Lights, Camera, TIFF Action !!!
From last Thursday night thru this Saturday, Hollywood—and the rest of the cinematic world, for that matter—has moved to Toronto. Has it really been a year since the last Toronto International Film Festival? Jesus, where did the time go? Is this a sign of aging on my part or is time flying for everyone?
This year, I was only able to snag myself tickets to three films—two of them are gala presentations, mind you—but despite that there so far hasn’t been any shortage of celebrity sightings.
Although I didn’t have tickets to the screening of Pedro Almodovar’s film, Volver, I was invited to the post-screening party hosted by Chanel and Sony Picture Classics. Not so coincidentally, the venue for the late night party was the two level Chanel boutique located on the chic section of T.O.’s Bloor Street. Almodovar and the flick’s lead actress, Penelope Cruz (who looked even more beautiful in person than I expected—bitch!) were in attendance—albeit ever so briefly, no more than 20 minutes I’d say, and most of it tucked away in the V.I.P. area—but there was no lack of interesting people to watch; not least of all being the charismatic and attractive bartender, Travis. That hottie was very generous with his offerings of Skyy Vodka (which my gal pal, Debs, and I were mixing with Red Bull; well, sugar free Red Bull). Any wonder I was hungover the next morning?
On Saturday night, I attended the gala screening of Sir Ridley Scott’s latest film, A Good Year, with my boyfriend. As we arrived at the theatre, the flick’s star, Russell Crowe, was across the street signing autographs and nicely demonstrating to the crowd that he may not necessarily be the asshole the media has presented him as being in recent years. And even if he was, I don’t think I’d kick him out of bed for eating crackers…or hurling a phone at me. The film itself, a romantic comedy—from the director of Alien, Blade Runner, and Gladiator??—was a little predictable but at the same time thoroughly enjoyable; a sentiment shared by the audience (even if the Hollywood Reporter’s review of the film suggested otherwise). Crowe makes for a charming leading man and the locations–fabulous London and breathtaking Provence—added to the film’s appeal for me.
Late Sunday morning, there was an unexpected—but welcome–celebrity sighting. I was returning from having brunch with a friend. As we approached the Sutton Place hotel, we noticed paparazzi and on-lookers forming into a crowd at the back of the building. We decided to investigate and five minutes later, the mystery was solved. A playful and well-dressed Brad Pitt appeared in the doorway, smiled and waved to everyone before hopping into his limo/SUV. Another yummy actor to briefly feast the eyes on!
I have one final film gala to attend. It happens tomorrow night and is Anthony Minghella’s latest, Breaking and Entering. The film stars Juliette Binoche (who won an Oscar for her role in Minghella’s The English Patient) and oh so dreamy Jude Law (who was nominated for one for his role in Minghella’s The Talented Mr. Ripley). I believe Jude is in town for TIFF and if that’s the case he’ll for sure be at the gala, which is something I definitely look forward to.
Russell Crowe, Brad Pitt, Jude Law. Not a bad week, I’d say.
Cheers!
S.R.
