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TIFF Picks 09: Hitoshi Matsumoto’s Symbol
In North America, Hitoshi Matsumoto became a household name for the fifty, or so people who've seen the brilliant Dai Nipponjin. Call him an auteur/mad genius/comic marvel, the teaser below might not shed enough light on what to expect, but I'm ready to bet it'll linger on way past the film's run time.
TIFF Picks 09: Larrieu Bros.’ Les Derniers jours du monde
A preem at Locarno hasn't brought about glowing reviews for this dystopian flick with the two plus hour run time. I'm not sure if this is an overly ambitious project or just a difficult sell.
TIFF Picks 09: Fatih Akin’s Soul Kitchen
After some dark, dark material, I'm looking forward in seeing how Akin handles comedy. Also playing in Venice, this should get picked up by any of the distributors who've picked up his previous pics.
TIFF Picks 09: Tim Blake Nelson’s Leaves of Grass
Everyone's looking forward to Ed Norton times 2, and I think the movie gods from above will shine on this title. His last film, The Grey Zone had the misfortune of preeming on September, 11th and you guessed it, 2001. Should be a title that sells during the fest.
TIFF Picks 09: Todd Solondz’s Life During Wartime
The characters in this part-sequel/part-variation on HAPPINESS struggle to find a place for themselves in an unpredictable and volatile world. The past haunts the present and imperils the future: ghosts circle and loom, trouble and console.
