“Sleighbells ring, are you listening….On the shelves, books are glistening.

Beaches or ski, Paper or “e”,

Reading in a Winter Wonderland……”

Road Ends – Mary Lawson

The third (unrelated) book by this author set in Ontario’s North, this one revolves around the supreme dysfunction of the Cartwright family. Set in the ’60’s, each chapter alternates between the eldest son, whose ambition and potential  were thwarted after a local tragedy; the only daughter who “quits” being the caretaker of her ever-growing brood of siblings and heads to London; and their father, a victim of his own history who holes himself up in his office rather than dealing with his wife and children. Bleak and harsh like the landscape in which it’s set, it’s a perfect winter read.

The Rosie Project – Graeme Stinson

Socially awkward and statistically-inclined Professor Don Tillman has decided he is going to find a wife. And so, using a complicated list of criteria, he sets out to find the perfect woman. In the course of his project, he meets Rosie who is, of course, everything he is not looking for. This is a happy, feel-good and hilarious story. A movie in the making, if the rights haven’t been snapped up yet, it’s only a matter of time before they will be.

The Year of Magical Thinking – Joan Didion

Devastating. Didion’s husband suffers a heart attack and dies as their daughter lies in a coma. It can’t get much worse than that, but Didion chronicles the days before and after in such a moving, tender and beautifully written way. Life changes in an instant. Reading this memoir and sharing someone else’s tragedy reinforces how lucky we are. We really are.

The Lowland – Jhumpa Lahiri

Two brothers. Best friends in childhood who grow apart as they grow up. One becomes a revolutionary, the other an academic. Eventually, ideology and geography separate them. Their futures could not be more different and yet, are ultimately intertwined forever. Sounds dramatic, because it is. No spoilers here. Just read it and weep….

A Constellation of Vital Phenomena – Anthony Marra

This overwhelming and beautiful page-turner is, quite frankly, one of the best books I’ve read in years. Set in a broken Chechnya town, unforgettable characters take the readers on a poignant journey through a dark and brutal moment in history. Once you figure out who’s who – and please, stick with it until you do – you will be awed by this epic, magnificent novel. You may even want to read it again. I know I do.

The Woman Upstairs – Claire Messud

At 42 and single, third-grade teacher and amateur artist Nora feels like an invisible woman. I’m not single (or 42) but I could relate. At first. But when Nora meets a sophisticated, completely out-of-her world family, she becomes entrenched in their lives to an unhealthy extent. Obsession, betrayal, love, art: it all swirls together in this infinitely readable novel about an angry young woman and the choices she makes. Or doesn’t.

The Happiness Project – Gretchen Rubin

This one is completely out of character for me. I had to read it as part of a work assignment, but found myself turning back to it, quoting it and generally being unable to get it out of my head. Author Gretchen Rubin seemingly has it all. So why isn’t she happy….enough? Is anyone? So much about this book resonated with me – and still does, long after I’ve put it away. Part self-help guide, part pop-culture philosophy, I found it intriguing and have already pre-ordered the next book, “Happiness at Home”. If happiness is a choice that we’ve got to work for, I’m willing to give it a whirl!

Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon – Sheila Weller

The title says it all. (Almost all. Could be subtitled: Plus James Taylor). This one’s love-or-loath. I read bits of this as an excerpt in Vanity fair years ago and was intrigued. With a movie version looming, I figured I’d better get to it before Taylor Swift (as Joni Mitchell!!) wrecks it for me. These 3 ladies had a profound effect on me throughout my adolescence (and beyond… but don’t tell anyone). I’m still mid-way though the book and, while it may not be the best-written of the lot, it’s compelling for this used-to-be-guitar-strumming, has-been-piano-playing campfire singer.

In with a bang, and out with a whimper…That’s how I’d describe my TIFF experience this year. At the start is was all jacked-up, testosterone- fuelled machismo. Next, came lighter lady fare and, finally, quiet and clever understated films. At least the ones I saw!!

I skipped out on Thursday night’s screening of Franco-film “A Happy Event” – which is a real shame. It’s about all the happiness and joy having a baby brings – except of course, when it doesn’t. According to those who were there (ie not me), it was moving and awesome and a must-see movie for those with (or wanting) children. That was followed, in an odd programming move, by “Hysteria” – the one about the invention of the vibrator! Apparently, it too was, um, a pleasure.

What I did see, however, was “The Awakening” a bone-chilling ghost story that had my mother nearly crapping her drawers! We’d heard it was a terrifying gothic thriller. It was. We arrived thinking there was no way we’d be sitting through anything remotely frightening – until we heard the director, Nick Murphy, speak. Charming and funny, he made us want to see his film. And guess what? Despite – or maybe because of – our reluctance, we both loved it. Great performances all-round, especially by Rebecca Hall and the little boy from Game of Thrones (Isaac Hempstead Wright). The whole thing was super smart, atmospheric, and creepy in all the right ways, “The Awakening” is definitely one not to be missed.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona....now it's stuck in your head too!

Next up was Jennifer Hudson as “Winnie” (Winnie Mandela, that is). I couldn’t wait to see JHud. In my mind, I discovered her years ago on Idol when (again, in my head) I cast her as Effie in Dreamgirls. She’s also my Weight Watchers hero. And a no show. Grrrr. But handsome Terence Howard worked the room quite nicely, dazzling everyone in his path….

No baby wipes here...

Despite being denounced by Winnie Mandela herself, people I know who saw it, liked it. Personally, I haven’t a clue. Gutted by Ms. Hudson’s absence, the maven left the building.

Finally, the closing night. It’s a well-known secret among film goers that the final gala film is usually a dud. In this case, a British (gasp) television movie was selected to close out the fest. Written and directed by (Sir) David Hare it’s a veritable who’s who of UK cinema: Bill Nighy, Michael Gambon and Rachel Weisz star, with appearances by Ralph Fiennes, Ewan Bremner and Judy Davis (Aussie….but close enough). This time, it was a spy flick!!

Don't let the pursed lips fool you...HILARIOUS...and on film, mysterious....

In “Page 8”, espionage and intrigue reign supreme as a secret file threatens to take down Her Majesty’s government. My Man and my Mom loved it. Thought it was gripping and smart with a cool, jazz-hand soundtrack. I, on the other hand, was so consumed fending off a carb-coma that I got lost somewhere on the wet grey streets of London….Useless (me, not the film).

All in all, good times had by all….HUGE thanks to photographer extraordinaire, Rosemary Goldhar. If you think these pics were good, you should see her REAL work….

For now, it’s ta-ta, TIFF….And hellooo fall TV….. Are your PVR’s ready?!

How do you top Brangelina/Clooney/U2 Friday?

With Canadiana Saturday.

First up, David Cronenberg’s “A Dangerous Method”. Everything about the movie was beautiful. From the cast to the sets to the magnificent antiques. Each scene gave us time to itemize the silver (that roll top! The match holder! The stemware!) and covet the costumes. Because this flick was slo-o-o-o-w. Michael Fassbinder was mesmerizing. And absent. Kiera Knightly, Viggo Mortensen and newbie beauty Sarah Gadon all showed up. It was, needless to say, a great looking green room with those 3 in it. Even if no one likes to smile for the camera.

Ooooh Viggo. So handsome.

Skinny stunner

In keeping with the Canadian vibe, it was a subdued, quiet room. For the most part.

Vigo and newcomer Sarah Gadon caught in a rare moment of levity

Next up was local darling Sarah Polley’s “Take This Waltz”. This is her follow up to the acclaimed “Away from Her” and she was quite nervous. But very cute, doing what every lady in the room was dying to do (no, not stalk Viggo!). She – ahem – waltzed in and kicked off her shoes.

Happy feet, happy girl.

As she headed off to calm her nerves and practise her speech, the movie’s stars filed in. Some of them.

Funny people.

I really liked this movie – tho’ heard a couple of philistines bashing it as they hit the streets. A very sensitive and astute story, it centres around a young married woman (Michelle Williams – not here) who falls for her (very hot) neighbour (Luke Kirby).

Smoldered on the big screen.

Just when we thought the story was over, it kept going. And going. And going. Interesting journeys with room for interpretation. The kind of flick you want to discuss afterwards. At least the ladies will. Except for one particularly sexy, fully clothed scene which you’ll probably want to think about privately.

Finally, who shows up to support his main man Seth? Why, Jonah Hill of course. Are they the newer, younger (leaner) Matt ‘n Ben? Not sure. But I have a newfound affection for Jonah Hill. It’s not like my “we’d be friends” connection with Matt Damon – I really do think we’d be friends. This one is more like, not really maternal, but like a concerned Auntie. First off, he introduced himself. As if I didn’t know who he was. And second, when I gushed over his performance – what? he was really really good in Moneyball! – and acknowledged that not many comedians can make that trek over to “serious actor” territory, he welled. Honest to goodness welling! Maybe he’s good at improv. Or maybe he’s just a sweetie. I’m hoping for the second.

Feeling like an Amazon with wee Jonah Hill

You can tell the fest is winding down. At least, that’s how it felt at last night’s gala screenings. The Green Room was chilled for both pictures. Everyone who showed up was friendly and relaxed. A far cry from Bruce “Lock it Down” Springsteen on Tuesday. And the movies themselves…ish.

Peep World.

Bang Bang Club.

Both sound like adventures in porn, don’t they? And in a way, they are. One is named after a sexxx shop frequented by the film’s main character, while the other addresses the question of voyeurism within the realms of the combat photographer.

OK, so maybe it’s a bit of a stretch…

First up: PEEP WORLD.

This comedy comes peppered with an odd assortment of actors – tv stars, comedians, unknowns and Oscar nominees…. An ensemble piece about a dysfunctional family that’s about to become even more fractured when the youngest son writes a thinly veiled account of life with his father and siblings.

Sarah Silverman was first to arrive. Gorgeous in real life. And, as expected, pretty darn funny.

AND she carried a bag of candies on-stage. Who doesn't love her?

Next up, Taraji P. Hensen. Again – beautiful. Awesome dress, awesome toes, awesome ass. And will discuss any of those topics too! Plus she was wearing a ring pop. For real. And then there’s Dexter.

Can't do him justice

Swoon.

Let’s just say the screen does nothing for Michael C Hall. He was charming, funny, friendly. Love love and love. Can’t decide if I want him to be my new BFF (sorry, Matt). Or if I just want a free pass. Either way, it’s all about MC Hall.

And the flick? I expected cheese but was pleasantly surprised. Sure, I didn’t laugh quite as loudly as (ahem) the person sitting next to me, but it was actually pretty funny. It’s no Hangover, but it’s cute. The only trouble is it kinda ramps up…. and then ends. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I wanted more. MORE! The writer needed to go another round or two to enhance the relationships, tie up loose ends, and give the movie the ending it deserved. Too little, too late.

Unlike THE BANG BANG CLUB…

This was kind of the opposite – waaaaaay too much story jammed into one movie. Based on the true story of a group of South African war photographers, this one was all over the place. The ANC/Zulu conflict in South Africa. The eve of South Africa’s first fully-open elections. The responsibilities of photographers in combat zones. Race movie, buddy flick, love story… It was everything – and nothing… Which was disappointing – as were most of the accents on-screen.

In the Green Room, however, it was smiles all around. Local girl Malin Akerman celebrated the premiere of the film with her family and friends. She’s intensely beautiful. Almost other-worldly.

Alien or beauty queen?

Ryan Phillippe is taller – and less glum – than I remember. Smiley, pleasant, just happy to be there.

Cute face, shame about the hair.

The rest of the room was packed with South Africans and honorary South Africans. And the guy in the corner who was too hot to be crew, but too “solo” to be cast. And he was funny. Chatting about men in girdles, among other things. Finally, he admitted to being in the film, showing us how to spell his name by pointing the poster. Frank R-a-u-t-e-n-b-a-c-h. The only one who did a solid SA accent on screen. Local talent. There, not here. Shame.

Handsome Rautneblahblah

I have seen the future of TIFF and its name is Bruce Springsteen.

Obviously I am not MOAM. I’m no Mother, but make no mistake: I am a Maven. It’s me, the special guest blogger – call me Mensch of all Mavens if you like.

The arrival of Bruuuuuce put the TIFF in a tizzy last night at the RTH. Intrepid photographers banned from the green room! Hallways cleared of fans and hangers-out & on. Michelle, the security guard, muttering expletives under her breath.

My Woman on the Inside, in grand Auntie Mame mode, got me and my sister (life-long Bruce fans, ok, fanatics) behind the velvet ropes and into the bowels of the Roy Thompson Hall. We weren’t expecting much – a glimpse, a handshake, a photo op. Denied. Such lock-down measures seemed fit for the President, but the Boss?

We did get ushered into front row seats, one row ahead of CTV’s Andria Case (Hey, MOAM name-drops. I’m just following the lead), and right next to a franco-reporter with way too much cologne on.

The screen showed us Bruce & Patti arriving on the red carpet. Maybe that’s why there were no photogs allowed in the green room. Patti does not look good in high def. (My sister was especially thrilled that she looks better than Bruce’s wife).

Though I’ve seen The Boss live in concert many times, I’d never been front row close. There he was: the rock star, the icon, the poet, and the SHORTY. Being of diminutive stature myself, I was thrilled. We’re not talking Prince pint-size, but we’re def talking “can’t reach the top shelf without a step ladder”.

The film, THE PROMISE: THE MAKING OF DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN was an amazing insight into the creative process. Not only singular to Bruce, but to the creative process in general. It’s hard to make art about making art (Sunday in the Park with Bruce?), but the movie succeeds.

Interesting: Bruce rarely looks at the camera in the modern-day interview sections. Maybe he’s camera-shy? Maybe it’s not just in the green room.

Don't look. Don't touch.

A funny thing happened on the way to the Green Room….They stopped everyone from going inside. EVERYONE. No photos. No hangers on. No nothing. Why? Because the star of a documentary, here to do press for the film, about him, vanted to be alone. Not Brangelina. Not a Royal or any other visiting dignitary. Not Bill Gates. No, they closed the Green Room for…. Bruce Springsteen.

Huh? Isn’t he s’posed to be Mr Blue Collar Man o’ the People? Guess not. I don’t get it/him. He’s so not my Boss. To sit through a documentary about the making of Darkness of the Edge of Town? Was never gonna happen.

Let’s head into the Green Room – BEFORE the Springsteen lock down…

THE DEBT.

It’s the 60’s and the Cold War is in full swing. As are the Nazi-hunting operations of the Israeli Mossad. When 3 agents capture and kill the brutal and terrifying “Butcher of Birkenau” they become heroes…. But at what price? Movie is told in flashbacks where all is not as it seems… Lots of BOO! moments where you jump out of your seat. I always crack up with nervous laughter at those times, don’t you? Anyhoo, edge of your seat, espionage thriller. Not the best movie ever, but pretty good…

And in the room….Director John Madden who worked out of my office many many years ago while making Shakespeare in Love. While everyone in the place EXCEPT me worked on the film, he always went out of his way to be lovely. And he still is.

Ready for my close-up, Mr Madden...

Israeli actress Romi Aboulafia is a huge star back home in the Holy Land and was giving my mother pointers on where to go and what to eat when she heads over. Helen Mirren is as awesome as you’d expect. Speaks many languages, does all kinds of accents and is a real lady. Very professional. Looks fabulous and is fabulous. And then there was Sam Worthington. Had we been playing my favourite game of “Actor or Agent” I would’ve lost. Short? Check. Scruffy? Check. Not speaking to others in film? Check. Sounds like an agent, right? Wrong. His Aussie accent gave him away to me – but only because I knew he was in the film. Screen presence through the roof but live? Nothing. Perhaps he didn’t want to be there? Shoulda called Springsteen….

Close your eyes and you'll miss the MOAM photobomber in the middle!

It’s not Live. Nor is it Monday. But I’m losing track. And getting sleeeeeepy. But better late than never. Right? RIGHT??

Here goes…

First up: POTICHE, which is Francais for Trophy Wife. Set in the late 70’s, Catherine Deneuve plays a bored housewife who must take over the family umbrella business – HER family – when striking workers cause her husband’s collapse. With a little help from her ex-lover, Commie MP Gerard Depardieu, she gets the place back on its feet – and then some. But old-skool hubby gets angry when he returns to find himself the trophy husband. Antics ensue in this wacky screwball comedy.

Did I mention it was French?

The folks behind me were screaming with laughter. I was not. The first half was cringe-worthy pour moi. But the second half came to life. Kitty D was very good – and very brave. She’s playing a woman practically. Her. Own. Age. So props to her for doing so. That said – in the Green Room….well, I can’t really say. She breezed in, asked for sparkling water (“Oh? You have nothing but Perrier? Than Diet Coke”) and left to smoke. C’est tout.

Ms Deneuve

And then there’s Black Swan.

Intense….and beyond.

But let’s talk Green Room.

First in? Winona. Who doesn’t love her, despite all her shenanigans? She’s a nervous little thing. And…erm….quirky. She’s one of those you feel you know personally. And guess what? She thinks she knows you right back!! I had to reassure her that she had every right to be there for photo ops. Yeah, that’ right. Me. Reassuring Her. We then moved on to the topics of “eye boogers” (her words), sweaty pits, and the perils of turning 40 (she’s 38). I told her by rubbing the fabric together, the white marks from deodorant will disappear. And with those parting words she made her way over to RIM’s head honcho to debate the merits of iPhone vs Blackberry. Cuckoo. Loved her.

Imposter Syndrome Ryder & Monsieur Charming

And then they rolled on in…

Barbara Hershey? Big entourage but very pleasant. Vincent Cassell? Hot. And went out of his way to say goodbye apres le film. Charmed I’m sure! Rachel Weisz? Too thin and looked anemic. Ed Norton? Very attractive in real life. Never woulda thunk. Woody Harrleson? Makes no bones about his stoner tendencies. And you could tell. Emmaunelle Chriqui. Who? (Sloane from Entourage)

And then there was Natalie….

Stun-ning

Ms Portman was truly breathtaking – in the film and in the flesh. Her people, however, were less so. Yes, this is her movie. Yes, she owned it in every way. And yes, it’s sure to propel her to the next tier. But y’all probably know that already. I don’t really need to add to the hype this baby’s getting. Good for her. Good for Darren Aaronofsky. and super good for the writer. Who’s all of 30 years old. It’s not for everyone, but it’s extraordinary. The music, the ballet, the dark-dark-darkness. And the performances. Especially NP’s. Still…she came in with a slew of press peeps, publicity pukes and secret service-types. C’mon. She’s not Julia Roberts.

Yet.

Am finding it hard to remember what day it is. My kids haven’t had school since last Wednesday morning. It’s felt like a weekend ever since (erm…and not necessarily in a good way)….But on to the movies….

BARNEY’S VERSION
The Great White North Hope. Methinks it probably should’ve opened the fest…And would’ve but for Rosh Hashana falling so early. Jew-ish film, high holy day-night does not a good combo make. Well it kinda does, but that’s another blog. Anyhoo…. As you may know the adaptation of Mordecai Richler’s beloved novel won a prize at Venice last week. The Golden Lion. Cub. That’s right. Chosen by kids. Don’t ask. I don’t know the answer. Moving on….
Some great moments in the movie. Paul Giamatti as un-PC Barney is already being touted as an Oscar contender, Rosamund Pike is wonderful as Miriam, his dream woman and Minnie Driver is brilliant as his second wife, nailing the Montreal accent and stealing every scene she’s in. The over 50-crowd LOVED this one. I liked it. In retrospect I like it less, but I’ll live in the moment and just say I enjoyed it, despite being a little too episodic and emotionally fleeting (Barney and Miriam aside).

Oooooh the room. Again, lots of tall beautiful actresses. And Scott Speedman. Funny how the actors are always punes and the leading ladies practically giants. And not just from the heels. Anyhoo….Minnie Driver is posing constantly, whether she realizes it or not (and she’s an actor, so she must). Hand on the hip at all times, aware that eyes are upon her, she’s ready for her close-up anytime, anyplace thank you. And yet….she’s funny. She laughs (big and loud). We like her. Rosamund Pike is breathtaking. Much more so in person than on-screen. Porcelain skin. Can’t imagine she spends much time in the sun…

THE HOUSEMAID
This erotic thriller is a Korean remake of another Korean film from the 60’s. The Green Room had a handful of folks in there – mostly because the principals are superstars back home in Korea but here not so much. Jeon Do Youn was the lead actress and was very nervous that she was overdressed. Aside from that, it felt like there were a bunch of teens in the room, aping and mugging for the cameras – their own. I kinda loved them.

And so we stayed for the movie – despite alternative plans. And I’m glad we did. Rich husband cheats on his pregnant-with-twins wife with the housemaid. And then all hell breaks loose. Very dark. And by the end very twisted. This flick was good but mostly was so stylish it killed me. The fireplace! The tea cups! The light fixtures! I’ve never seen such a house. And the clothes!! From the maternity dresses to the footwear to the fur-accented coats, every piece was more magnificent than the next. And don’t even get me started on the meticulously prepared trays of breakfasts, wine and cheese platters and dinner plates. There were some pretty steamy sex scenes in there too, some verging on pornographic – WITH sound effects!!! I’m sure many folks left the theatre turned on and horny as hell…I just wanted to re-decorate my house….

Two actors-turned-directors. One, a legend. The other? Not sure yet. It was a night of a thousand movie stars – and something for everyone! From old school classics to tween starlets, the joint was jumping.

THE CONSPIRATOR
First up was this Historical Courtroom Drama by Robert Redford. Set at the end of the Civil War it tells the story of the only woman accused of conspiring with John Wilkes Booth to assassinate Abe Lincoln. If you know your history, there’s no spoiler issue for you. But I was quite shocked by the outcome (US history wasn’t my specialty). Liked, didn’t love. Felt like an episode of The Practice or Boston Legal. Without quirks.

The room was filled with a lot of youngish, actorly types. Think they all may have been in the movie but you can never really tell who’s the actor, who’s the agent and who’s the wanna be. I look for dishevelled hair/hats, scruff or casual footwear on the boys, and abnormally large heads and OTT outfits on the girls. But the ladies in question, Alexis Bledel and Robin Wright, were nothing short of gorgeous. Especially Ms Wright. Still looks exactly the same as her Princess Buttercup days, and happy to boot. As for the gents…all were somewhat underwhelming, and even a bit girlie! Bob Redford (what? Everyone called him Bob) looked a bit womanly. From the feathered hair to the mom-jeans. But I don’t think he really cared. And wee James MacAvoy was sweet and petit. On-screen he smolders, but off? Just a nice young kid. Kevin Kline was very tall and borderline dashing, and – surprise of the night? Justin Long. Normally I find him annoying. But he took it in stride when I told my mother (a great Apple fan) that he was the Mac guy. And then leaned in for a photoshoot. So now he’s my best friend.

Mac Guy 'n Me

MAC Avoy 'n Me

And speaking of Best Friends….
Y’know how I think Matty Damon and I would be tight, given the chance? Guess who showed up to cheer on his real-life BFF??

NBF's

That’s right!!! And although we aren’t super-tight yet, it’s a start.

THE TOWN
All the stars seem to know each other. Rachele Lefevre who ditched Twilight for Barney’s Version was there, as were dimpled actor Greg Kinnear and Precious director Lee Daniels. Jennifer Garner came to support her hubby – magnificent. The whole cast showed up too. Ladies Rebecca Hall and Blake Lively, both of whom towered over almost everyone. I couldn’t get that song from Vicki Christina Barceloooona outta my head. Chris Cooper, Jeremy Renner, star and director Ben Afflek (very nervous, poor guy) and John Hamm. Sit DOWN Ladies. Mind you, he may have the edge on Clive Owen for most Handsome. Very very butch. When he stepped out? Yikes!! One woman actually rushed the stage with some sort of sign, ready to rumble with anyone who stood between her and her man. Kinda weird.

Film was awesome. Edge of the seat. Violent. Tense tense tense. Comes out this weekend so no need for me to rehash the plot. You’ll see it, you’ll love it……

Tall Townies Slouching

2 Boys and a Man

For me, Friday night was ladies night. Sisters, WAGS, and miscellaneous chicitas ruled the room. Lots of industry-looking men around, gloomy and snooty, while their female counterparts enjoyed every minute of it. They smiled, they were friendly, and they seemed to be genuinely having a good time… whoever they were.

THE KING’S SPEECH
Brilliant, Brilliant and Brilliant.
You’ll read the reviews and see the nominations/awards pile up. Spontaneous standing ovation. Feeling ferklempt on behalf of the writer, in tears at the reaction to his film. Fabulous storytelling, spectacular dialogue and incredible performances will speak for themselves when you see this. Which you will.

As for The Room….Assorted nervous producers and behind-the-scenes folks milled about. British and nervous and polite. Colin Firth was there with his wife, Livia, and I have to say, she was breathtaking. In and out. Didn’t hurt that she’s a friend-of-a-friend, but she was so smiley and lovely and friendly. Lots of the ladies wanted to hate her bc she was married to Col. Impossible. He’s the one who scored there. That said, he’s far more attractive in real life, and reeeeeeally knows how to wear a suit. Call it the Tom Ford affect or whatever… it’s working…. And then there was the seemingly shell-shocked Geoffrey Rush. He may have hung on to his character in Shine. Just a bit.

Geoffrey Rush

Mr & Mrs Col Firth

TRUST
Let’s start with the room. The director is David Schwimmer. It was all I could do to not call out “Ross!”… He was there with his magnificent girlfriend and lovely sister. Who doesn’t love that? It was a real family affair as the producers, their kids and their families all piled into the room. Again, lots of cranky Hollywood types. Not sure what they have to be so moody about….Star of the movie was Clive Owen. Swoon… Clive Owen!? Not. Normal. The man is ridiculously handsome. No one could look at him. His publicist wouldn’t let him be photographed, but then, on his own, he obliged. And then there was Catherine Keener… You know when you think you could be friends with a movie star? I’ve always thought Matt Damon and I would be pals if we met under the right circumstances. For real. Anyhoo, I love Catherine Keener. Feel like she could be my sister from another mister. And I told her. I couldn’t help it!! And she couldn’t have been nicer. And now I kind of feel like we’re friends. Or were. For about 6 minutes.

The flick. TRUST. This had made-for-tv written all over it. Except for the cast: Clive Owen, Catherine Keener, and most of all the young and supremely talented Liana Liberato. A family is shattered after the 14-year old daughter has a sexual encounter with a man at least 20 years her senior, who’s been posing as a teen in an internet chat room. Given the subject matter, it’s pretty devastating whether you’re a parent or not. Intense, emotional, raw. With a side of creepy. Hope it finds a distributor as subject matter is challenging.

Handsome Clive Owen

Catherine Keener and Fake Sister MOAM