For some, the Toronto International Film Festival means a chance to revel in the pinnacles of cinematic achievement. For others, it means a chance to surround themselves in glitz, glamour, and the zeniths of celebrity decadence. For a select few, it’s a chance to experience both. The best way for the serious TIFF patron to enjoy a well-rounded festival experience is to attend a gala or two. Many are World or North American premieres, the launching point for serious Oscar buzz and a chance for filmmakers to elaborate on their achievements. But the galas are also an opportunity to roll out the red carpets for the biggest names in Hollywood to throw on their formalwear and smile for the cameras. This year’s galas promise not to disappoint festival-goers of either persuasion. So put on your bowtie and prepare your best media-friendly smile, as Martiniboys guides you through the festivities.



Thursday, September 6 – 8:00 PM
FUGITIVE PIECES
Director: Jeremy Podeswa

Fittingly, the opening gala this year will have some Canadian flavour (notice the 'u' in flavour). Based on the award-winning novel by Canadian poet Anne Michaels, FUGITIVE PIECES tells the story of a man who escapes from Poland during World War II after witnessing the murder of his parents by Nazis. The film is shot in both Ontario and the Greek island of Hydra and stars Stephen Dillane (The Hours) and Rosamund Pike (Pride & Prejudice). Nothing like a nice lightweight film to start the festivities, right?



Friday, September 7 – 6:30 PM
RENDITION
Director: Gavin Hood

Of course, what would TIFF be without some starpower, right? Otherwise, Sassafraz would have to reclose and burn the remains. Fortunately for them, we have the world premiere of RENDITION, a controversial thriller starring Meryl Streep and Alan Arkin, as well as Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaall, who have been romantically linked a number of times in tabloids, gossip columns, and ET. Although they may walk down the red carpet together, don’t call it a date, National Enquirer. But the controversy involved in the film has nothing to do with Reese and Jake’s supposed affair; it has to do with the critical eye towards the CIA practice of extraordinary rendition. Raising issues like that is usually a surefire way to get an Oscar nod, so watch out for this one.



Friday, September 7 – 9:30 PM
MICHAEL CLAYTON
Director: Tony Gilroy

Over the last few years, George Clooney has established a reputation as one of Hollywood’s biggest activists. I’ll save Darfur later, Clooney; first we have to screen your latest film. MICHAEL CLAYTON is about the decline of an elite New York attorney (played by Clooney) following his divorce, debt, and failure. But Clayton is given an opportunity to resurrect his career as he faces his biggest challenge ever. The film also stars Sydney Pollack, Tilda Swinton, and Tom Wilkinson, but we all know the real draw will be Clooney. If his money is where his mouth is, I hope to see him arrive on the red carpet in an electric car. I must admit, that’d be pretty badass.



Saturday, September 8 – 1:30 PM
TERRA
Director: Aristomenis Tsirbas

Rod Serling once said that he could create a show about the horrors of war, as long as he used aliens instead of humans. Something tells me director Aristomenis Tsirbas was listening. His animated film, TERRA, tells the story of the planet Terra, an idyllic land that values peace and tolerance, until the last inhabitants of Earth decide to take over the planet after exhausting all the resources of their own planet. In turn, this will exterminate the Terrians. Can someone say allegory? Evan Rachel Wood stars as a rebellious teenage Terrian who takes it upon herself to save her father (voiced by Dennis Quaid) and the rest of her fellow inhabitants. The all-star voice cast is rounded out by Luke Wilson, Amanda Peet, David Cross, Justin Long, James Garner, Rosanna Arquette, Bill Birch, and Danny Glover. Phew!