Boutique Sweater Banana Pullover winter Republic The Toronto International Film Festival is a launching pad for Oscar-hopefuls, but it’s also a thriving market. In the past, movies such as “I, Tonya” and “Still Alice” have scored major deals at the Canadian gathering, going on to enjoy critical success and awards love.
That’s always the dream. But for every “I, Tonya,” the festival is littered with examples of sales that sputtered out when the movies finally saw the light of day. Remember “Hardcore Henry,” “Top Five,” or “Begin Again”? Didn’t think so. However all of those films inspired bidding wars up north. Their failure is a reminder of the very real dangers of festival fever, the virus that encourages normally level-headed studio executives to keep sweetening their offers beyond the point of reason.
Which movies will inspire big bids at this year’s fest? Here are a few that have buyers buzzing.
| HOT TITLES AT TORONTO | |||
| TITLE | DIRECTOR | CAST | U.S. SALES AGENT |
| A MILLION LITTLE PIECES | Sam Taylor-Johnson | Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton | CAA |
| Sweater Boutique Pullover Republic winter Banana BUZZ FACTOR: Anticipation is high for Johnson’s first movie since “Fifty Shades of Grey,” based on the controversial book by James Frey. | |||
| WILD ROSE | Tom Harper | Jessie Buckley, Julie Waters, Sophie Okonedo | CAA, UTA |
| BUZZ FACTOR: There’s strong early word of mouth on this uplifting tale about a Scottish musician. | |||
| HIGH LIFE | Claire Denis | Robert Pattinson, Juliette Binoche | CAA |
| BUZZ FACTOR: This set-in-space saga could be another feather — after “Good Time” — in Pattinson’s indie cap. | |||
| THE DEATH AND LIFE OF JOHN F. DONOVAN | Xavier Dolan | Kit Harington, Natalie Portman, Susan Sarandon | CAA |
| BUZZ FACTOR: Curiosity is strong for wunderkind director Dolan’s first English-language film, set in Hollywood. | |||
| THE WEDDING GUEST | Michael Winterbottom | Banana Pullover Republic Boutique Sweater winter Dev Patel | Endeavor Content, UTA |
| BUZZ FACTOR: This journey through Pakistan and India rests on Patel’s capable shoulders. | |||
| AMERICAN DHARMA | Errol Morris | N/A | Endeavor Content |
| BUZZ FACTOR: The director of “Fog of War” gives Steve Bannon the Robert McNamara treatment. | |||
| VOX LUX | Brady Corbet | Natalie Portman, Jude Law | Endeavor Content, CAA |
| BUZZ FACTOR: Following a strong reception at Venice, the movie about a pop star will look to make a deal on the Toronto market. | |||
| SKIN | Guy Nattiv | Jamie Bell, Danielle Macdonald, Vera Farmiga | ICM |
| BUZZ FACTOR: Bell gives a revelatory performance as a neo-Nazi in a drama that’s poised to be a surprise discovery of the festival. | |||
| THE HUMMING BIRD PROJECT | Kim Nguyen | Jesse Eisenberg, Alexander Skarsgård | CAA |
| BUZZ FACTOR: Buyers say the film about high-frequency traders could be awards bait in the vein of “The Big Short.” | |||
| TELL IT TO THE BEES | Annabel Jankel | Anna Paquin, Holliday Grainger | Film Constellation |
| BUZZ FACTOR: This drama about two women who fall in love in a provincial British town could be a critics’ darling. | |||
| *Compiled by Ramin Setoodeh and Brent Lang | |||
“Begin Again” is a really good film from John Carney (Once, Sing Street). Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightley, Hailee Steinfeld. It wasn’t a hit at the box office, but I think buyers were justified in being enthusiastic about it.
HER SMELL should be on every single one of these lists
Nothing about this basic info gets my juices flowing, but Jamie Bell is an excellent actor who is overdue for some prime recognition. I thought it might happen with Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool, but people need to see films he’s in for him to hit the big time.
I’ve got 21 movies on my TIFF schedule, but not one of those sparked interest when making selections.
“I’d say that “Fifty Shades of Grey” does not portend well for Johnson in his next film.
I thought it was unwatchable, and reviews and box office were poor.”
Setha, do you live in an Eskimo igloo at the end of the world ?
“Fifthy Shades of Grey” was a SMASH HIT.
Nobody expected good reviews, but Taylor-Johnson did a decent job
within the tight parameters of what the author and producer wanted.
You should check out Sam’s good debut film & her fine art projects
to get a better idea of her talents.
I’m hearing a lot about ‘The Islands’ (Mira Sorvino) movie.
high life and skin sound very promising with their leading actors
I’d say that “Fifty Shades of Grey” does not portend well for Johnson in his next film. I thought it was unwatchable, and reviews and box office were poor. Therefore, buzz about, and presumed anticipation of “A Million Little Pieces” seems odd.