The Rampart scandal, which caused a huge black eye for the LAPD in the ’90s, has been sensationalized on TV shows like The Shield and movies like Training Day, but if The Messenger showed us anything it’s that Oren Moverman is not interested in embellishing anything in his films, so his latest, Rampart, should be no exception. For the film he reteams with The Messenger star Woody Harrelson who plays a corrupt LAPD cop who must come to terms that with the scandal the fun is now over. And if having Moverman and Harrelson making a film together again isn’t […]
by Jason Guerrasio on Sep 10, 2011After building a career as one of the wackiest comedians of the ’80s, Bobcat Goldthwait has spent the last decade redefining himself as a director making awkward satires like Sleeping Dogs Lie and World’s Greatest Dad while directing episodes of Chappelle’s Show. For God Bless America, his latest feature directing effort executive produced by Richard Kelly, Goldthwait looks at our obsession with Reality TV. Screening in TIFF’s Midnight Madness section, a 45-year-old man (Joel Murray) and a teenage girl (Tara Lynne Barr) go on a Bonnie and Clyde-esque rampage after the country unites in the ridicule of a simpleminded contestant […]
by Jason Guerrasio on Sep 9, 2011In this video TIFF co-director Cameron Bailey gives his movie picks. Go to the TIFF site for more daily picks.
by Jason Guerrasio on Sep 9, 2011For Oscar-winning filmmaker Jessica Yu’s latest film, Last Call at the Oasis, she looks at the frightening realities of the current global water crisis. Produced through the social issue giants Participant Media, Yu’s film has the makings of a must-see like An Inconvenient Truth and Food, Inc. Filmmaker: Tell us a little about what your film is about? Yu: Last Call at the Oasis is about the water crisis, which is global and urgent, yet largely hidden here in the U.S. The film tells stories of people who are on the front lines in dealing with water shortage or contamination, […]
by Jason Guerrasio on Sep 7, 2011With the festival already upon us we probably don’t have to tell you that your chances to get tickets to this year’s TIFF are slim. But there’s no hurt in trying. In this video below, the folks at TIFF explain the easy ways you can purchase single tickets (which at this point are your best bet). And here’s an interactive festival ticket guide.
by Jason Guerrasio on Sep 7, 2011If you’re heading to TIFF in the hopes to partake in some star sightings but have no clue where the hot spots are in Toronto, here’s a top 10 list that will point you in the right direction. And check out indieWIRE’s annual Insider’s Guide for the best places to eat, drink and shop while in Toronto.
by Jason Guerrasio on Sep 7, 2011Last year Mark and Jay Duplass ventured into the world of studio filmmaking when they made the dramedy Cyrus for Fox Searchlight. At this year’s TIFF the Duplass brothers and Searchlight will premiere their next effort, Jeff, Who Lives at Home, starring Jason Segel, Ed Helms and Susan Sarandon. Filmmaker: Tell us a little about what your film is about? Duplass Bros: It’s about a 30 year-old guy named Jeff (Jason Segel) who believes, heavily, in fate. He bides his time in his mom’s basement, eagerly awaiting the day that the universe will deliver his destiny upon him. When his […]
by Jason Guerrasio on Sep 7, 2011A few weeks ago we learned about Focus Features’ new VOD arm, Focus World, well today Deadline broke the story that at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (which begins Thursday) The Weinstein Company will go full steam ahead on their own VOD label. The Weinstein Company has also confirmed that Magnolia Pictures’ SVP and Head of Acquisitions, Tom Quinn, will come over to head the label along with Magnolia’s head of legal and business affairs, Jason Janego. The two had been instrumental in Magnolia’s day-and-date platform. Quinn and Janego will be at TIFF scouting titles for the Weinsteins’ as […]
by Jason Guerrasio on Sep 7, 2011Kevin Smith continues his maverick release strategy of his latest film Red State by announcing today that he’ll be screening a one-night only nationwide simulcast of the film on Sept. 25. at Quentin Tarantino’s New Beverly Cinema in L.A. The film will screen at select theaters nationwide through a unique partnership with Ira Deutchman‘s Emerging Pictures theater network, including the post screening Q&A with Smith which will be digitally streamed live from the New Beverly into all of the participating theaters, allowing audience members to interact directly with Smith utilizing Twitter. Red State had its VOD premiere yesterday after grossing […]
by Jason Guerrasio on Sep 2, 2011Now on our VOD calendar are titles available for the month of September. Some highlights: You’ve heard about Kevin Smith putting together an auction at Sundance for his latest film, Red State, only to buy it himself and go on a self-distributed nation-wide theatrical roadshow. Well, now you can see what all the fuss is about as it premieres on VOD today. There’s also Richard Press‘ doc Bill Cunningham New York on the iconic New York Times photographer; Andrew Haigh‘s fest favorite, Weekend; and Cameron Crowe‘s doc Pearl Jam Twenty, which gives a candid look at the legendary band. For […]
by Jason Guerrasio on Sep 1, 2011