There's arguably no more important film festival for an Oscar hopeful than the Toronto International Film Festival, which kicked off today.
In recent years, "The King's Speech," and "Slumdog Millionaire" won top prize, the People's Choice Award, meaning a film's Toronto reception is a great barometer for awards season.
At this point, its stranger not to show a film there, which has lead to 11 days jam-packed full of dozens of high-profile films featuring major stars from major filmmakers. While we can't possibly cover them all, here's a list of 13 to know for the coming months.
TIFF runs from September 6 to 16.
See the complete lineup of films here.
"Argo" - Ben Affleck
It's wasn't long ago that Affleck's legacy was "Gigli" and "Paycheck," but in one of the most impressive turnarounds in Hollywood history, the actor established himself as skilled director--making "Gone Baby Gone" and "The Town" to critical acclaim. If "Argo" is as well received, he'll officially establish himself as one of the best working American filmmakers, which is truly amazing.
"Looper" - Rian Johnson
Science fiction is best used when it is only a small element of a larger story. "Looper" may involve time travel, but it's really the twisty story of a mafia grunt forced to hunt someone down while questioning his purpose. Starring Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and directed by Johnson (the brilliant neo-noir "Brick"), his first studio film, this might be the film that officially launches Gordon-Levitt to the A-list (apologies to "Premium Rush").
"To The Wonder" - Terrence Malick
Not much is known about Malick's newest film (is there ever?), but the fact that he's releasing another movie just one year after "The Tree of Life" is a feat in and of itself. The director famously takes an incredibly long time on his projects, directing only six films since 1969. Ben Affleck headlines an all-star cast in one of the buzziest films of the festival.
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