This weekend (specifically November 10th) marked the 2nd year anniversary of Life Between Films! That’s right. I have been maintaining this blog, posting trailers of films I’m most excited about, perspectives on movie recommendations, experiences at film festivals, and ramblings about who and what I think makes the film (especially independent film) industry an exciting industry to follow. 

I have accomplished some great things since my 1 year anniversary. One of the big things is adding almost 450 followers/subscribers. Thanks to you all (approximately 750 through various social networking sites - Bloglovin’, Twitter, and Tumblr!). I seriously appreciate each and every one of you. I would love to interact with you guys so continue to email, tweet, comment, and contact me through Tumblr. If you ever want to ad swap or promote your (music, fashion, film) projects on my site, just let me know! I’m also always looking for guest bloggers. 

In addition to continuing on as a film festival contributor for the Large Association of Movie Blogs (LAMB) this last year, I have joined the team at Blerdnation as blog contributor and the movie site Filmophilia as a film writer. I also received my first press credentials to the 2013 New York Film Festival! I love that I have so many outlets to writing about what I am most passionate about and meeting others with the same passion. 

Read on to see some of my favorite posts from around my blog this last year…

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All I can say is that… Toronto, you always treat me so well. In case you missed some of my posts on film reviews and pictures associated with my time at the 2013 Toronto Independent Film Festival, here is alittle recap:

THE FILMS
This year I screened nine films, the most I’ve seen at one festival to date (yay, I can’t touch those people that do 30+ but I think its not too shabby). Here’s the recap:

The Past (Le Passe)** (Bérénice Bejo, Ali Mosaffa, Tahar Rahim)
“[Director] Farhadi doesn’t really construct beginning or ending to the story but really has a way of pulling back the curtain and exposing the audience to a short, intense moment. The story continues on after we leave them, not only for us to choose what we think happens from there but also to alert us to that fact that their is no easy resolution in life, there are much to people’s stories left to carry on.” A-

Hateship Loveship (Kristen Wiig, Guy Pearce, Nick Nolte, Haille Steinfeld)
“…there are some laughs (a certain make-out sesh with a bathroom mirror comes to mind) and cries (you just can’t help but feel sorry for Johanna at times) that sometimes make this unbelievable story worthwhile.” B-

Prisoners (Hugh Jackson, Maria Bello, Viola Davis, Terrance Howard, Paul Dano, Melissa Leo)
“For much of the two-and-a-half run time, the movie brims with unbearable tension, cringing suspense, and plenty of gasp-out-loud moments to carry along the unraveling mystery." B

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My Day 2 continued with a film screening that was kinda of ticket package filler, a movie I didn’t really have any intention of seeing but decided to take a chance on it and a special event that I just couldn’t wait for.

“Loveship Hateship”

Ever seen Kristen Wiig made us all sit up and take notice after the huge popularity of Bridesmaids, I have been following her to see where her film career would take her. I caught a screening of her recent film Girl Most Likely at TIFF 2012 which was solid and satisfying but was nothing beyoud what we have seen from her in the past creatively, and now, Hateship Loveship which touted itself as another solid film, but one that would have Wiig extend herself in a more dramatic role. 

Adapted from Canadian writer Alice Murnro’s short story Hateship Friendship Loveship Courtship Marriage, the story follows a socially-inept, unsophisticated caretaker-housekeeper Johanna who falls victim to a cruel prank involving carried out by Sabitha (Haille Steinfeld), the teenage daughter of her employer (Nick Nolte). Though there is seemingly a certainty of devastating consequences for Johanna, this situation allows her to open up, create a life for herself, and touch the people around her.

The movie revolves around the journey of Johanna. Wiig takes on the role of the soft-spoken, barely smiling Johanna in stride; her face remained blank, her mouth tight in a line. She is the embodiment of homely, wearing frumpy, unflattering clothing, no makeup, and dull, lifeless hair. Even with this, there wasn’t enough of this character for me in action or in words to give her dimension. Guy Pearce, who plays Ken the drug-addicted, irresponsible father of Sabitha who unexpectedly gets pulled into the prank, was good enough but had to also make due with a role that wasn’t craved out with enough care. I will say that there are some laughs (a certain make-out sesh with a bathroom mirror comes to mind) and cries (you just can’t help but feel sorry for Johanna at times) that sometimes make this unbelievable story worthwhile. My Grade: B-

–> Interesting highlights from the post-screening Q&A with the director and Kristen Wiig:

• When it was pointed out that this is a departure from her usual comedic roles, Wiig commented that she always wants to do drama and that people are surprised when they hear that
• As the movie is based on Alice Munro’s short story “Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage” which is set decades earlier in Canada, the director discussed how they had to update movie to be more modern… including adding email. 

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