Z's 1st Annual #It'sAbouttheFilms Final Weekend Sleeper #TIFF11 Picks for true TIFFheads

The first weekend has passed and most of the celebrities are long gone, guess they're is no point in talking about the Toronto International Film Festival anymore is there.

Wrong.

Like the tag-line of our #TIFF11 site trumpets: It's about the films.

So in that same vein, I happily present to you my 1st Annual It's About the Film Sleeper #TIFF11 Picks for true TIFFheads.

Snows of Kilimanjaro (Neiges du Kilimandjaro)  - Z's Top Pick
dir â€" Robert Guédiguian, France
North American Premiere

Despite losing his job, Michel lives happily with Marie-Claire. They have been in love for over thirty years. Their conscience is as clear as their view of life. This happiness will be shattered by two young men, armed and masked, who beat them, tie them up and snatch their money to go for a trip to Kilimanjaro.

Why See it?
I managed to catch this before the festival and even after all of the movies that I have seen since, it has stayed with me.  It starts one way and ends up in a magnificent place.  Probably the best depiction of love I have ever seen on the screen. And for me that is worth not only my money..but my time.

When is it Playing
Saturday September 17
TIFF Bell Lightbox 4
6:00pm

A Simple Life
dir â€" Ann Hui, Hong Kong, China
North American Premiere

Based on real people and events. Ah Tao was born in Taishan, China. She works as a servant for 60 years and has been serving four generations of the Leung family. For the past decade, Ah Tao lived with Roger, the only family member left in Hong Kong. Stars Andy Lau, Deanie Ip, Wang Fuli and Qin Hailu.

Why See It?
Based on the trailer and the buzz from folks leaving the screening, there seems to be gentle elegance that this film conveys. The actors are some serious heavyweights in Asian Cinema and Deanie Ip walking away with the Best Actress Prize at the Venice Film Festival definitely backs that up.

When is it Playing?
Sunday September 18
Scotiabank Theatre 2
9:45am

 

Tyrannosaur
dir â€" Paddy Considine, United Kingdom
Canadian Premiere

Joseph is a man plagued by violence and rage that is driving him to self-destruction. As Joseph’s life spirals into turmoil, a chance of redemption appears in the form of Hannah, a Christian charity shop worker. Their relationship develops to reveal that Hannah is hiding a secret of her own which has devastating results on both of their lives. Starring Peter Mullanand Olivia Colman.

Why See It?
Anyone who is a fan of British cinema a la Layer Cake and Snatch will love this gritty, intimate film pairing two of the best of that genre of British cinema. Paddy Considine is a great actor who is now on the other side of the camera with his friend Peter Mullan. Together they seemed to have put together a pretty powerful performance to drive an extremely interesting film.

When is it Playing?
Saturday September 17
Isabel Bader Theatre
4:00pm

Gerhard Richter Painting
dir â€" Corinna Belz, Germany
International Premiere

Gerhard Richter, one of the internationally most significant contemporary artists of our times, granted filmmaker Corinna Belz access to his studio in the spring and summer of 2009 where he was working on a series of large abstract paintings. In quiet, highly concentrated images, the film gives us a fly-on-the-wall perspective of a very personal, tension-filled process of artistic creation. In her intelligent and perceptive film, Corinna Belz brings us closer to the complex processes of artistic creation. Gerhard Richter Painting is the penetrating portrait of an artist at work â€" and a fascinating film about the art of seeing.

Why See It?
If there is a movie that correctly captures the essence of one of the last genius painters, it is this one. The trailer is beautiful, Gerhard Richter is a living legend and a treasure and being able to watch a master work is a true joy.

Need I say more?

When is it Playing?
Sunday September 18
Jackman Hall â€" AGO
3:15pm

Michael
dir â€" Ribhu Dasgupta, India
World Premiere

Michael, an ex-cop, lives with his 11-year-old son and works in a theatre as a projectionist pirating DVDs for a living. When he starts receiving death threats for his son from someone in his past, he gets caught up in a complex web of his own impending blindness comprised of his insecurities. First-time director Ribhu Dasgupta teams up with India’s guru of independent cinema, producer Anurag Kashyap, and veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah for this character-driven, psychological drama.

Why See It?
Naseeruddin Shah 
is a living legend. From great, captivating performances in gems like Amal to more western fare like League of Extraordinary Gentleman, he always delivers. He is best in these small indie-types films and that is exactly what this is. The story is great and you will not be disappointed in anything Shah does.

When is it Playing?
Sunday September 18
Scotiabank Theatre 2
7:00pm

 

Snowtown
dir â€" Justin Kurzel, Australia
North American Premiere

When 16-year-old Jamie is introduced to a charismatic man, a friendship begins. As the relationship grows so do Jamie’s suspicions, until he finds his world threatened by his loyalty for, and fear of, his newfound father-figure John Bunting, Australia’s most notorious serial killer. Starring Lucas Pittaway, Daniel Henshall, Louise Harris.

Why See It?
There is something very odd about this trailer. Something  very off-putting and that is what l love about it. There has been a ton of criticial acclaim for this film in Australia. And I mean a lot. Some have even dubbed it the best Australian film this year. Between that and the subject matter, your time will definitely be well spent.

When is it Playing? 
Saturday September 17
Scotiabank Theatre 4
10:00pm

 

The Skin I Live In
dir â€" Pedro Almodóvar, Spain
North American Premiere

Ever since his wife was burned in a car crash, Dr. Robert Ledgard, an eminent plastic surgeon, has been interested in creating a new skin with which he could have saved her. After twelve years, he manages to cultivate a skin that is a real shield against every assault. In addition to years of study and experimentation, Robert needed a further three things: no scruples, an accomplice and a human guinea pig. Scruples were never a problem. Marilia, the woman who looked after him from the day he was born, is his most faithful accomplice. And as for the human guinea pig… Stars Antonio Banderas, Elena Anaya, Blanca Suárez and Jan Cornet.

Why See It?
Almodovar and Banderas back together again. That should be enough...and really it is. If you are going to see this because of their history together, than you know you are in for a wild, weird and wonderful ride. This film definitely delivers and not in the way that you might hope for. Once you realize the twist, you might either love me or hate me for recommending this too. I loved it and I am betting that you will  as well.

When is it Playing? 
Saturday September 17
TIFF Bell Lightbox 2
9:30am

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