The 2012 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is only eight weeks away, and with their big announcement of films that will be screening at the fest coming next Tuesday, we thought it would be fun to try and predict a few we believe have a chance at making the cut and what programme we hope they fall under.
Frankenweenie (Midnight Madness)
The story: It’s a black and white, stop-motion film about a boy who brings his dog back from the dead. From the early trailers and artwork, it looks absolutely amazing and is sure to appeal to fans of classic horror movies more than kids. Oh, and it’s directed by Tim Burton.
Why we think it has a chance: Disney, the film’s distributor, was stiffed by TIFF last year with The Muppets and they’re surely pushing hard to get in this year. In addition to that, the film opens fairly soon after the fest (October 5), which is a good sign the premiere will happen at TIFF. Plus, wouldn’t it be great to have Tim Burton at Midnight Madness? We think so.
Argo (Special Presentation)
The story: It’s a political-drama directed by Ben Affleck about how the CIA used a Canadian film crew to help rescue six Americans during the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979. Heavy stuff.
Why we think it has a chance: With Gone Baby Gone and The Town under his belt, Affleck has a great track record in the director’s chair and is no stranger to the festival (The Town premiered at TIFF 2010). Plus, a political-drama with a Canadian connection sounds right up TIFF’s alley. UPDATE: According to an interview ET Canada did with actor Bryan Cranston, Argo is indeed screening at the fest (thanks to TheArtsScene.ca for the tip).
Django Unchained (Gala Presentation)
The story: It’s a violent revenge film about slavery written and directed by Quentin Tarantino that stars Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson, Christoph Waltz, and Don Johnson.
Why we think it has a chance: Tarantino had Reservior Dogs and Pulp Fiction both screen at TIFF (in 1992 and 1994, respectively) and his return to the fest would be huge. With the enormous cast it also has Oscar buzz written all over it and would make a great Gala Presentation.
Rise of the Guardians (TIFF Kids)
The story: It’s an animated film that teams up Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, the Sandman, and Jack Frost as they battle the evil Pitch to protect the children of the world.
Why we think it has a chance: The last time an animated film of this magnitude was at TIFF it was Antz in 1998. It also has a great voice cast that includes Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher, and Jude Law. Plus, the TIFF Kids programme is in need of a big movie to bring awareness to their standalone fest in the spring.
The Master (Special Presentation)
The story: It’s a Paul Thomas Anderson period piece about the leader of a religious organization and his right-hand man.
Why we think it has a chance: Besides P.T. Anderson and the cast, which includes Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams, it appears to be loosely based on Scientology and is sure to cause controversy, something TIFF eats up.
Check back next Tuesday, July 24 to see if our predictions are right. And let us know what you predict will be at TIFF 2012 in the comments below.
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