TIFF Films to Look For

With TIFF come and gone, it seemed like there weren’t enough hours in the day to cram in all of the flicks we wanted to see. Here’s a list of some TIFF screenings that you may have missed that are definitely worth looking out for in the coming months…

Moneyball – Release Date: September 23 (Out now!)
Based on the novel Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game and the real-life events of the Oakland Athletics and their general manager Billy Beane. the film tells the story of Beane (played by the one and only Brad Pitt) and his attempts to create a successful, competitive major league baseball team, despite having the lowest salary cap in baseball. With the help of his assistant manager, Peter Brand (played by the hilarious guy from Superbad, Jonah Hill), the movie gives a based-on-true-events look at baseball, with some great eye candy and good laughs along the way.
Fun Fact: Funnyman Demetri Martin was originally cast to play Jonah Hill’s character, but was pulled from the…er…starting lineup when directors changed.

Anonymous – Release Date: October 28
With great reviews after its world premiere at TIFF, the Anonymous tagline asks “Was Shakespeare a fraud?” Set in Elizabethan England, a political drama that follows the tension between the Tudors, the Cecils and their fight for the succession of Queen Elizabeth I following her alleged affair with Edward de Vere – the purported true author of the works of William Shakespeare. Overall, Anonymous is a solid, dramatic period piece for anyone that’s a fan of the royal monarchy, but maybe not of Shakespeare.
Fun Fact: Controversy surrounded the production of the film from Shakespearean, Historical, and English professionals all over the world, protesting the release of the film due to its “historical inaccuracy.”

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen – Release Date: TBA
Although very little is known about this film, and a future release date is nowhere in sight, this movie is very notable and worth keeping an eye out for in upcoming months. Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt star in this unusual plot-driven story, where Fred (McGregor), a government fisheries scientist (yeah, that exists, we looked into it) is requested by a very wealthy Sheik to introducing British salmon to the water streams of Yemen for sport fishing. A very funny English film with a strong narrative studies hobbies, relationships, and the difference between the two.
Fun Fact: Emily Blunt and Ewan McGregor, having never fished before, gave it a shot after filming was finished.

We Need To Talk About Kevin – Release Date: Limited Release December 2
Based on real events like the Columbine High shootings, We Need To Talk About Kevin follows the mother of a teenage boy who went on a high school killing spree and how she deals with her grief, anger and responsibility. Starring the talented Tilda Swinton (best known for Adaptation and Burn After Reading) and John C. Reilly in a refreshing, dramatic role for him, the film is a heavy, emotional thriller with powerful scenes that resonate long after watching it.
Fun Fact: The film’s score was composed by Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood.

50/50 – Release Date: September 30
Following Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s blockbuster smash Inception last summer comes a new movie about Adam (Gordon-Levitt) and how he copes after being diagnosed with a rare type of lung cancer. His best friend, Kyle (played by Seth Rogen), supports him through his chemotherapy and inadvertently shows him the life he took for granted before, and that it’s worth fighting for now. Dramedies are often hard to pull off, as a skillful combination of emotion and laughs are required for their success. But after its reviews from TIFF, it sounds like 50/50 hit the nail right on the head.
Fun Fact: Filmed in Vancouver.

Ides of March – Release Date: October 7
Based on the famous play Farragut North by Beau Willimon, Ides of March couldn’t have more qualities to be excited about. Starring the classically dashing George Clooney, the dapper (Canadian) Ryan Gosling, and the ever-so-talented Paul Giamatti, the film is about a press secretary (Gosling) and his involvement in backroom politics to secure his candidate (Clooney) in office. Written by Clooney himself, it promises to be a behind-the-scenes look into politics not covered on the news.
Fun Fact: Ides of March was the date on the Roman calendar when Julius Caesar was assassinated.

Melancholia – Release Date: November 11
Starring Kirsten Dunst (or Mary-Jane, as she’s better known nowadays) as a sister and wife who deals with the anxiety about the impending collision of earth with another planet. Also featuring Kiefer Sutherland (aka Jack Bauer), the film paints a unique sci-fi portrayal of a not too distant future, and how life can be terrifying and beautiful at the same time.
Fun Fact: Penelope Cruz was the original part for the film, but backed out to film Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides instead.

Drive – Release Date: September 16 (Out now!)
Another Ryan Gosling flick (he’s all over this year!), but this time in an action thriller about a Hollywood stunt car driver who moonlights as a getaway driver for criminals. When things get personal, he finds himself racing away for his life. Also featuring Carey Mulligan and Bryan Cranston, fast cars and blackmail and police chases always make for an entertaining time.
Fun Fact: Ryan Gosling bought and personally restored the 1973 Chevy Malibu that his character uses in the film.

Jeff Who Lives at Home – Release Date: March 2, 2012
A slightly askew, quirky comedy from actors Jason Segel (from HIMYM, and I Love You, Man) and Ed Helms (The Office, Cedar Rapids), Jeff Who Lives at Home is a true-to-life dramedy about two brothers who couldn’t be more opposite. Jeff (Segel), a 30-year-old stoner living in his mother’s basement, and Pat (Helms), a married businessman with a Porsche are forced to spend a day together filled with unfortunate events. A slightly different film for both of them makes a unique, hilarious watch.
Fun Fact: It’s rumored Jason Segel gained 15 pounds for the role!

The Incident – Release Date: TBA
This movie, also without a release date in the near future, is still worth mentioning for many reasons. The Incident is Alexandre Courtes’ film debut, who is famous for directing music videos for such artists as U2, Alice in Chains and Snow Patrol. What makes this film truly notable is at the film’s world premiere at TIFF, two people passed out during the screening from the graphic violence. When an insane asylum loses it’s power, the inmates break free, and, trapped, the kitchen staff fight to stay alive. Love the Saw series? With highlights of comic relief and great suspenseful twists, it’s likely you’ll love The Incident more.
Fun Fact: The film is set during 1989, so when the power at the asylum goes out, there’s no way in…or out.