
TIFF 2012 is upon us! Here at Gafas we broke down the Top 10 movies that we’re anxious to see. And of course, if you’re looking to attend any of the glamorous TIFF parties make sure to stop by Gafas to grab that final piece to your ensemble – eyewear!
1. Argo – Dir. Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck is back at it–directing and starring in a film at TIFF 2012. His last project, The Town, was a huge success. I can’t wait for Argo.
Here’s the rundown on what Argo is all about:
Tehran, 1979: After the American Embassy is invaded, six Americans take refuge at the Canadian Embassy. A CIA ‘exfiltration’ specialist creates an elaborate plan to free them – a plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies *wink, wink* – you’ll get the association when you check out the trailer!
Argo also stars Bryan Cranston, John Goodman and Kyle Chandler.
2. The Company You Keep – Dir. Robert Redford

Robert Redford is yet another director/actor at TIFF 2012. Ask your mother or grandmother to talk about Robert Redford, watch how quick they go weak in the knees. If you think Brad Pitt is a stud, he’s got nothing on 1960’s/70’s/80’s Robert Redford.
Here’s the scoop on The Company You Keep:
Jim Grant (Redford), a single father & civil rights lawyer goes on the run when a young reporter (Shia LaBeouf) discovers he’s a wanted man and former member of the radical militant group, ‘the Weather Underground.’
The movie has an all-star cast that includes Susan Sarandon, Terrence Howard, Anna Kendrick, Stanley Tucci, Chris Cooper, and Nick Nolte
3. Looper – Dir. Rian Johnson

This is the opening film of TIFF. It’s going to be HUGE.
What’s the plot of Looper?
In this futuristic film, time travel is realized. Joe (Joseph-Gordon Levitt) is a “Looper”, someone hired by the mob to kill a blindfolded victim sent back in time. Complications arise when Joe recognizes one of the victims as his ‘future’ self (Bruce Willis) – and accidentally lets him escape.
Looper also stars Emily Blunt, Paul Dano, and Jeff Daniels (Newsroom anyone?).
4. Love, Marilyn – Dir. Liz Garbus

Not much has leaked on this documentary about the famous 1950’s starlet.
Here’s the short scoop on Love, Marilyn:
Two boxes of Monroe’s private journals and letters were found in her acting coach’s home 50 years after her death. Contemporary artists perform and bring to light Monroe’s deepest thoughts that reveal her guarded inner life.
Love, Marilyn will also feature Elizabeth Banks, Lindsay Lohan, Evan Rachel Wood, Ben Foster, Uma Thurman, Viola Davis, Ellen Burstyn, Adrien Brody, Marisa Tomei and Glenn Close. How’s that for a star-studded cast?!
5. Anna Karenina – Dir. Joe Wright

Joe Wright is a huge Keira Knightley fan, so it’s no surprise she stars in his latest film, their 3rd collaboration. The flick is adapted from Leo Tolstoy’s timeless novel.
Here’s the deal:
Set in late-19th Century Russia, Anna (Knightley) is stuck in a loveless marriage. She starts a sordid affair and becomes torn between loyalty and desire.
Anna Karenina Also stars Jude Law, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
6. Cloud Atlas – Dir Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski & Lana Wachowski

Everyone is talking about Cloud Atlas! Tykwer and Wachowski write and direct!
Here’s what this one is about:
A “[…]visionary, time-tripping science-fiction epic” about humankind and the way single actions have great effects on the past, present and future.
Stars: Tom Hanks, Hugo Weaving, Halle Berry, Susan Sarandon, Jim Broadbent and Hugh Grant.
7. ‘Much Ado About Nothing,’ Joss Whedon

I first heard about this movie while Whedon was directing for Avengers. Apparently, Much Ado About Nothing was shot in just 12 days using the original text
Here’s the scoop:
A modern take on Shakespeare’s classic comedy about sparring lovers, Much Ado offers a “[…]dark, sexy and occasionally absurd view of the intricate game that is love.”
Stars: Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Jillian Morgese, and Clark Gregg
8. Hyde Park on Hudson – Dir. Roger Michell

In his last visit to TIFF, Michell showcased his film Venus starring the brilliant Peter O’Toole. The film received a very positive response, even garnering O’Toole an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. Don’t be surprised if Bill Murray picks up an Oscar nom. for this role.
What’s the story here:
Bill Murray and Laura Linney star in the true story of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s relationship with his distant cousin and soon-to-be mistress Margaret Suckley, over a weekend at the president’s country estate with the visiting King and Queen of England in 1939.
Stars: Laura Linney, Olivia Williams
9. Great Expectations – Dir. Mike Newell

Last time Mike Newell got behind the camera he gave us the spectacular brilliance that was Prince of Persia: Sands of Time. Yeah, that was definitely sarcasm. Needless to say Mr. Newell has some making up to do.
What’s the deal:
Whether you’ve read it or not I’m sure most people have heard of the famous Charles Dicken’s novel. It is a story of Pip, an English orphan who rises to wealth, deserts his true friends, and becomes humbled by his own arrogance. The landscape of the novel is one of the reasons for its longevity. Great Expectations happens during the time that England was becoming a wealthy world power. Machines were making factories more productive, yet people lived in awful conditions, and such themes carry into the story.
Stars: Raplh Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Jeremy Irvine, and Robbie Coltrane
10. Inescapable – Dir. Ruba Nadda

Back in 2009, Ruba Nadda’s feature film Cairo Time premiered at TIFF and received the accolade of Best Canadian Feature Film. Ever since, her work has been on the radar. She returns to the festival with her latest work: Inescapable .
What is it about:
This new thriller revolves around a father who goes on a desperate search for his daughter, creating absolute chaos in the Middle East. A brilliant cast with a recognized Canadian director is a great reason to see this film at the festival.
Stars: Canada’s own Alexander Siddig, Joshua Jackson (Mighty Duck’s or Dawson’s Creek, take your pic), Marisa Tomei, and Oded Fehr