It‚Äôs been a little less than a week since all the line-ups, the galas, the 22 screenings, the star encounters and interviews, the eating on the run and everything else that goes along with the madness that is The Toronto International Film Festival. I have had a few days now to rest, relax and ponder on all that I have seen at TIFF. While I didn’t have the opportunity of seeing An Education, A Single Man and A Serious Man, I did see my share of memorable films and performances. So here are my favourite films and performances in no particular order;
Up in the Air
Clever and intelligent, Jason Reitman creates a gem of a film. While many have already heaped praise on George Clooney and Vera Farmiga for their performances, I would like to highlight Anna Kendrick’s charming and memorable performance as the strong yet vulnerable Nathalie Keener.
Michael Sheen in The Damned United
As the charismatic football manager Brian Clough, Michael Sheen gives us another fascinating portrayal of a real life person.
Paul Bettany in Creation
While the film does have its flaws, Paul Bettany gives the best performance of his career and the film showcases his talents as an actor.
Amanda Seyfried in Chloe
The complexity of her performance is like nothing she has ever done before and I was pleasantly surprised at how good she is in this film.
Bright Star
Jane Campion has created a lush and captivating film. Abbie Cornish as Fannie Brawne gives a spunky yet ultimately heartbreaking performance and also one of her best.
Matt Damon in The Informant!
With the help of a witty script by Scott Z. Burns, Matt Damon as Mark Whitacre gives us one of the most entertaining performances of his career.
Dogtooth
This absurd and surreal film by Yiorgos Lanthimos will have you thinking and talking about it days after seeing it. It is both humorous and deeply disturbing. I can’t wait to see what this director comes up with next.
Mother and Child
A riveting film by Rodrigo Garcia. Garcia examines the impact of adoption on three women in a moving story. Annette Bening gives one of her finest performances.
Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
Lee Daniels directs one of the most unrelenting and powerful cinematic experiences. The film is tough to watch but such a rewarding emotional journey. Mo’Nique gives one of the most memorable performances I have ever seen in film.  Gabby Sedibe as the brave and resilient teenager is amazing.
Robin Wright Penn in The Private Lives of Pippa Lee
Penn gives a quiet and emotionally restrained performance that is both humorous and moving.
The Imagenarium of Dr. Parnussus
Terry Gilliam has created a magical film. This film is a triumph, especially considering the obstacles Gilliam overcame to complete it. Fine performances by Heath Ledger and Christopher Plummer. A lovely tribute to Heath Ledger.
As fun and exciting as TIFF 2009 was, I am looking forward to how the rest of this exciting season unfolds.
Social tagging: Abbie Cornish > Bright Star > Chloe > Dogtooth > Heath Ledger > Mother and Child > Precious > The Toronto Film Festival > Up in the Air
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