Toronto – The Toronto International Film Festival announces the addition of eight titles to screen as Special Presentations during this year’s Festival, running September 6 – 15, 2007. These films join 17 titles as previously announced Special Presentations to date, and offer the latest achievements from an array of veteran filmmakers, directors on the rise, and celebrated actors working behind the camera.
Titles announced today feature some of cinema’s most well-known talent, including performances by Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Shepard, Mary-Louise Parker, Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Andre Benjamin, Woody Harrelson, Joshua Jackson, Ray Liotta, Charlize Theron, Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger, Julianne Moore, Tommy Lee Jones, Susan Sarandon, Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jack Black, Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Ticket Passes and Packages now on sale. For more information, please visit tiff07.ca or call 416-968-FILM or 1-877-968-FILM.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD Andrew Dominik, USA
From filmmaker Andrew Dominik (CHOPPER) comes a film that delves into the private life and public exploits of America’s most notorious outlaw. As the charismatic and unpredictable Jesse James (Brad Pitt) plans his next great robbery, he wages war on his enemies, who are trying to collect the reward money and glory riding on his capture. But the greatest threat to his life may ultimately come from those he trusts the most. Also starring Casey Affleck, Sam Shepard, Mary-Louise Parker, Paul Schneider, Jeremy Renner, Zooey Deschanel and Sam Rockwell.
ATONEMENT Joe Wright, UK
Based on the award-winning novel by Ian McEwan, ATONEMENT reunites director Joe Wright (PRIDE AND PREJUDICE) and actor Keira Knightley for another classic British romance – one that spans several decades. Thirteen-year-old fledging writer Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) irrevocably changes the course of several lives when she accuses Robbie Turner (James McAvoy of THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND), the man who loves her older sister Cecilia (Knightley), of a crime he did not commit. The film’s cast includes Romola Garai and Vanessa Redgrave.
BATTLE IN SEATTLE Stuart Townsend, USA
Based on one of the most incendiary uprisings in a generation, BATTLE IN SEATTLE takes an in-depth look at the five days that rocked the world in 1999 as tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in protest of the World Trade Organization. What began as a peaceful protest quickly escalated into a full-scale riot and eventual State of Emergency, pitting unarmed protesters against the Seattle Police Department and the National Guard. Different points of view from a cross section of society are intertwined – from protesters and police to delegates and doctors – who intentionally or accidentally find themselves on the streets of Seattle on those last days of the millennium. The directorial debut from actor Stuart Townsend (who also wrote the film) features Andre Benjamin, Woody Harrelson, Joshua Jackson, Ray Liotta, Michelle Rodriguez, Channing Tatum and Charlize Theron.
I’M NOT THERE Todd Haynes, USA
From Academy Awardâ„¢ nominated writer-director Todd Haynes (FAR FROM HEAVEN, VELVET GOLDMINE) comes an interwoven group of stories – each filmed in a distinct style – on the most influential musician of the 20th Century, Bob Dylan. Taking inspiration from his ever-changing career, I’M NOT THERE sees Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger, Ben Whishaw and Marcus Carl Franklin as the embodiment of different ‘Dylanesque’ characters – expressions of Dylan’s mercurial personality and his chameleon-like persona. Also starring Julianne Moore, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Bruce Greenwood and Michelle Williams.
IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH Paul Haggis, USA
From acclaimed Canadian writer/director Paul Haggis (CRASH) comes the story of a young soldier who goes missing upon returning to the U.S. from Iraq. When his war veteran father (Tommy Lee Jones) and his mother (Susan Sarandon) begin questioning the circumstances surrounding their son’s mysterious disappearance, they embark on a journey to piece together their son’s final days, enlisting the help of a police detective (Charlize Theron) to aid in the investigation. Also starring Jason Patric, Josh Brolin and James Franco.
INTO THE WILD Sean Penn, USA
Based on a true story documented by author Jon Krakauer in his bestselling novel, writer and director Sean Penn tells the tale of Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), a young man who abandoned his possessions, gave his $24,000 savings to charity and hitchhiked to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Also starring Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone, Catherine Keener and Vince Vaughn.
MARGOT AT THE WEDDING Noah Baumbach, USA
Writer/director Noah Baumbach (THE SQUID AND THE WHALE, KICKING AND SCREAMING) brings to life a sharply observed portrait of a family in distress. After learning of her sister Pauline’s (Jennifer Jason Leigh) plans to get married, Margot (Nicole Kidman) and her son leave New York City for the country in order to pay her a visit. Less than impressed by her sister’s new fiancé (Jack Black), Margot’s unabashed honesty compels the entire family to unleash their true feelings, forcibly coming to terms with the dysfunctional yet indispensable relationships that surround them.
THE SAVAGES Tamara Jenkins, USA
After drifting apart emotionally and geographically over the years, siblings Wendy (Laura Linney) and Jon (Philip Seymour Hoffman) must band together to care for an elderly parent (Philip Bosco) who has fallen ill. From filmmaker Tamara Jenkins (SLUMS OF BEVERLY HILLS) comes an irreverent and poignant story revolving around a modern American family and the all too common dilemma that ruptures their day-to-day lives.
