Combining intimate drama with dramatic landscapes has been a signature of Jane Campion’s work, and in her latest film, The Power of the Dog, which she also wrote, that mixture still holds true, giving us a different kind of western. Set in Montana, 1925, the film centres around two ranching brothers, the hard-edged, Phil (Benedict…
Tag: tiff
TIFF 2021: Violet dir. Justine Bateman
With her feature debut, writer/director Justine Bateman delivers an oppressive but ultimately rewarding emotional powerhouse that brings the everyday inner monologue and life struggle that each of us experience to the screen. In this case, it’s Olivia Munn’s Violet, a film producer, who has for too long sacrificed her own wellness, and life to the…
TIFF 2021: Attica dir. Stanley Nelson
Taking a look at the five day rebellion, and hostage taking in September of 1971 at Attica prison, Nelson’s documentary is a stark, unflinching look at the prison system, the industry of it, the culture and race clash that is inherent in it, and the larger world as a whole. Filled with interviews from those…
TIFF 2021: Petit Maman dir. Celine Sciamma
Director Celine Sciamma delivers a gentle pontification of loss, family and understanding in this gentle, and quiet drama. When Nelly’s (Josephine Sanz) grandmother dies, she regrets the fact that she didn’t get a chance to truly say goodbye to her. While her mother (Nina Meurisse) deals with her grief, and the job of clearing out…
TIFF 2021: Dear Evan Hansen dir. Stephen Chbosky
Mental health. Suicide. Depression. Loss. Grief. Loneliness. These issues are usually trapped in the individual, and though a number of us share in these things, it’s never a shared experience. We are held in the prison of our issues, in a society where social media presentation, the illusion of life being better than it is…
TIFF Bell Lightbox: Trek Talks with Dr. Mae Jemison
TIFF Bell Lightbox’s fantastic series of Trek Talks came to a close last night with a passionate and humorous talk by doctor, and former astronaut, Mae Jemison. Her talk drew a lot of attention, and her love of both the science and arts was on full display as she entertained and informed, igniting and rousing…
TIFF Bell Lightbox Trek, Trek, Trek!!
Last night was a simply amazing night at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. The first of the Trek Talks happened with Lt. Col. Jeremy Hansen sharing his thoughts, experiences, and how Star Trek has shaped the work we do in outer space, on the ISS, and may influence our future explorations with An Astronaut’s Voyage to…
We’re 5 Years Old Today!!
I just wanted to take a quick moment to recognize that this is the 5th anniversary of The Mind Reels (!). We started small, and didn’t start doing daily posts until January or February of our first year. Since then, every single day there has been a post, where we share thoughts, memories, and review…
TIFF Bell Lightbox Celebrates 50 Years of Star Trek
Space, the final frontier… Star Trek has been a part of my life for a long time, wait until you see the posts that are coming up next Wednesday if you don’t believe me! The iconic series has transcended geekdom and become a mainstream touchstone, even those who have never seen the show are aware…
The Canadian Screen Awards 2016: The Mind Reels on the Red Carpet
Sue and I were absolutely delighted this year, when we were notified by Touchwood PR (an amazing group of smart and dedicated people who continue to help us be the best we can be) that not only would we be attending the Canadian Screen Award Galas, and Broadcast, but that we would have a…
