush on Jeremy Irvine who plays Pip. (Don’t hate me Shannon!) All kidding aside this is another beautifully made film (same director as Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Prince of Persia, Four Weddings and a Funeral and more)  and solid acting from a who’s who of British actors that includes Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter. As well as Holliday Grainger (The Borgias, Bad Mothers Handbook, Bel Ami) as the cold hearted Estella who is loved by Pip.

I knew that I had a minor issue with this film and it took talking about it with my friend afterwards to finally put my (or our) finger on it. It has to do with the characterization of Miss. Havisham. Helena Bonham Carter is a talented actress, but at times the portrayal of Miss. Havisham came off more comedic and almost sympathetic. I’m not sure if this a result of her acting, direction, the writing or all of that combined, but there were times when her lines made the audience laugh, and we are not suppose to laugh at her. She is one of bad ones. She is manipulative, decrepit, bitter and overall pathetic. She is the one that trains and uses Estella to “wreak revenge on mankind” for the betrayal she suffered years before on her wedding day. She does nothing redeeming or believes any wrong has been done by her. It is still a great adaptation overall and I recommend it. 

Ginger and Rosa

Directed by: Sally Potter

In every film festival there is at least one "coming of age" genre film. That little indy about the pains of being a teenager, or twenty-something and discovering who you are, and they can be done well. This year The Perks of Being A Wallflower is generating great buzz (as well as being based on a best selling book with a large fan base). I didn't get a chance to see that, but will check it out when it comes out in theatre in a matter of weeks. 

Add my love of all things British (or UK for that matter) and set it in 1960's London, I was more than willing to see this film when my friend scored tickets.  This film is about two best friends  (essentially from birth)  and the crumbling of the relationship, due to betrayal and reaction/fears of the Cold War and the pending A-bomb.  Despite good performances, lovely cinematography, a soundtrack reflecting the epic decade,  I was more in the so-so category at the end. The story did attempt not to be that typical "coming of age" film, but at the end fell into some stereotypes when it came to the characterization and justifying some of their actions. Elle Fanning's attempt at an English accent is a little distracting as well.  I don't regret seeing this film and it would not be a waste of two hours watching it. 

Of course I would have loved to have seen more films, and I did try to rush The Master twice with no luck.  I'm happy with the ones I did see and tt seemed to have been a solid year for films this year. 

For those interested, here is a link to a list of the winners (chosen by a public vote). http://tiff.net/thefestival/festivalawards

And a recap from one hard to please critic.  http://collider.com/tiff-2012-recap/195759/

Stay tuned for part two of my TIFF experience: The stars!