In part eight of our TIFF 2011 preview, Brian McKechnie takes a look at The Ides of March, Martha Marcy May Marlene, and The Descendants. Check back over the next few days for more previews of films playing at TIFF 2011.
The Ides of March
Gala
Director: George Clooney
Directed by George Clooney, and starring Clooney and Ryan Gosling, I expected The Ides of March to be something much more riveting than the typical political drama it sadly is. It’s not bad, it’s just nothing special. The film revolves around a campaign handler (Gosling) working for a governor (Clooney) vying to become the Democrat’s presidential candidate. There’s a small scandal but nothing that will shake your inner being. If you must see it, skip it at TIFF and wait for it to open later this year.
Rating: *** (out of 5 stars)
Showing:
September 9 at 9:30 p.m. at Roy Thomson Hall
September 10 at 11 a.m. at the Visa Screening Room (Elgin)
Martha Marcy May Marlene * Criticize This! TIFF Pick *
Special Presentation
Director: Sean Durkin
In Martha Marcy May Marlene Elizabeth Olsen (yes, the younger sister of Mary Kate and Ashley) delivers an emotionally raw portrait of a woman trying to escape a cult she was part of. Olsen’s performance will keep you captivated from beginning to end while Sean Durkin’s script and gritty direction will leave you shattered. It’s a brilliant piece that is sure to cause much controversy once more people get to see it. John Hawkes, Sarah Paulson, and Hugh Dancy also star in stellar supporting roles.
Rating: **** (out of 5 stars)
Showing:
September 11 at 3 p.m. at Ryerson
September 12 at 10:15 p.m. at the Scotiabank
September 17 at 9:45 p.m. at the Bell Lightbox
The Descendants * Criticize This! TIFF Pick *
Special Presentation
Director: Alexander Payne
Based on Kaui Hart Hemmings’ novel, The Descendants tells the story of Hawaiian resident Matt King (Clooney) after his wife is put into a coma when she’s involved in a motorboat accident. We find out he hasn’t been the best husband or father, spending most of his time working or dealing with the huge amount of land his family own on Kaui. He regrets it now that his wife is slipping away and he has no clue how to raise his two daughters. Directed by Alexander Payne, The Descendants has a lot of comedy mixed with the drama and in the end is a movie to celebrate. Hopefully this will be the one to also get George Clooney a Best Actor Oscar.
Rating: **** (out of 5 stars)
Showing:
September 10 at 6 p.m. at the Visa Screening Room (Elgin)
September 11 at 12:30 p.m. at the Winter Garden Theatre
September 17 at 11 a.m. at the Visa Screening Room (Elgin)
TIFF 2011 runs from September 8 – 18. For more information, visit tiff.net.
Top image: A scene from Martha Marcy May Marlene. Courtesy TIFF.
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