Day 3: September 7

The dull thud in my head, the clammy arms, the dry mouth and aching eyes. The physical manifestations of the Toronto International Film Festival day three ain't pretty.

It's shaping up to be an excellent fest - granted, I'm getting better at picking films I'd like to see, but if my this point the biggest stinker is Japon or Arrarat, I won't do so badly.

Another eclectic day, with a Brazilian Gangster film, an Indian war-musical, an American diatribe/documentary, and an Elvis/Zombie flick. Just another day at the office.

As you'll see below, the Midnight Madness fun for tonight was Bubba Ho-Tep, a quirky little flick about the King kicking resurrected Mummy ass. The film was OK, but Bruce Campbell the man was, well, the man. He spent a good five minutes before the show pumping everyone up, and then after did a spirited Q&A that certainly was worth the admission. Just to show the power of the cult in this city, there were 250 in the rush line for the Midnight screening - only 20 or so got in, unfortunately. Between Campbell and Andy Lau of a few fests back, this is as huge a star as Midnight Madness gets. And, thankfully, he milked for all it was worth.

City of God
Directed by Kátia Lund and Fernando Meirelles

A true surprise for me, a really wonderful film. Kinetic, exciting, brutal, it's a supreme achievement and better than almost any film I'm likely to see this year.

Essentially a coming of age film, City of God takes the viewer down the stark and filthy alleyways of the Rio ghettos. Seen through the eyes of a budding photojournalist, this film comes across as a strange and wonderful Goodfellas meets Trainspotting. The style is infectious, the performances top notch. This is an extremely ambitious and enjoyable film, and, if it weren't subtitled, would be an enormously successful mainstream film. As it is, it's a must see at this years fest.

Grade: A

Peck on the Cheek
Directed by Mani Rathnam

Ever see a musical with singing and dancing about terrorism?

Another film I was not at all planning to see, it came highly recommended by a staff member at the press office. Turned out to be an unforgettable experience, a really remarkable film about childhood resiliance and the joy that must be maintained in the most horrific of situations.

Contemporary Sri Lankan events clash with massive dance numbers as the young protagonist fantasises to forget her fears. Exotic locations are shot with great intimacy, and the performances are top notch. The clash of styles works very well, and the uncompromising picture was a treat to see.

Grade: A-

Bowling for Columbine
Directed by Michael Moore

Oh, Michael. One day, some nutbar is going to try something bad. The fact that you know this, and continue to make these films, does fill me with respect. Still, I worry.

Michael Moore on guns. You'll no doubt know by now that the title refers to the fact that the two guys that did the shootings in Colorado went to their early morning gym class where they bowled. They knocked over a few pins, went home, got their guns and ammo, and killed over a dozen people. Seemed like the thing to do.

The film may not be celebrated as a documentary - that's usually reserved for films that attempt objectivity, that try to tell a full story. MM doesn't bother (rightly, I think - certainly the gun lobby and American violence have enough spokespeople nightly on the news). His film uses film techniques (reverse shots, say) that will puzzle those wishing for a simple document of his travels through America (and, this time, Canada). While it might challenge what it is to be a doc, it's clear that the film serves as his direct commentary. It may be more op-ed than journalistic, but that does not ditract from the fact that BFC makes for a thoroughly enjoyable, thought provoking film.
Grade: A

Bubba Ho-Tep
Directed by Don Coscarelli

So, Elvis is in a geriatric care centre with JFK (who's black) and he's got to kick some ancient Mummy ass. What else is there to say?

Grade: B

Bruce Campbell Show (q&a before and after B H-T)

He da man, had the Uptown in tears. Worth the price of admission just for him. Line went around the block, and several hundred couldn't get tix. I think the cult of Campbell's alive and well in T.O.

Grade: A+