BLACK SHEEP @ TIFF 2010

I feel like I've lived in another world for the last 11 days.  As much as TIFF felt like this unstoppable force that was going to devour my life before it began, its end feels just as bizarre because I'm not sure how to go back to my regular life after this.  That being said, as much as I am sincerely appreciative for this incredible opportunity, I also need it to end.  I'm spent.

After seeing THE ILLUSIONIST this evening, I will have seen a total of 30 films this year at TIFF.  That's about a dozen more than I saw last year and a solid benchmark I can be proud of.  I also banked a total of nine interviews and did my very first red carpet, for Woody Allen no less.  I know it isn't about the bling but I met Javier Bardem, Ryan Reynolds, Anthony Hopkins, Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu, Will Ferrell, Julian Schnabel and Xavier Dolan.  I also crossed paths with Zach Braff, Paul Giamatti, Freida Pinto, Josh Brolin, Minnie Driver, Bruce Greenwood, Jay Baruchel, Jacob Tierney, Scott Speedman and Roger "freaking" Ebert.  I didn't actually meet Mr. Allen but he did pass by me and shoot me a somewhat confused look.  I love him.

I even attended the TIFF 2010 awards lunch.  Free food and the well deserved announcement that the Cadillac People's Choice Award went to THE KING'S SPEECH by Tom Hooper.  Colin Firth may have missed the Oscar last year but he's coming back strong this year.

Colin Firth in THE KING'S SPEECH

Of the 30 films I saw, I think I can honestly say I can count the number of films I did not enjoy on one hand.  As far as films that wowed me, I need another hand to do that.  Here are my 10 favourite films at TIFF 2010 ... (in alphabetical order)

127 HOURS

Directed by Danny Boyle

Starring James Franco

(Read the Black Sheep review)

BIUTIFUL

Directed by Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu

Starring Javier Bardem

BLACK SWAN

Directed by Darren Aronofsky

Starring Natalie Portman

(Read the Black Sheep review)

BLUE VALENTINE

Directed by Derek Cianfrance

Starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams

EASY A

Directed by Will Gluck

Starring Emma Stone

(Read the Black Sheep review)

Xavier Dolan in HEARTBEATS

HEARTBEATS (LES AMOURS IMAGINAIRES)

Directed by and starring Xavier Dolan

(Look for the Black Sheep interview next week)

I'M STILL HERE

Directed by Casey Affleck

Starring Joaquin Phoenix

(Read the Black Sheep review)

THE KING'S SPEECH

Directed by Tom Hooper

Starring Colin Firth

(Read the Black Sheep review)

RABBIT HOLE

Directed by John Cameron Mitchell

Starring Nicole Kidman

TABLOID

Directed by Errol Morris

Joyce McKinney in TABLOID

A big thank you goes out to Movie Entertainment magazine for making this possible, the great crew at Maple Pictures and Alliance Films for the opportunity to interview such great filmmakers, the TIFF press office for all their support, Chris Bumbray from joblo.com for keeping me company for so many screenings, to Chris, Emily and Michelle at The Mark News for publishing my reviews for all new readers, and all my friends and family for their incredible support during the last couple of weeks.  I could not have made it through this without you.

And finally, a huge thanks goes out to you, my Black Sheep readers.  My coverage of TIFF 2010 made for some of the most successful days Black Sheep has ever seen and I cannot thank you enough for reading.

I'll be off for a few days but Black Sheep will be back up and running shortly with a review of CATFISH.  Thanks again for everything; this has been amazing for me.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I have one more film to see.