Movie Box Review

Image from Les Espions, Photo Credit: Kobal

The Wages of Fear: The Films of Henri-Georges Clouzot at TIFF Bell Lightbox has been running at TIFF Bell Lightbox since October 13, 2011 and is heading into it's final hurrah with spy drama Les Espions playing this Thursday November 24, 2011 and then documentary L' Enfer d'Henri-Georges Clouzot on Tuesday November 29, 2011. It's perfectly fitting to have L' Enfer d'Henri-Georges Clouzot close out the program as it documents the unfinished film Inferno beautifully, as well as honours the life and work of Clouzot himself.

Les Espions
Dir: Henri-Georges Clouzot (The Raven / Le Corbeau, The Mystery of Picasso / Le Mystère Picasso)
Cast: Curd Jürgens, Peter Ustinov, O.E. Hasse
France/Italy, 1957

Les Espions follows a doctor with few patients who is practicing almost off the grid with little prospects, who is presented with a seemingly too good to be true offer which would result in the ability to turn a great corner if he agrees to look the other way. It's amazing how moments and choices that seem so simple can have such ricochet effect to a multitude of unseen possibilities. I really enjoyed the omnipresent tone of the unknown in Les Espions, the stark contrast of clarity and doubt, how things even when are presented clearly and be delightfully dark and mischievous. I found it highly entertaining to watch the constant battle between siding for the underdog and shaking my fist that things were unjust and than bouncing over to the camp f watching the train wreck that was agreed to all go to hell. It was a wild experience to ebb and flow between the two sides, all the while being intrigued in the actual story line, character dilemma and mysterious abound. A truly engaging, and intelligent film.

Les Espions screens on Thursday November 24, 2011 at 6:30 PM. See more information on the retrospective here or buy tickets here.


Image from L'enfer d'Henri-Georges Clouzot, Photo Credit: FRL

L'enfer d'Henri-Georges Clouzot / Inferno
Dir: Serge Bromberg & Ruxandra Medrea - feature film directorial debuts
Documentary / edited from Henri-Georges Clouzot 1964 unfinished film L'enfer
France, 2010

L' Enfer d'Henri-Georges Clouzot was truly the film I was most looking forward to of the films included in the Henri-Georges Clouzot retrospective, which feels a little strange as technically it's not his film. It's a documentary about hist 1964 unfinished film L'enfer, with interview of people who worked on the film piece the story of it's almost creation together, readings of the script by actors and a fair amount of footage from the film and a huge amount of experimental footage and tests that were done to contribute to the madness of jealousy of a character in the film. I could literally just have watched the experimental footage as it was so beautiful and bizarre, playing with principles of design and an opt art slant it was a wealth or artistic glory. I did also love the film and hearing the story behind the film, and it's a tragic tale that a vision that so unique and wonderous and had a huge amount of resources behind it never saw the light of day. Until now, where we do get to experience beautiful moments of intense emotion through daring and gorgeous visuals. It's amazing to see the journey and even though it didn't end well I admired and was inspired by the persistence of Clouzot's artistic vision. Overall, a beautiful and honouring film.

L' Enfer d'Henri-Georges Clouzot screens on Tuesday November 29, 2011 at 8:45 PM. See more information on the retrospective here or buy tickets here.

The Wages of Fear: The Films of Henri-Georges Clouzot at TIFF Bell Lightbox remaining screenings:

• Les Espions on Thursday November 24, 2011 at 6:30 PM


• L' Enfer d'Henri-Georges Clouzot on Tuesday November 29, 2011 at 8:45 PM

The Wages of Fear: The Cinema of Henri-Georges Clouzot retrospectve runs from October 13 to November 29, 2011 at TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Image from Les Espions, Photo Credit: Kobal

The Wages of Fear: The Films of Henri-Georges Clouzot at TIFF Bell Lightbox has been running at TIFF Bell Lightbox since October 13, 2011 and is heading into it's final hurrah with spy drama Les Espions playing this Thursday November 24, 2011 and then documentary L' Enfer d'Henri-Georges Clouzot on Tuesday November 29, 2011. It's perfectly fitting to have L' Enfer d'Henri-Georges Clouzot close out the program as it documents the unfinished film Inferno beautifully, as well as honours the life and work of Clouzot himself.

Les Espions
Dir: Henri-Georges Clouzot (The Raven / Le Corbeau, The Mystery of Picasso / Le Mystère Picasso)
Cast: Curd Jürgens, Peter Ustinov, O.E. Hasse
France/Italy, 1957

Les Espions follows a doctor with few patients who is practicing almost off the grid with little prospects, who is presented with a seemingly too good to be true offer which would result in the ability to turn a great corner if he agrees to look the other way. It's amazing how moments and choices that seem so simple can have such ricochet effect to a multitude of unseen possibilities. I really enjoyed the omnipresent tone of the unknown in Les Espions, the stark contrast of clarity and doubt, how things even when are presented clearly and be delightfully dark and mischievous. I found it highly entertaining to watch the constant battle between siding for the underdog and shaking my fist that things were unjust and than bouncing over to the camp f watching the train wreck that was agreed to all go to hell. It was a wild experience to ebb and flow between the two sides, all the while being intrigued in the actual story line, character dilemma and mysterious abound. A truly engaging, and intelligent film.

Les Espions screens on Thursday November 24, 2011 at 6:30 PM. See more information on the retrospective here or buy tickets here.


Image from L'enfer d'Henri-Georges Clouzot, Photo Credit: FRL

L'enfer d'Henri-Georges Clouzot / Inferno
Dir: Serge Bromberg & Ruxandra Medrea - feature film directorial debuts
Documentary / edited from Henri-Georges Clouzot 1964 unfinished film L'enfer
France, 2010

L' Enfer d'Henri-Georges Clouzot was truly the film I was most looking forward to of the films included in the Henri-Georges Clouzot retrospective, which feels a little strange as technically it's not his film. It's a documentary about hist 1964 unfinished film L'enfer, with interview of people who worked on the film piece the story of it's almost creation together, readings of the script by actors and a fair amount of footage from the film and a huge amount of experimental footage and tests that were done to contribute to the madness of jealousy of a character in the film. I could literally just have watched the experimental footage as it was so beautiful and bizarre, playing with principles of design and an opt art slant it was a wealth or artistic glory. I did also love the film and hearing the story behind the film, and it's a tragic tale that a vision that so unique and wonderous and had a huge amount of resources behind it never saw the light of day. Until now, where we do get to experience beautiful moments of intense emotion through daring and gorgeous visuals. It's amazing to see the journey and even though it didn't end well I admired and was inspired by the persistence of Clouzot's artistic vision. Overall, a beautiful and honouring film.

L' Enfer d'Henri-Georges Clouzot screens on Tuesday November 29, 2011 at 8:45 PM. See more information on the retrospective here or buy tickets here.

The Wages of Fear: The Films of Henri-Georges Clouzot at TIFF Bell Lightbox remaining screenings:

• Les Espions on Thursday November 24, 2011 at 6:30 PM


• L' Enfer d'Henri-Georges Clouzot on Tuesday November 29, 2011 at 8:45 PM

The Wages of Fear: The Cinema of Henri-Georges Clouzot retrospectve runs from October 13 to November 29, 2011 at TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Image from The Wages of War, Photo Credit: Janus

I first heard of Henri-Georges Clouzot when L' Enfer d'Henri-Georges Clouzot had a limited theatrical release back in February 2010, and two of my colleagues that I have close alignment in tastes with went out of their way to recommend the film to me with an enthusiasm I can still feel in my bones today. I sadly missed it at the time, but I'm thrilled to see that it's playing during The Wages of Fear: The Films of Henri-Georges Clouzot, a retrospective at TIFF Lightbox that is showcasing over 10 of Henri-Georges Clouzot's films along with the documentary L' Enfer d'Henri-Georges Clouzot from now until the end of November. Delving deep into the dark side of human nature and gorgeous imagery are contrasting themes that instantly pop out at me from viewing Le Corbeau and Le Mystère Picasso (see reviews below). I find it amazing to see such beauty contrasted with the bleakness, the air of art the power of vision is so intriguing and I, and I'm sure many others, will hunger for more. Good thing we have lots to choose from!


Photo from: Le Corbeau, Image Credit: FRL

The Raven / Le Corbeau
Dir: Henri-Georges Clouzot
Cast: Pierre Fresnay, Ginette Leclerc, Micheline Francey, Héléna Manson, Liliane Maigné, Pierre Larquey
France, 1943

I have to love The Raven / Le Corbeau, just for the sheer fact it brought the term 'poison-pen' into my vocabulary. The film is set in a small town where a series of these 'poison-pen' letters turn the townsfolk against each other as it reveals their secrets and/or tells lies and cast doubt on everyone's intentions and actions. The poison-pen quickly transfers to poison-lips and pointing fingers as anyone and everyone becomes a suspect as often as a target. When all the dirty laundry gets laid out, no amount of scrubbing can get anyone clean. The doubt and suspicion cloud the judgment of all as the harshness and fear festers and spread like wildfire. I think every time the camera pointed on a different character I thought "It must be them!", then it would change to someone else, and someone else and someone else until I didn't even remember who the first person was. An amazing study of human nature, paranoia in a deep dark setting that is unnervingly accessible. The beautiful blend of grit and suave paired with a great mystery makes it a joy to watch even if it follows the darkest of intentions. The Raven / Le Corbeau is absolutely stunning and I highly recommend it.

Le Corbeau plays on Tuesday November 1, 2011 at 9:00 PM at TIFF Lightbox in Toronto. See more information on the retrospective here or buy tickets here.


Images Credit: FRL

The Mystery of Picasso / Le Mystère Picasso
Dir: Henri-Georges Clouzot
Documentary
France, 1956

Wow. The Mystery of Picasso / Le Mystère Picasso is amazing. This film actually allows us to see art created by the one and only Pablo Picasso. By actual hand stroke, to the images simply appearing in real time to time-lapsed multimedia works that condense hours into minutes, and all set to music set to the tone of the work be it jaunty and lively to melancholy to festive. It leads by proposing an interesting point of view on art, that it can be understand by seeing it being created. I was taken aback by that statement, not knowing going in whether or not I agreed with it but I will concede I did feel like I understood the art, and the artist, more after seeing these works of art created. I'm a lover of process, from art to theatre to life itself and being able to see such a master of art in his process was a wonderous and beautiful thing. It also surprizingly had a beautiful sense of humour, with the interplay between artist and director and also to see Picasso reflect on his work as it seems that even at that level you aren't always happy with the end result. For artists & art lovers alike The Mystery of Picasso / Le Mystère Picasso is a must-see film. A rare treat.

Le Mystère Picasso plays on Sunday October 16, 2011 at 4 PM and Tuesday October 25, 2011 at 8:45 PM at TIFF Lightbox in Toronto. See more information on the retrospective here or buy tickets here.

Below is a listing of all the films showing as a part of the retrospective. Check back in November for more reviews for the retrospective including Les Espions and L’Enfer d’Herni-Georges Clouzot.

The Wages of Fear: The Films of Henri-Georges Clouzot at TIFF Bell Lightbox showings:

• The Wages of Fear (new full-length print) on Thursday October 13, 2011 at 6:30 PM, Sunday October 16, 2011 at 6:30 PM, Tuesday October 18, 2011 at 8:45 PM and Wednesday October 19, 2011 at 9:30 PM
• Quai des Orfèvres on Friday October 14, 2011 at 6:30 PM
• The Murderer Lives at 21, preceded by La Terreur de Batignolles on Saturday October 15, 2011 at 8:00 PM
• Le Mystère Picasso on Sunday October 16, 2011 at 4 PM and Tuesday October 25, 2011 at 8:45 PM
• Manon on Thursday October 27, 2011 at 9:00 PM
• Le Corbeau on Tuesday November 1, 2011 at 9:00 PM
• Miquette et sa mère on Tuesday November 8, 2011 at 9:15 PM
• La Prisonnière on Thursday November 10, 2011 at 6:30 PM
• La Vérité on Tuesday November 15, 2011 8:45 PM
• Diabolique on Thursday November 17, 2011 at 6:30 PM and Tuesday November 22, 2011 at 6:30 PM
• Les Espions on Thursday November 24, 2011 at 6:30 PM
• L' Enfer d'Henri-Georges Clouzot on Tuesday November 29, 2011 at 8:45 PM

The Wages of Fear: The Cinema of Henri-Georges Clouzot retrospectve runs from October 13 – November 29, 2011 at TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Image from The Wages of War, Photo Credit: Janus

I first heard of Henri-Georges Clouzot when L' Enfer d'Henri-Georges Clouzot had a limited theatrical release back in February 2010, and two of my colleagues that I have close alignment in tastes with went out of their way to recommend the film to me with an enthusiasm I can still feel in my bones today. I sadly missed it at the time, but I'm thrilled to see that it's playing during The Wages of Fear: The Films of Henri-Georges Clouzot, a retrospective at TIFF Lightbox that is showcasing over 10 of Henri-Georges Clouzot's films along with the documentary L' Enfer d'Henri-Georges Clouzot from now until the end of November. Delving deep into the dark side of human nature and gorgeous imagery are contrasting themes that instantly pop out at me from viewing Le Corbeau and Le Mystère Picasso (see reviews below). I find it amazing to see such beauty contrasted with the bleakness, the air of art the power of vision is so intriguing and I, and I'm sure many others, will hunger for more. Good thing we have lots to choose from!


Photo from: Le Corbeau, Image Credit: FRL

The Raven / Le Corbeau
Dir: Henri-Georges Clouzot
Cast: Pierre Fresnay, Ginette Leclerc, Micheline Francey, Héléna Manson, Liliane Maigné, Pierre Larquey
France, 1943

I have to love The Raven / Le Corbeau, just for the sheer fact it brought the term 'poison-pen' into my vocabulary. The film is set in a small town where a series of these 'poison-pen' letters turn the townsfolk against each other as it reveals their secrets and/or tells lies and cast doubt on everyone's intentions and actions. The poison-pen quickly transfers to poison-lips and pointing fingers as anyone and everyone becomes a suspect as often as a target. When all the dirty laundry gets laid out, no amount of scrubbing can get anyone clean. The doubt and suspicion cloud the judgment of all as the harshness and fear festers and spread like wildfire. I think every time the camera pointed on a different character I thought "It must be them!", then it would change to someone else, and someone else and someone else until I didn't even remember who the first person was. An amazing study of human nature, paranoia in a deep dark setting that is unnervingly accessible. The beautiful blend of grit and suave paired with a great mystery makes it a joy to watch even if it follows the darkest of intentions. The Raven / Le Corbeau is absolutely stunning and I highly recommend it.

Le Corbeau plays on Tuesday November 1, 2011 at 9:00 PM at TIFF Lightbox in Toronto. See more information on the retrospective here or buy tickets here.


Images Credit: FRL

The Mystery of Picasso / Le Mystère Picasso
Dir: Henri-Georges Clouzot
Documentary
France, 1956

Wow. The Mystery of Picasso / Le Mystère Picasso is amazing. This film actually allows us to see art created by the one and only Pablo Picasso. By actual hand stroke, to the images simply appearing in real time to time-lapsed multimedia works that condense hours into minutes, and all set to music set to the tone of the work be it jaunty and lively to melancholy to festive. It leads by proposing an interesting point of view on art, that it can be understand by seeing it being created. I was taken aback by that statement, not knowing going in whether or not I agreed with it but I will concede I did feel like I understood the art, and the artist, more after seeing these works of art created. I'm a lover of process, from art to theatre to life itself and being able to see such a master of art in his process was a wonderous and beautiful thing. It also surprizingly had a beautiful sense of humour, with the interplay between artist and director and also to see Picasso reflect on his work as it seems that even at that level you aren't always happy with the end result. For artists & art lovers alike The Mystery of Picasso / Le Mystère Picasso is a must-see film. A rare treat.

Le Mystère Picasso plays on Sunday October 16, 2011 at 4 PM and Tuesday October 25, 2011 at 8:45 PM at TIFF Lightbox in Toronto. See more information on the retrospective here or buy tickets here.

Below is a listing of all the films showing as a part of the retrospective. Check back in November for more reviews for the retrospective including Les Espions and L’Enfer d’Herni-Georges Clouzot.

The Wages of Fear: The Films of Henri-Georges Clouzot at TIFF Bell Lightbox showings:

• The Wages of Fear (new full-length print) on Thursday October 13, 2011 at 6:30 PM, Sunday October 16, 2011 at 6:30 PM, Tuesday October 18, 2011 at 8:45 PM and Wednesday October 19, 2011 at 9:30 PM
• Quai des Orfèvres on Friday October 14, 2011 at 6:30 PM
• The Murderer Lives at 21, preceded by La Terreur de Batignolles on Saturday October 15, 2011 at 8:00 PM
• Le Mystère Picasso on Sunday October 16, 2011 at 4 PM and Tuesday October 25, 2011 at 8:45 PM
• Manon on Thursday October 27, 2011 at 9:00 PM
• Le Corbeau on Tuesday November 1, 2011 at 9:00 PM
• Miquette et sa mère on Tuesday November 8, 2011 at 9:15 PM
• La Prisonnière on Thursday November 10, 2011 at 6:30 PM
• La Vérité on Tuesday November 15, 2011 8:45 PM
• Diabolique on Thursday November 17, 2011 at 6:30 PM and Tuesday November 22, 2011 at 6:30 PM
• Les Espions on Thursday November 24, 2011 at 6:30 PM
• L' Enfer d'Henri-Georges Clouzot on Tuesday November 29, 2011 at 8:45 PM

The Wages of Fear: The Cinema of Henri-Georges Clouzot retrospectve runs from October 13 – November 29, 2011 at TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Photo: Anthony Quinn & Giulietta Masina in La Strada (Photo Credit: Janus)

Fellini/ Felliniesque - Fellini "Dream" Double Bills
A delicious summer feature arrives at TIFF Bell Lightbox with Fellini/ Felliniesque - Fellini "Dream" Double Bills. As fascinating concept of double bills hand picked by the internationally recognized film directors, programmers and industry movers and shakers who put together dream double bills of a Fellini + non-Fellini-yet-Fellinieque film. It's a beautiful set of films to dive deeper in to the not only the world of Fellini but also the inspiring effect he's had on the world. We have a great selection of Fellini and non-Fellini films to enjoy, and I love how La Strada is in there twice, one time with Isabella Rossellini pick of Charles Chaplin’s Limelight and also with Miranda July's pick of Jane Campion's An Angel at My Table. I also love Apichatpong Weerasethakul's selection of Fellini’s Roma with Terry Gilliam’s Brazil. Let's take a closer look and a few of the selected double bills.

Dream Double Bill: Federico Fellini’s Toby Dammit and Dario Argento’s Suspiria
Selected by James Schamus


Toby Dammit (Photo credit: TIFF Film Reference Library) and Suspiria (Photo credit: Fotofest)

Toby Dammit
Dir: Federico Fellini
Cast: Terence Stamp
France/Italy, 1968

Moments into Toby Dammit I could see exactly why it has been paired with Suspiria. Shockingly bright and hot colour palette, sets that manage to feel brilliant and minimalist even though lesser hands it could have come off like a kids play. The short follows Toby Dammit (Terence Stamp), a too-soonly washed up star who arrives to attend an awards show, although he's not really interested in anything or anyone. Rampant, raging and ready to roar he's a handful from the get go. Like several films of Fellini's that explore celebrity and expectation of excellence, we travel the road of destruction with Toby Dammit during that darkness of an empty creative well. Loud, brash and very entertaining. Toby Dammit is a part of Spirits of the Dead, a collection of short films adapted from Edgar Allan Poe short story.

Suspiria
Dir: Dario Argento (Inferno, Mother of Tears, Giallo)
Cast: Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Flavio Bucci, Udo Kier, Alida Valli,
Italy, 1977

Ah, Suspiria. I love Suspiria, because it's a film that knows exactly what it's doing. As far as supernatural horror goes, it knows all the right marks to hit and even 30 years later those marks keep on hitting and working. From the new girl in town scenario, to the large and mysterious location, to local legends and or course ooey gooey bright red bloody goodness. It is a horror film after all! We follow Suzy (Jessica Harper) and American ballet student who arrives as a new student to a ballet academy where people seemingly leave quickly and quietly, when in fact they really seem to be dropping like flies. Seriously, what other supernatural horror film could be so brash as to be set in a ballet school? That openness is one of the things I love about the film, along with the ridiculous bright colour story that makes the screen literally glow. It's over the top, all of the time from the story to the gore to the bright, brilliant colours. Add some creepy characters and highly creative and creepy sequences and it makes it creepy to boot. Gotta love it. Seriously, you have got to love Suspiria.

The Dream Double Bill of Fellini’s Toby Dammit and Dario Argento’s Suspiria plays on July 2, 2011 and will have Guillermo Del Toro in attendance. Find out more information here and buy tickets here.

Dream Double Bill: Federico Fellini’s La Strada and Jane Campion’s An Angel at My Table
Selected by Miranda July


Anthony Quinn & Giulietta Masina in La Strada La Strada (Photo Credit: Janus) and Kerry Fox as Janet Frame in An Angel at My Table

La Strada
Dir: Federico Fellini
Cast: Anthony Quinn, Giulietta Masina, Richard Basehart
Italy, 1954

I'm very surprized that I've never reviewed La Strada before, at it's a lock in my Top 5 Films of All Time from the moment I saw it in an Italian Film Class back in my OCAD days. I loved it instantaneously, and what felt like against better judgment as we follow the sad tale of the brutish-yet-charismatic Zampanò (Anthony Quinn), a travelling performer who goes on the road with more than a little odd Gelsomina (Giulietta Masina). By today's standards there is a lot that feels not PC, but I can't help but love it. A lot of the love comes in the expressive performance by Giulietta Masina as Gelsomina, someone who has had so few opportunities but actually has in her the natural performance talent that brings joy to the audience but frustrates Zampanò whose performance day in and day out is his trade but rarely feels like a calling. A bizarre duo they make, from all-knowing to wide-eyed, and add that neither are that skilled at social graces we are along for the ride on their strained pairing as they perform around the country. It's a marvelous, although at times painful, look at the world through the eyes of two very different people and the effect each of them has on the other. An absolute must-see film for everyone.

An Angel at My Table
Dir: Jane Campion (Bright Star, The Piano, In the Cut)
Cast: Kerry Fox, Iris Churn, Kevin J. Wilson, Alexia Keogh, Karen Fergusson
New Zealand/Australia/UK, 1990

An Angel at My Table is based on Janet Frame's autobiographies To the Is-Land, An Angel at My Table and The Envoy from Mirror City. The film is an amazing combination of sadness and joy through a biographical lens as we look at the life of writer Janet Frame from childhood, to school years and beyond. Although she has a fair share upset throughout her life, I loved how she always had support from her family especially as they engaged together with words, literature and education. In contrast, it was wild to see how different he life was socially outside of home. Faced with severe social anxiety, to the point where her mental health is in question and through this her writing continues to be her creative outlet. The adult Janet Frame is played expertly by Kerry Fox who braves a performance from timid and shy to open abandon. It's extraordinary to see such an breadth and depth of character in a performance.

One of the most interesting things about watching An Angel at My Table in this context, was that it shed a light on a different way to look at La Strada. Both films have a strong, but odd, woman in the arts who is often unaccepted and is seen as having issues with mental health. I don't think I would have picked that out seeing the films individual, but thinking about the together it brings the issue to a brighter light. Fascinating.

The Dream Double Bill of Federico Fellini’s La Strada and Jane Campion’s An Angel at My Table plays on July 30, 2011. Find out more information here and buy tickets here.
La Strada also plays with Charles Chaplin’s Limelight on July 9, 2011. Find out more information here and buy tickets here

And here's the whole run down of Fellini/Felliniesque: "Dream" Double Bills selections:

• Fellini’s 8½ and Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s Beware of a Holy Whore on June 30, 2011
• Fellini’s Toby Dammit and Dario Argento’s Suspiria on July 2, 2011 with Guillermo Del Toro in attendance
• Fellini’s Roma and Terry Gilliam’s Brazil on July 3, 2010
• Fellini’s La Strada and Charles Chaplin’s Limelight July 9, 2011
• Fellini’s Juliet of the Spirits and Michel Gondry’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind on July 13, 2011
• Fellini’s Casanova and Hal Ashby’s Shampoo on July 23, 2011
• Fellini’s La Strada and Jane Campion’s An Angel at My Table on July 30, 2011
• Fellini’s City of Women and Frank Perry’s The Swimmer on August 6, 2011
• Fellini’s I Vitelloni and Barry Levinson’s Diner on August 8, 2011
• Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria and Satyajit Ray’s Devi on August 14, 2011
• Fellini’s The Clowns and Marcel Carné’s Children of Paradise on August 18, 2011
• Fellini’s Fellini Satyricon and Derek Jarman’s Sebastiane on August 26, 2011

Fellini Dream Double Bills runs at TIFF Bell Lightbox from June 30 - August 26, 2011. Find out more information here and buy tickets here.

Love Fellini? There is even more....

Fellini: Spectacular Obsessions
An exhibition exploring the obsessions in director Federico Fellini work presented at TIFF Bell Lightbox from June 30 - September 18, 2011.

Photo: Anthony Quinn & Giulietta Masina in La Strada (Photo Credit: Janus)

Fellini/ Felliniesque - Fellini "Dream" Double Bills
A delicious summer feature arrives at TIFF Bell Lightbox with Fellini/ Felliniesque - Fellini "Dream" Double Bills. As fascinating concept of double bills hand picked by the internationally recognized film directors, programmers and industry movers and shakers who put together dream double bills of a Fellini + non-Fellini-yet-Fellinieque film. It's a beautiful set of films to dive deeper in to the not only the world of Fellini but also the inspiring effect he's had on the world. We have a great selection of Fellini and non-Fellini films to enjoy, and I love how La Strada is in there twice, one time with Isabella Rossellini pick of Charles Chaplin’s Limelight and also with Miranda July's pick of Jane Campion's An Angel at My Table. I also love Apichatpong Weerasethakul's selection of Fellini’s Roma with Terry Gilliam’s Brazil. Let's take a closer look and a few of the selected double bills.

Dream Double Bill: Federico Fellini’s Toby Dammit and Dario Argento’s Suspiria
Selected by James Schamus


Toby Dammit (Photo credit: TIFF Film Reference Library) and Suspiria (Photo credit: Fotofest)

Toby Dammit
Dir: Federico Fellini
Cast: Terence Stamp
France/Italy, 1968

Moments into Toby Dammit I could see exactly why it has been paired with Suspiria. Shockingly bright and hot colour palette, sets that manage to feel brilliant and minimalist even though lesser hands it could have come off like a kids play. The short follows Toby Dammit (Terence Stamp), a too-soonly washed up star who arrives to attend an awards show, although he's not really interested in anything or anyone. Rampant, raging and ready to roar he's a handful from the get go. Like several films of Fellini's that explore celebrity and expectation of excellence, we travel the road of destruction with Toby Dammit during that darkness of an empty creative well. Loud, brash and very entertaining. Toby Dammit is a part of Spirits of the Dead, a collection of short films adapted from Edgar Allan Poe short story.

Suspiria
Dir: Dario Argento (Inferno, Mother of Tears, Giallo)
Cast: Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Flavio Bucci, Udo Kier, Alida Valli,
Italy, 1977

Ah, Suspiria. I love Suspiria, because it's a film that knows exactly what it's doing. As far as supernatural horror goes, it knows all the right marks to hit and even 30 years later those marks keep on hitting and working. From the new girl in town scenario, to the large and mysterious location, to local legends and or course ooey gooey bright red bloody goodness. It is a horror film after all! We follow Suzy (Jessica Harper) and American ballet student who arrives as a new student to a ballet academy where people seemingly leave quickly and quietly, when in fact they really seem to be dropping like flies. Seriously, what other supernatural horror film could be so brash as to be set in a ballet school? That openness is one of the things I love about the film, along with the ridiculous bright colour story that makes the screen literally glow. It's over the top, all of the time from the story to the gore to the bright, brilliant colours. Add some creepy characters and highly creative and creepy sequences and it makes it creepy to boot. Gotta love it. Seriously, you have got to love Suspiria.

The Dream Double Bill of Fellini’s Toby Dammit and Dario Argento’s Suspiria plays on July 2, 2011 and will have Guillermo Del Toro in attendance. Find out more information here and buy tickets here.

Dream Double Bill: Federico Fellini’s La Strada and Jane Campion’s An Angel at My Table
Selected by Miranda July


Anthony Quinn & Giulietta Masina in La Strada La Strada (Photo Credit: Janus) and Kerry Fox as Janet Frame in An Angel at My Table

La Strada
Dir: Federico Fellini
Cast: Anthony Quinn, Giulietta Masina, Richard Basehart
Italy, 1954

I'm very surprized that I've never reviewed La Strada before, at it's a lock in my Top 5 Films of All Time from the moment I saw it in an Italian Film Class back in my OCAD days. I loved it instantaneously, and what felt like against better judgment as we follow the sad tale of the brutish-yet-charismatic Zampanò (Anthony Quinn), a travelling performer who goes on the road with more than a little odd Gelsomina (Giulietta Masina). By today's standards there is a lot that feels not PC, but I can't help but love it. A lot of the love comes in the expressive performance by Giulietta Masina as Gelsomina, someone who has had so few opportunities but actually has in her the natural performance talent that brings joy to the audience but frustrates Zampanò whose performance day in and day out is his trade but rarely feels like a calling. A bizarre duo they make, from all-knowing to wide-eyed, and add that neither are that skilled at social graces we are along for the ride on their strained pairing as they perform around the country. It's a marvelous, although at times painful, look at the world through the eyes of two very different people and the effect each of them has on the other. An absolute must-see film for everyone.

An Angel at My Table
Dir: Jane Campion (Bright Star, The Piano, In the Cut)
Cast: Kerry Fox, Iris Churn, Kevin J. Wilson, Alexia Keogh, Karen Fergusson
New Zealand/Australia/UK, 1990

An Angel at My Table is based on Janet Frame's autobiographies To the Is-Land, An Angel at My Table and The Envoy from Mirror City. The film is an amazing combination of sadness and joy through a biographical lens as we look at the life of writer Janet Frame from childhood, to school years and beyond. Although she has a fair share upset throughout her life, I loved how she always had support from her family especially as they engaged together with words, literature and education. In contrast, it was wild to see how different he life was socially outside of home. Faced with severe social anxiety, to the point where her mental health is in question and through this her writing continues to be her creative outlet. The adult Janet Frame is played expertly by Kerry Fox who braves a performance from timid and shy to open abandon. It's extraordinary to see such an breadth and depth of character in a performance.

One of the most interesting things about watching An Angel at My Table in this context, was that it shed a light on a different way to look at La Strada. Both films have a strong, but odd, woman in the arts who is often unaccepted and is seen as having issues with mental health. I don't think I would have picked that out seeing the films individual, but thinking about the together it brings the issue to a brighter light. Fascinating.

The Dream Double Bill of Federico Fellini’s La Strada and Jane Campion’s An Angel at My Table plays on July 30, 2011. Find out more information here and buy tickets here.
La Strada also plays with Charles Chaplin’s Limelight on July 9, 2011. Find out more information here and buy tickets here

And here's the whole run down of Fellini/Felliniesque: "Dream" Double Bills selections:

• Fellini’s 8½ and Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s Beware of a Holy Whore on June 30, 2011
• Fellini’s Toby Dammit and Dario Argento’s Suspiria on July 2, 2011 with Guillermo Del Toro in attendance
• Fellini’s Roma and Terry Gilliam’s Brazil on July 3, 2010
• Fellini’s La Strada and Charles Chaplin’s Limelight July 9, 2011
• Fellini’s Juliet of the Spirits and Michel Gondry’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind on July 13, 2011
• Fellini’s Casanova and Hal Ashby’s Shampoo on July 23, 2011
• Fellini’s La Strada and Jane Campion’s An Angel at My Table on July 30, 2011
• Fellini’s City of Women and Frank Perry’s The Swimmer on August 6, 2011
• Fellini’s I Vitelloni and Barry Levinson’s Diner on August 8, 2011
• Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria and Satyajit Ray’s Devi on August 14, 2011
• Fellini’s The Clowns and Marcel Carné’s Children of Paradise on August 18, 2011
• Fellini’s Fellini Satyricon and Derek Jarman’s Sebastiane on August 26, 2011

Fellini Dream Double Bills runs at TIFF Bell Lightbox from June 30 - August 26, 2011. Find out more information here and buy tickets here.

Love Fellini? There is even more....

Fellini: Spectacular Obsessions
An exhibition exploring the obsessions in director Federico Fellini work presented at TIFF Bell Lightbox from June 30 - September 18, 2011.

Above: Prima della rivoluzione

I was overcome with a wave an emotion while delving into the films of Bernardo Bertolucci for the upcoming Fashion, Fascists and F**king: The Films of Bernardo Bertolucci program at the TIFF Cinematheque. The gorgeous use of shadow. The adept use of contrasting colours. The emotionally intense dialogue that is so evocative I believe I understand Italian so I stop reading the subtitles. I don't, but it's easy to get caught up in the moment. And there is always political commentary, film references and of course gorgeous women and handsome men. It's quite a treat to see so many fantastic and racy films included in the program which starts January 6, 2011 with The Conformist (also a part of their Essential 100 series) at the Lightbox Theatre.

Prima della rivoluzione / Before the Revolution
Dir: Bernardo Bertolucci
Cast: Francesco Barilli, Adriana Asti, Allen Midgette, Morando Morandini, Cecrope Barilli
Italy, 1964

I loved Prima della rivoluzione right off the bat. I loved how it looked, how it felt, how it sounded. I loved it so much that it took me a while to be really watching it beyond simply letting it wash over me. Eventually I noticed that it's a bittersweet coming of age story following Fabrizio (Francesco Barilli), and his involvement with the unpredictable, older and stunning Gina (Adriana Asti). The emotional and relationship arc of the film is parallelled to the pre-revolution time and set with the tone of those who didn't live it, don't understand. It's a brilliant parallel as with the romance we see, we can't know it but we still get it, and then in essence although we may not be able to understand the time they are showing, we still have the ability to get it. The beauty, emotion, retrain and chaos are things that shine through brightly giving us an engaging tale to connect to on many levels.

Prima della rivoluzione screens on January 14, 2011. See more information here.

The Conformist
Dir: Bernardo Bertolucci
Cast: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Stefania Sandrelli, Dominique Sanda, Gastone Moschin, Enzo Tarascio
Italy/France/West Germany, 1970

Out of all the Bertolucci films I watched, I have to admit The Conformist was the one I understood the least as it's heavily steeped in the politics and plots. But, I like to go in blind to films so sometimes that happens and in this case I still enjoyed it immensely for being stunningly beautiful. The shadows alone, are worth watching the film for. I would hold up my hands and sigh at the beautiful in this film. The content was certainly harsher than I expected and centred on conspiracy and often steeped in the notion of limited or no choices - which is a hard place to be. It also has a fair amount of sustained fear but also hopelessness, again another hard place to be. But I did enjoy it and would certainly re-watch it, especially after delving into some of the history. This one certainly has the strongest political commentary and focus of the three, so if that is your cup of tea it should go straight to the top of your list!
Dominique Sanda as Anna Quadri

The Conformist screens on January 6, 8 and 14, 2011. See more information here.


Above: The Conformist, The Dreamers

The Dreamers
Dir: Bernardo Bertolucci
Cast: Michael Pitt, Eva Green, Louis Garrel
Italy/France/UK, 2003

The Dreamers is truly a film for film buffs and enthusiasts, referencing film history and expressing the joy, impact and connection that film creates in the world and in specific relationships. The Dreamers is set in late 1960's Paris, and follows student Matthew (Michael Pitt) and his relationships with brother/sister duo Isabelle & Theo (Eva Green & Louis Garrel), all of whom are massive film buffs, and all have difference levels of eccentricities and quirks. The eccentricities hold a lot of the fun and friskiness of the film, of which there is plenty. We get great characters, conflicts, intrigue and exploration. In a time where it feels like there are few boundaries to push, it finds ways to do so. The performances are key here, and they are done so well especially Eva Green (Casino Royale, The Golden Compass, Franklyn) for which the films is her first on screen appearance. I was a little bit suprized that I did feel a bit pushed of the film, not due to the pervasiveness but rather all the film references. I know many are essentials, and lots of film buffs have seen and love them all but I'd say it's required viewing to have seen at least the majority of the 20+ films referenced, quoted and featured within the film. For the spoiler sensitive, you want to see them all because they discuss them in detail, including key moments, quotes and endings. It's weird how in one way I feel like I'm the complete target market for the film, and then in others I felt shut out because I didn't want to know the end of another big, important film. I did enjoy watching it, and will happily revisit it once I've seen more of the references.

The Dreamers screens on January 14, 2011. See more information here.

The Fashion, Fascists and F**king: The Films of Bernardo Bertolucci program begins January 6, 2011 at the at the TIFF Cinematheque. Along with the above titles they are also screening La commare secca, The Spider’s Stratagem, Last Tango in Paris, Luna, La via del petrolio and Love and Anger. Find out more information about individual titles or buy tickets here.

Above: Prima della rivoluzione

I was overcome with a wave an emotion while delving into the films of Bernardo Bertolucci for the upcoming Fashion, Fascists and F**king: The Films of Bernardo Bertolucci program at the TIFF Cinematheque. The gorgeous use of shadow. The adept use of contrasting colours. The emotionally intense dialogue that is so evocative I believe I understand Italian so I stop reading the subtitles. I don't, but it's easy to get caught up in the moment. And there is always political commentary, film references and of course gorgeous women and handsome men. It's quite a treat to see so many fantastic and racy films included in the program which starts January 6, 2011 with The Conformist (also a part of their Essential 100 series) at the Lightbox Theatre.

Prima della rivoluzione / Before the Revolution
Dir: Bernardo Bertolucci
Cast: Francesco Barilli, Adriana Asti, Allen Midgette, Morando Morandini, Cecrope Barilli
Italy, 1964

I loved Prima della rivoluzione right off the bat. I loved how it looked, how it felt, how it sounded. I loved it so much that it took me a while to be really watching it beyond simply letting it wash over me. Eventually I noticed that it's a bittersweet coming of age story following Fabrizio (Francesco Barilli), and his involvement with the unpredictable, older and stunning Gina (Adriana Asti). The emotional and relationship arc of the film is parallelled to the pre-revolution time and set with the tone of those who didn't live it, don't understand. It's a brilliant parallel as with the romance we see, we can't know it but we still get it, and then in essence although we may not be able to understand the time they are showing, we still have the ability to get it. The beauty, emotion, retrain and chaos are things that shine through brightly giving us an engaging tale to connect to on many levels.

Prima della rivoluzione screens on January 14, 2011. See more information here.

The Conformist
Dir: Bernardo Bertolucci
Cast: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Stefania Sandrelli, Dominique Sanda, Gastone Moschin, Enzo Tarascio
Italy/France/West Germany, 1970

Out of all the Bertolucci films I watched, I have to admit The Conformist was the one I understood the least as it's heavily steeped in the politics and plots. But, I like to go in blind to films so sometimes that happens and in this case I still enjoyed it immensely for being stunningly beautiful. The shadows alone, are worth watching the film for. I would hold up my hands and sigh at the beautiful in this film. The content was certainly harsher than I expected and centred on conspiracy and often steeped in the notion of limited or no choices - which is a hard place to be. It also has a fair amount of sustained fear but also hopelessness, again another hard place to be. But I did enjoy it and would certainly re-watch it, especially after delving into some of the history. This one certainly has the strongest political commentary and focus of the three, so if that is your cup of tea it should go straight to the top of your list!
Dominique Sanda as Anna Quadri

The Conformist screens on January 6, 8 and 14, 2011. See more information here.


Above: The Conformist, The Dreamers

The Dreamers
Dir: Bernardo Bertolucci
Cast: Michael Pitt, Eva Green, Louis Garrel
Italy/France/UK, 2003

The Dreamers is truly a film for film buffs and enthusiasts, referencing film history and expressing the joy, impact and connection that film creates in the world and in specific relationships. The Dreamers is set in late 1960's Paris, and follows student Matthew (Michael Pitt) and his relationships with brother/sister duo Isabelle & Theo (Eva Green & Louis Garrel), all of whom are massive film buffs, and all have difference levels of eccentricities and quirks. The eccentricities hold a lot of the fun and friskiness of the film, of which there is plenty. We get great characters, conflicts, intrigue and exploration. In a time where it feels like there are few boundaries to push, it finds ways to do so. The performances are key here, and they are done so well especially Eva Green (Casino Royale, The Golden Compass, Franklyn) for which the films is her first on screen appearance. I was a little bit suprized that I did feel a bit pushed of the film, not due to the pervasiveness but rather all the film references. I know many are essentials, and lots of film buffs have seen and love them all but I'd say it's required viewing to have seen at least the majority of the 20+ films referenced, quoted and featured within the film. For the spoiler sensitive, you want to see them all because they discuss them in detail, including key moments, quotes and endings. It's weird how in one way I feel like I'm the complete target market for the film, and then in others I felt shut out because I didn't want to know the end of another big, important film. I did enjoy watching it, and will happily revisit it once I've seen more of the references.

The Dreamers screens on January 14, 2011. See more information here.

The Fashion, Fascists and F**king: The Films of Bernardo Bertolucci program begins January 6, 2011 at the at the TIFF Cinematheque. Along with the above titles they are also screening La commare secca, The Spider’s Stratagem, Last Tango in Paris, Luna, La via del petrolio and Love and Anger. Find out more information about individual titles or buy tickets here.