I love watching Christmas movies.
I guess it's because my favourite's are like old friends that I only get to see once a year.
Absence really does make the heart grow fonder.
It's interesting how that concept doesn't apply to family.
I compiled a Top 10 list which was very difficult for me to do. I put them in order of release date because I really can't choose a favourite.
Unless someone pulls out a gun.
1. Holiday Inn, 1942
It doesn't get any better than Bing Crosby & Fred Astaire. The Voice and The Dancer. Perfection. Bing sings the song White Christmas for the first time in this film, not White Christmas.
Did that sentence just make sense? I'm sure you know what I mean...
2. It’s A Wonderful Life, 1946
I've seen a lot of Jimmy Stewart movies. However, in this film, I think he gave his very best performance. Seriously, one of the best performances by an actor--of ALL time.
He was mesmerizing as George Bailey. Watch the video and you'll see just a small part of his Magic at 4:35.
3. Scrooge, 1951
Alastair Sim was, by far, the best Ebenezer Scrooge. Why?
His acting range was flawless.
4. White Christmas, 1954
One of my favourite scenes in White Christmas: Bing, Danny, Rosemary and Vera singing 'Snow'.
I don't think I'll ever get sick of this movie. I watch it every Christmas Eve—guaranteed.
Did you ever notice how Vera-Ellen's costumes always covered her neck? That's because she was anorexic--her neck looked 20 yrs older than she did. Sad.
That heffer Rosemary Clooney must have hated her. I know I would if I had to stand next to a woman with an 18" waist.
5. How The Grinch Stole Christmas, 1966
Every year I'll watch this one when it comes on TV. It never get's old. I love the relationship between him and the dog. The Grinch had great acting range, too. ;)
6. A Christmas Story, 1983
'You'll shoot your eye out, kid!' A cult classic.
Oh, Ralphie! How precious was Ralphie?
My favourite scene is when Ralphie visits Santa and of course, the pole scene in the You Tube clip above.
7. Home For The Holidays, 1995
Okay, so technically, this is a Thanksgiving movie but I watch it every year around Christmas. Robert Downey Jr. steals the show.
My favourite lines are: when Holly Hunter says 'Do you ever look around the table at your family and think 'who are these people?'
Who hasn’t said that at least once a year?
And Robert Downey Jr. to his Mother: 'You're a pain in the ass and you have bad hair but I like you a lot'
8. Christmas Vacation, 1989
The best scene in Christmas Vacation? Aunt Bethany attempting to say Grace.
It cracks me up every time.
I love crotchety, old Uncle Lewis.
9. Elf ~ November 7, 2003
To be honest, if I really, really had to choose my favourite Christmas movie, it would be Elf. I will only choose if the gun is loaded.
It’s hard to pick a favourite scene but I love the part where Buddy get’s very excited when he learns that Santa is coming to visit the store.
10. Love Actually ~ November 14, 2003
This movie has become a Christmas tradition for me since 2003. When I first saw it, I skipped out of the theatre and then went straight home to write my Christmas list.
If you feel blah and not in the mood this year, watch this movie. It will bring you some serious Christmas spirit.
Also, it's quite simply, one of the best romantic comedies ever made.
So, if there's a film on this list you haven't seen, get to it!
12/25 is quickly on its way....
Final Note:
My friend Peter wanted me to add Silent Night, Deadly Night to this list but I just couldn't. However, if you're like Peter and would rather see people killing one another (singing and dancing isn't for everyone) this bad slasher film may be your thing.
Merry Christmas to you all!!! Remember: Eat, Drink & Be Merry
Friday, December 18, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
World AIDS Day: December 1st, 2009
Every December 1st, for about 20 years now, I spend the day reminiscing about my Uncle. His name was Christopher but when I was little, I couldn’t get the whole name out so I just called him ‘Chrissy’ and the name stuck with him.He always said he hated being called 'Uncle Chrissy' but deep down, I think he liked it.
Even though he was my Uncle, we were only ten years apart (technically, he was my first cousin but that’s a story for another day) so he felt more like a Brother to me.
For 15 years, he was a huge, influential part of my life. He was so cool and popular and all I wanted to do was be near him--that's all anyone wanted to do.
We spent endless hours together, playing cards (Crazy Eights—he always won), shopping, watching MTV and just being plain silly. I could always be silly with him and I cherished every second I had with him.
On September 15, 1989, he died of AIDS. He was 25 years old.
He’s been gone 20 years now but it’s still not easy to write about him—it’s even harder to talk about him. I usually choke on tears before his name is barely out of my mouth.
I used to cry and cry over him, almost every day but especially this day—I was filled with anger for a very long time. When you watch someone you adore slowly die, you question everything, especially God.
You just feel hate for the disease, the world......life.
The truth is, it still hurts like hell and I’m still mad at the disease but time has eased the anger I had towards life, in general.
I'm hoping time will eventually dry the tears.
About 10 years ago, I figured I should channel all that anger into something positive like volunteering and trying my best to donate what I can to the fight against AIDS.
Now, instead of crying, feeling terrible about what I don’t have, I think about how tough he was even when he was so sick. I think about how much courage it took for him to go to work each day, knowing the ignorance and hate he was going to encounter. I think about all those impoverished people in Africa that can’t afford to ease their children's suffering from the disease. Most of all, I think about how lucky I am that I’m healthy.
For without our health, we have nothing.
On this day, I like to take time to read up on all the current news about the fight against AIDS and all the amazing steps we’ve made on the road to finding a cure.
This day shouldn’t be just a memorial for those we’ve lost, it should be a day to educate ourselves on the disease and to spread the word: Prevention is our best defense.
Some current facts about HIV/AIDS:
· AIDS is a pandemic
· 275,000 children died of AIDS in 2008
· 66% of people living with AIDS are in Sub-Saharan Africa
· 75% of deaths occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa
· As of 2008, there are 33.4 million people living with HIV
· Currently, there is a $10 billion shortfall each year in the fight against AIDS. Funding is being cut all over the world but people like Donald Rumsfeld are getting rich from the Tamiflu vaccine—a fucking crock. Question: If the majority of people living with AIDS were white, would there still be this many deaths? Fact: The world doesn’t care enough about Africa to help fix the problem
· There are 40,000 new cases of HIV each year in the United States alone
· A pregnant woman can pass on the disease to her child
· Two million children under the age of 15 are living with HIV
· 1 in 5 people don’t know they have the disease--it can sometimes take up to 10 years to see any symptoms
· There is no vaccine or cure for HIV/AIDS
Another thing I do every Decemeber 1st? I make a wish that I live to see the day when we find a cure.
If you want to get involved in the fight against AIDS or learn more about the disease, visit:
http://www.worldaidscampaign.org/
If you're able to and would like to make a donation today, visit the Casey House website:
Casey House was founded in 1988 and was the first hospice in Canada for people living with HIV/AIDS. There is no cost to clients--Casey House relies mostly on donations as the government will only fund basic care.
My Uncle stayed here for a short time while he lived with the disease. It's an incredible place filled with acceptance, compassion and kindness: three important things a person living with HIV/AIDS needs to fight for survival.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Writing: An 'Awarding' Experience
Work is madness these days so I don't have much time to blog. :(However, I always make time to read my favourite blogger's posts! I love all of you.
When I do have some time to unwind, I spend it with the characters in my novel, begging me for attention. I'm a bad Mother.
Last week, I opened my Twitter account and saw a DM from Wendy Morrell (@Quillfeather) asking me to visit her blog as she wrote something of interest to me.
Of couse, I made my way to her blog asap and what a nice surprise!
She nominated me (as well as six other bloggers) for the Kreativ Blogger Award.
http://quillfeather-blog.blogspot.com/
To be honest, it's such a thrill for me to know that even one person reads my blog--let alone a great writer like Wendy.
Writing is already such a joy for me but knowing that other bloggers out there take an interest in what I have to say is truly intoxicating. Thx Wendy! xo
So, since I was nominated, I now have to nominate 7 bloggers! This won't be easy--I have so many favourites...
Anyway, here's what is expected of the nominees once the baton is passed:
1. Copy and paste the pretty picture in which you see on the top left corner onto your own blog.
2. Thank the person who gave you the award and post a link to their blog.
3. Write 7 things about yourself we do not know.
4. Choose 7 other bloggers to award.
5. Link to those 7 other bloggers.
6. Notify your 7 bloggers.
Seven Things You Don't Know About Me
1. I'm an only child
2. I lived in NYC for 5 years, thinking I could sell a (bad) screenplay that I wrote
3. I hate the smell of microwave popcorn but love to eat it
4. My real first name is not Sheri--technically, Sheri is my middle name (and I hate my first name so don't bother to ask what it is! I've never gone by that name anyway-thank God)
5. I suffer with long bouts of insomnia
6. I've been told that I give out good advice. The problem is, I rarely follow it myself
7. I have many, many, many friends and I adore them all even though there's never enough time to see them on a regular basis. I wish I had 29 hours in a day! My friends have saved my life, time and time again
Without further adieu, here are my 7 nominees, in no particular order:
1. Carrie Blogshaw
http://sexandtheshtty.blogspot.com/
Dripping with wit and charm, this blogger doesn't hold back when it comes to matters of the heart. I get a kick out of every one of her posts! She's hilarious. And I'm very proud to have her as a friend.
2. Soulbrother v.2
http://soulbrotherv2.blogspot.com/
An incredible storyteller. I hope he knows just how great he is. Please, someone publish this guy! For the time being, enjoy him while we have him here on Blogger!
3. Karen Quah
http://moderndaystoryteller.com/
Karen is a journalist, sript editor and playwright. Her blog has a wealth of information on just about every topic. She's also a lovely person with a positive outlook--even while she's participating in Nano! sheesh! http://www.nanowrimo.org/
4. Jai Joshi
http://jaijoshiz.blogspot.com/
Author of 'Follow The Cowherd Boy' http://www.amazon.com/Follow-Cowherd-Boy-J-Joshi/dp/1412086264
I came to know Jai from the Writer's Digest community. From the very start, I felt like we were kindred spirits!
Again, we have another incredible storyteller on our hands, bloggers! And as I suspected, she's already been nominated for the Kreativ Blogger Award.
5. Eric Tenin
http://www.parisdailyphoto.com/
Because I love Paris so much, I find myself constantly checking out Eric's blog. He posts a new pic of the lovely City of Lights everyday.
6. Gale Mullings
http://ggspiritwrites.blogspot.com/
I stumbled upon Gale's blog via Twitter and thank God I did. I love her writing style and wish I were half as good as she is. She's smart, funny & opinionated: my favourite combination.
7. Antonia Arch
http://antonioarch.blogspot.com/
A fellow Torontonian, Antonio runs an art curatorial service called Arch & Company Fine Arts. He's constantly posting images of surreal works of art by artists you've probably never heard of. If you love art as much as I do, you'll love Antonio's blog.
And there you have it! My nominees! It certainly wasn't easy picking just 7!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Unconditional Love
In my twenties, my spending habits were out of control, especially when it came to shoes. I loved buying shoes that I couldn’t afford—truth is, I still like shoes I can’t afford. However, I’ve grown smarter with my finances and have learned to respect my hard-earned money a little more.
I remember the very first pair of Prada shoes I ever owned. They were gorgeous, black Italian leather sandals with these little buckles on the straps. I loved them, even though they killed my feet. I saved up to buy them one summer and was so proud when I was finally able to walk into Saks Fifth Avenue (the flagship store!) and walk out with my new lovers.
At the time, my dog Simon was about 2 yrs old and loved to chew things (you probably know where this is going).
He could chew through just about anything; the edge of doors, rugs, stuffed animals, couch pillows etc, etc. The one thing he didn’t like to chew were his rawhide bones.
He was such a jerk in his youth.
One fateful day, I forgot to put my new loved ones into their shoebox and when I came home from work, the heels were chewed off and those cute little buckles on the straps? They were lying on the floor, next to the bodies.
And the worst part?
The labels in the soles were barely recognizable!! He basically bit the hell out of the ‘sole’ of the shoes.
I yelled and screamed and cried and kept asking him, ‘Why?!’ over and over again. Seems utterly stupid now that I would be questioning a dog and his taste in Italian leather but at the time, I was so angry. I had barely worn them!
I sent Simon to his bed which I moved to the corner of the room and forbade him to move for the rest of the night. I wanted to put a dunce cap on him but I knew he would have just chewed that, too.
The other day, I had a scare. My Simon didn’t look so hot—he was in very bad shape. I thought for sure that the vet was going to tell me that Simon would have to be put to sleep. I was a mess and all I could think about was the time that he chewed my first pair of Prada shoes. I don’t know why.
He’s 15 yrs old now and has changed a lot this past year. He moves slower, he sleeps more--he’s getting old.
Very long story short, my dog is fine. It turns out he has something called Geriatric Vestibular Disease which is quite common in old dogs. It will pass with time and pretty soon, he’ll be back to his ‘old’ self again.
I know he’s not going to live forever so I’m going to try to enjoy every second I have left with him because really, that's all I can do.
I remember the very first pair of Prada shoes I ever owned. They were gorgeous, black Italian leather sandals with these little buckles on the straps. I loved them, even though they killed my feet. I saved up to buy them one summer and was so proud when I was finally able to walk into Saks Fifth Avenue (the flagship store!) and walk out with my new lovers.
At the time, my dog Simon was about 2 yrs old and loved to chew things (you probably know where this is going).
He could chew through just about anything; the edge of doors, rugs, stuffed animals, couch pillows etc, etc. The one thing he didn’t like to chew were his rawhide bones.
He was such a jerk in his youth.
One fateful day, I forgot to put my new loved ones into their shoebox and when I came home from work, the heels were chewed off and those cute little buckles on the straps? They were lying on the floor, next to the bodies.
And the worst part?
The labels in the soles were barely recognizable!! He basically bit the hell out of the ‘sole’ of the shoes.
I yelled and screamed and cried and kept asking him, ‘Why?!’ over and over again. Seems utterly stupid now that I would be questioning a dog and his taste in Italian leather but at the time, I was so angry. I had barely worn them!
I sent Simon to his bed which I moved to the corner of the room and forbade him to move for the rest of the night. I wanted to put a dunce cap on him but I knew he would have just chewed that, too.The following morning, still drunk from the wine I chose to soothe my aching, shoeless soul, I heard him panting at the foot of my bed.
I opened my eyes and saw him standing there, looking at me with those big, brown eyes, tail wagging, tongue firmly sticking out of the side of his mouth.
He did this every morning however, I was surprised that he bothered on that particular morning, knowing full-well what could be awaiting him; a cold shoulder. But he came to greet me anyway.
I opened my eyes and saw him standing there, looking at me with those big, brown eyes, tail wagging, tongue firmly sticking out of the side of his mouth.
He did this every morning however, I was surprised that he bothered on that particular morning, knowing full-well what could be awaiting him; a cold shoulder. But he came to greet me anyway.
He had forgotten the events of the night before and so I had to as well. I couldn’t stay angry at him because he was just so forgiving.
That’s unconditional love for you. No matter what goes on in a relationship, you can always find it in your heart to forgive that person. In my case, a dog.
That’s unconditional love for you. No matter what goes on in a relationship, you can always find it in your heart to forgive that person. In my case, a dog.
The other day, I had a scare. My Simon didn’t look so hot—he was in very bad shape. I thought for sure that the vet was going to tell me that Simon would have to be put to sleep. I was a mess and all I could think about was the time that he chewed my first pair of Prada shoes. I don’t know why.
He’s 15 yrs old now and has changed a lot this past year. He moves slower, he sleeps more--he’s getting old.
Very long story short, my dog is fine. It turns out he has something called Geriatric Vestibular Disease which is quite common in old dogs. It will pass with time and pretty soon, he’ll be back to his ‘old’ self again.
I know he’s not going to live forever so I’m going to try to enjoy every second I have left with him because really, that's all I can do.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Vegas, Baby!
I spent last week in Sin City. I ate too much & gambled too much.
I hate seeing animals in captivity but I couldn't help but watch these cuties. They play like they're kittens! Surreal to be that close to them.
They even had two Lion cubs but my pictures didn't turn out. :( Take it from me; they were adorable.
A view of the New York, New York Hotel:
Gondola rides at the Venetian--so cheesy! But hey, that's Vegas:
The 900 lbs. pumpkin at the Bellagio:
And my most favourite moment? After a looong day of walking and eating and shopping, watching the giant fish tank at Caesar's Palace was a nice treat.
Good times!
I'll go over some of the highlights starting with the most important: FOOD.
My best meal:
Wynn, Las Vegas
If you want luxury, look no further than the Wynn Hotel--this place is out of control. Totally gorgeous inside and out. They even have an Alexander McQueen store in the hotel--I was salivating all over the couture. I'm sure the salepeople were close to calling security.
Wynn has a buffet. The best buffet in town, obviously.
I have never seen so much selection at a buffet before--they had every cuisine you could want. And the desserts? Oh, good Lord, the desserts.
I almost ate myself to death. It was pathetic.
I almost ate myself to death. It was pathetic.
As I was wobbling out, stuffed I couldn't resist snapping a picture of this: 'No, Thank you, dear Wynn' I thought to myself.
The hotel with the most to offer:
Caesar's Palace
It's all about Ceasars. They have EVERYTHING. A huge amount of restaurants, shops and an endless supply of slot machines, just waiting for you to lose your life-savings. Not only that, it's just a visually gorgeous hotel.
I hate seeing animals in captivity but I couldn't help but watch these cuties. They play like they're kittens! Surreal to be that close to them.I hope they're treated well.
They even had two Lion cubs but my pictures didn't turn out. :( Take it from me; they were adorable.Below are a few other shots from around 'the strip':
This shot was taken from a balcony at The Bellagio--facing Hotel Paris.
This was taken from the bridge connecting Treasure Island to The Venetian:
A view of the New York, New York Hotel: Gondola rides at the Venetian--so cheesy! But hey, that's Vegas: The 900 lbs. pumpkin at the Bellagio:And my most favourite moment? After a looong day of walking and eating and shopping, watching the giant fish tank at Caesar's Palace was a nice treat.
I was trying to upload the video but by the time it loads, you could go to Vegas yourself to see the bloody fish tank.
Thanks Blogger.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The Art Connection
It’s so weird how inspiration can strike. Randomly, when you least expect it, on a boring Tuesday afternoon, you can be struck by the thunderbolt.
I had it coming, though.
Toronto had it’s annual Nuit Blanche art festival on Saturday and I spent most of Sunday and Monday with an art hangover. The festival takes place from dusk to dawn.
Then, today one of my all-time favourite fashion designers, Alexander McQueen deputed his new collection for Paris Fashion Week.
McQueen is just so special—it’s hard not to be mesmerized and influenced by his creativity.
Something always happens to me when I’m surrounded by art for a long period of time.
It makes me feel alive and gets my creative juices flowing—I know how trite that sounds but it’s true. That’s what it does to me.
I didn’t always see this connection, it’s only come to me as I’ve gotten older. Looking back at all the writing I did in my twenties, I realized that I wrote so much because I was living in New York City, surrounded by culture with an endless line of artist friends.
Don’t’ get me wrong, Toronto is a very cultural city, much like New York but my life changed when I moved back here. I moved here for a purpose. I moved here to start a legitmate (paying) career. So, my friends changed, my purpose changed, my outlook changed. I think this happens to a lot of people when they give up their dream. In 1999, I gave up mine.
Or did I?
While writing is my true love, there’s another love in my life that I constantly cheat on writing with; my love of fashion.
I've been working in the fashion industry, mostly on the marketing/retail side for a VERY long time so to say I know a thing or two about fashion would be putting it mildly.
Years ago, when this whole blogging craze started, I didn't think about starting a fashion-specific blog simply because there were (and are!) so bloody many of them! Do we need another one? Now, that is the Million Dollar Question, isn't it?
Can I really have it all? Can I combine my two loves and live happily ever after?
I'm thinking about it......seriously.
I had it coming, though.
Toronto had it’s annual Nuit Blanche art festival on Saturday and I spent most of Sunday and Monday with an art hangover. The festival takes place from dusk to dawn.
Then, today one of my all-time favourite fashion designers, Alexander McQueen deputed his new collection for Paris Fashion Week.
McQueen is just so special—it’s hard not to be mesmerized and influenced by his creativity.
Something always happens to me when I’m surrounded by art for a long period of time.
It makes me feel alive and gets my creative juices flowing—I know how trite that sounds but it’s true. That’s what it does to me.
I didn’t always see this connection, it’s only come to me as I’ve gotten older. Looking back at all the writing I did in my twenties, I realized that I wrote so much because I was living in New York City, surrounded by culture with an endless line of artist friends.
Don’t’ get me wrong, Toronto is a very cultural city, much like New York but my life changed when I moved back here. I moved here for a purpose. I moved here to start a legitmate (paying) career. So, my friends changed, my purpose changed, my outlook changed. I think this happens to a lot of people when they give up their dream. In 1999, I gave up mine.
Or did I?
While writing is my true love, there’s another love in my life that I constantly cheat on writing with; my love of fashion.
I've been working in the fashion industry, mostly on the marketing/retail side for a VERY long time so to say I know a thing or two about fashion would be putting it mildly.
Years ago, when this whole blogging craze started, I didn't think about starting a fashion-specific blog simply because there were (and are!) so bloody many of them! Do we need another one? Now, that is the Million Dollar Question, isn't it?
Can I really have it all? Can I combine my two loves and live happily ever after?
I'm thinking about it......seriously.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
TIFFiquette
For the most part, rules of etiquette are unwritten. As humans, most of us naturally know that there is a time and place for everything.
The problem with etiquette is that the ‘standards’ vary greatly from person to person. What one person deems appalling, another person may deem normal. Etiquette really depends on where you were raised and who did the raising.
Take for instance, proper dinner table etiquette. Here in the West, it’s poor manners and terrible etiquette to place your elbows on the table. My Grandmother, a broken record, always told me to stop slouching and take my elbows off the table while I ate.
However, in France (and most of Europe, especially Greece), ‘elbows on the table’ is perfectly acceptable. In fact, they think it’s poor etiquette if you don’t have your elbows on the table. Something about hiding your hands in your lap is frowned upon. Whatever. My point is etiquette varies from place to place, person to person.
This is a problem. This is why each and every year someone says or does something so totally ridiculous at the film festival. These people are lacking TIFFiquette.
Maybe it’s just me. Maybe I’m just a prude so I’ll list the top 3 appalling events that took place over a 10 day span and you tell me; am I being too hard on people?
1. Up In The Air premiere at the Ryerson theatre, September 12, 2009
Some major Hollywood players came out for this one but that didn’t stop the moron in the front row from asking the dumbest question at the festival this year.
On the stage, conducting the Q & A was Jason Reitman, the Writer/Director. On stage with him: George Clooney (whose hand was bandaged from an accident he had the week before), Jason Bateman, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Melanie Lynskey & a few others—their names escape me.
In the audience looking and listening on? Just Oprah Winfrey. No big deal.
Here was his question:
“This question is for George Clooney: did you really hurt your hand or did you just bandage it for the festival?’ Or something like that. I don’t remember the exact wording.
Anyway, George Clooney just laughed it off and sarcastically answered, ‘yes, I did this just for the premiere tonight’.
Jason Reitman then said, ‘wow, that was an excellent question!’ which got a lot of laughs from the audience because we all knew better.
Here’s a link to the idiot caught on camera by an expert TIFFer, Larry Richman:
http://www.pronetworks.org/index.php/independent_films/post/video_george_clooney_cast_crew_up_in_the_air_2009_toronto_film_festival/
People like this don’t deserve to leave the house let alone attend premieres for must-see Hollywood films.
What a waste of a perfectly good opportunity to ask an intelligent question. How many times in your life do you get to pick the brain of a Hollywood heavyweight?
I hope all the other people who had their hands up but didn’t get called on, ganged up on him when he left the theatre.
2. My Year Without Sex premiere at the AMC on Richmond St. September 13, 2009
What happened this night was probably the worst display of bad manners I’ve ever seen at TIFF. And, of course the culprit was seated right next to me. Go figure.
My Year Without Sex is an Australian gem. The Writer/Director, Sarah Watt spent about four years of her life putting this film together.
When she introduced the film, she thanked Toronto for inviting her back (she was here in 2005 for ‘Look Both Ways’—another little gem of a film) and that she just had one of the best meals of her life.
The alpha male sitting next to me, turns to his friend and loudly asks ‘I wonder where she ate?!’ Then whips out his Blackberry and decides to keep it on throughout the entire film, trying to cover the screen by looking at it awkwardly in his pocket.
So, the film is over and the Q&A begins. Guess what the first question is.
That’s right, you guessed it!
‘Where did you have dinner?’
That was the first fucking question to the woman who just poured out her heart and soul on the big screen for us all to gawk at. She traveled thousands of miles for this shit?
The funny thing was, the alpha male didn’t ask the question, some other novice TIFFer did. I guessed, by her tone, she wanted it to be funny and cute but it made me want to throw something sharp at her. However, the only thing I had was an empty popcorn bag. That wouldn’t draw blood so I just gave her a dirty look on the way out of the theatre.
So, once the alpha male hears the name of the restaurant, he proceeds to yell out the address for us all to hear. ‘It’s on King & Spadina!’ he exclaims.
Because you know, he knows it all. He’s the big man about town. Clearly, he has a small penis. I bet he drives a red sports car.
Anyway, after he screams for attention, he jumps up and tells his wife, sitting in the row in front of us with her friends, ‘it’s time to go’. He does all this very loudly, saying bye to his friends, all the while, the Writer/Director is about to call on the next person for question #2.
I hope he dropped his Crackberry down a subway grate on the way home. Fucker.
3. Bad Lieutenant Port of Call: New Orleans premiere at the Ryerson theatre, September 15, 2009
Let’s face it; Nicholas Cage has not made any good films lately. He’s no National Treasure.
Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
So, I wasn’t feeling it for this film. I saw the first Bad Lieutenant with Harvey Keitel and didn’t like it. I’m not a Werner Herzog fanatic either so there’s three strikes right there. However, I’m a film lover and will try anything once so I tagged along with my friend that night to the premiere. She happened to know a lot about Herzog so I let her educate me.
The film was FANTASTIC. I loved it. Most of us in that theatre that night did. We laughed through the entire film—it was hilarious and so bloody uncomfortable! I love it when a film does that to me. You know, those films that make you cringe and move around in your chair. Movie Magic.
I tweeted just after I got out of the theatre that I thought Nicholas Cage was back and that I smelled Oscar. I still do. I hope he, at the very least, get’s a nomination because his portrayal of Lieutenant Terrence McDonagh was funny, scary and mesmerizing. Seriously, one of the best films (and best performances) I’ve seen this year.
So, why was it that people decided to get up and leave during the Q&A if they liked the film so much? Were they just fake clapping? Was it because Herzog’s accent was so thick, they were too lazy to listen? Or, sadly, were they still angry at Nicholas Cage for Ghost Rider? I know I am.
Unfortunately, they’re making Ghost Rider 2 so we’ll have to get over the anger. Oy vey.
When you are a true movie-lover, you ignore past mistakes when a performance like Cage’s in Bad Lieutenant graces the screen. A true movie-lover is always willing to forgive and forget.
In the theatre that night, the seats were not filled with true movie-lovers. They were filled with novice TIFFers with no idea that leaving during a Q&A is rude and just plain wrong.
If you’re one of these rude bastards, be careful the next time you do this because I usually sit in aisle seats. I have no problem with tripping you.
These rude bastards are also the same people who sat in their seats and watched ALL credits roll. So, what’s the big deal with sitting another few minutes for a Q&A? They only last a few minutes.
Have another movie to get to? Well, leave DURING the credits! It’s very simple.
I hope all these ignorant people I just mentioned were not from Toronto.
I think most movie goers are strictly in it for entertainment purposes only. Meaning, they don’t really care about the process of making movies and I totally understand that.
However, a lot goes into making a film and these people that are bringing their art to our city deserve respect.
It’s not impossible and it’s never too late to acquire good TIFFiquette. Remember, we’re going to be doing this all over again next year.
Here are a few simple rules for being a good TIFFer:
Ask intelligent questions: think long and hard before you ask a question. You have the duration of the film to think. Please. I beg of you.
Don’t leave during a Q&A: Just don’t do it. These people are artists. They’ve worked very hard to bring their idea to life. Don’t shit on their work by getting up and leaving as an actor or director is trying to explain their work.
Don’t be a celebrity stalker: It’s easy to get carried away when you see a celebrity that you admire. Trust me, I know what that feels like. However, it’s poor etiquette to ask for an autograph when someone just finished going pee. Don’t accost celebrities in the bathroom!!!
Final note:
This is to the irritating guy who sat behind me during the premiere of Passenger Side @ AMC (YDS), September 11, 2009:
Thanks for kicking my chair throughout the entire film, asshole. Even when I gave you the abrasive ‘turn-around-and-stare’ and asked you to stop, you thought it would be funny to keep doing it. Either that or you have a neurological disorder.
I just hope that I (or someone else) can return the favour next year.
The problem with etiquette is that the ‘standards’ vary greatly from person to person. What one person deems appalling, another person may deem normal. Etiquette really depends on where you were raised and who did the raising.
Take for instance, proper dinner table etiquette. Here in the West, it’s poor manners and terrible etiquette to place your elbows on the table. My Grandmother, a broken record, always told me to stop slouching and take my elbows off the table while I ate.
However, in France (and most of Europe, especially Greece), ‘elbows on the table’ is perfectly acceptable. In fact, they think it’s poor etiquette if you don’t have your elbows on the table. Something about hiding your hands in your lap is frowned upon. Whatever. My point is etiquette varies from place to place, person to person.
This is a problem. This is why each and every year someone says or does something so totally ridiculous at the film festival. These people are lacking TIFFiquette.
Maybe it’s just me. Maybe I’m just a prude so I’ll list the top 3 appalling events that took place over a 10 day span and you tell me; am I being too hard on people?
1. Up In The Air premiere at the Ryerson theatre, September 12, 2009
Some major Hollywood players came out for this one but that didn’t stop the moron in the front row from asking the dumbest question at the festival this year.
On the stage, conducting the Q & A was Jason Reitman, the Writer/Director. On stage with him: George Clooney (whose hand was bandaged from an accident he had the week before), Jason Bateman, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Melanie Lynskey & a few others—their names escape me.
In the audience looking and listening on? Just Oprah Winfrey. No big deal.
Here was his question:
“This question is for George Clooney: did you really hurt your hand or did you just bandage it for the festival?’ Or something like that. I don’t remember the exact wording.
Anyway, George Clooney just laughed it off and sarcastically answered, ‘yes, I did this just for the premiere tonight’.
Jason Reitman then said, ‘wow, that was an excellent question!’ which got a lot of laughs from the audience because we all knew better.
Here’s a link to the idiot caught on camera by an expert TIFFer, Larry Richman:
http://www.pronetworks.org/index.php/independent_films/post/video_george_clooney_cast_crew_up_in_the_air_2009_toronto_film_festival/
People like this don’t deserve to leave the house let alone attend premieres for must-see Hollywood films.
What a waste of a perfectly good opportunity to ask an intelligent question. How many times in your life do you get to pick the brain of a Hollywood heavyweight?
I hope all the other people who had their hands up but didn’t get called on, ganged up on him when he left the theatre.
2. My Year Without Sex premiere at the AMC on Richmond St. September 13, 2009
What happened this night was probably the worst display of bad manners I’ve ever seen at TIFF. And, of course the culprit was seated right next to me. Go figure.
My Year Without Sex is an Australian gem. The Writer/Director, Sarah Watt spent about four years of her life putting this film together.
When she introduced the film, she thanked Toronto for inviting her back (she was here in 2005 for ‘Look Both Ways’—another little gem of a film) and that she just had one of the best meals of her life.
The alpha male sitting next to me, turns to his friend and loudly asks ‘I wonder where she ate?!’ Then whips out his Blackberry and decides to keep it on throughout the entire film, trying to cover the screen by looking at it awkwardly in his pocket.
So, the film is over and the Q&A begins. Guess what the first question is.
That’s right, you guessed it!
‘Where did you have dinner?’
That was the first fucking question to the woman who just poured out her heart and soul on the big screen for us all to gawk at. She traveled thousands of miles for this shit?
The funny thing was, the alpha male didn’t ask the question, some other novice TIFFer did. I guessed, by her tone, she wanted it to be funny and cute but it made me want to throw something sharp at her. However, the only thing I had was an empty popcorn bag. That wouldn’t draw blood so I just gave her a dirty look on the way out of the theatre.
So, once the alpha male hears the name of the restaurant, he proceeds to yell out the address for us all to hear. ‘It’s on King & Spadina!’ he exclaims.
Because you know, he knows it all. He’s the big man about town. Clearly, he has a small penis. I bet he drives a red sports car.
Anyway, after he screams for attention, he jumps up and tells his wife, sitting in the row in front of us with her friends, ‘it’s time to go’. He does all this very loudly, saying bye to his friends, all the while, the Writer/Director is about to call on the next person for question #2.
I hope he dropped his Crackberry down a subway grate on the way home. Fucker.
3. Bad Lieutenant Port of Call: New Orleans premiere at the Ryerson theatre, September 15, 2009
Let’s face it; Nicholas Cage has not made any good films lately. He’s no National Treasure.
Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
So, I wasn’t feeling it for this film. I saw the first Bad Lieutenant with Harvey Keitel and didn’t like it. I’m not a Werner Herzog fanatic either so there’s three strikes right there. However, I’m a film lover and will try anything once so I tagged along with my friend that night to the premiere. She happened to know a lot about Herzog so I let her educate me.
The film was FANTASTIC. I loved it. Most of us in that theatre that night did. We laughed through the entire film—it was hilarious and so bloody uncomfortable! I love it when a film does that to me. You know, those films that make you cringe and move around in your chair. Movie Magic.
I tweeted just after I got out of the theatre that I thought Nicholas Cage was back and that I smelled Oscar. I still do. I hope he, at the very least, get’s a nomination because his portrayal of Lieutenant Terrence McDonagh was funny, scary and mesmerizing. Seriously, one of the best films (and best performances) I’ve seen this year.
So, why was it that people decided to get up and leave during the Q&A if they liked the film so much? Were they just fake clapping? Was it because Herzog’s accent was so thick, they were too lazy to listen? Or, sadly, were they still angry at Nicholas Cage for Ghost Rider? I know I am.
Unfortunately, they’re making Ghost Rider 2 so we’ll have to get over the anger. Oy vey.
When you are a true movie-lover, you ignore past mistakes when a performance like Cage’s in Bad Lieutenant graces the screen. A true movie-lover is always willing to forgive and forget.
In the theatre that night, the seats were not filled with true movie-lovers. They were filled with novice TIFFers with no idea that leaving during a Q&A is rude and just plain wrong.
If you’re one of these rude bastards, be careful the next time you do this because I usually sit in aisle seats. I have no problem with tripping you.
These rude bastards are also the same people who sat in their seats and watched ALL credits roll. So, what’s the big deal with sitting another few minutes for a Q&A? They only last a few minutes.
Have another movie to get to? Well, leave DURING the credits! It’s very simple.
I hope all these ignorant people I just mentioned were not from Toronto.
I think most movie goers are strictly in it for entertainment purposes only. Meaning, they don’t really care about the process of making movies and I totally understand that.
However, a lot goes into making a film and these people that are bringing their art to our city deserve respect.
It’s not impossible and it’s never too late to acquire good TIFFiquette. Remember, we’re going to be doing this all over again next year.
Here are a few simple rules for being a good TIFFer:
Ask intelligent questions: think long and hard before you ask a question. You have the duration of the film to think. Please. I beg of you.
Don’t leave during a Q&A: Just don’t do it. These people are artists. They’ve worked very hard to bring their idea to life. Don’t shit on their work by getting up and leaving as an actor or director is trying to explain their work.
Don’t be a celebrity stalker: It’s easy to get carried away when you see a celebrity that you admire. Trust me, I know what that feels like. However, it’s poor etiquette to ask for an autograph when someone just finished going pee. Don’t accost celebrities in the bathroom!!!
Final note:
This is to the irritating guy who sat behind me during the premiere of Passenger Side @ AMC (YDS), September 11, 2009:
Thanks for kicking my chair throughout the entire film, asshole. Even when I gave you the abrasive ‘turn-around-and-stare’ and asked you to stop, you thought it would be funny to keep doing it. Either that or you have a neurological disorder.
I just hope that I (or someone else) can return the favour next year.
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