TIFF Rankings. Plus: Who Does Nicole Kidman Belong To?
Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 6:42PM by Nathaniel R
Since I just had my last screening in Toronto, I thought I'd share my list of all the films I watched at the festival this year, in rough order of rank (highly subject to change as all the movies are brand spanking new). It's right here on Letterboxd. Over the next three days we'll finish up our writeups so reviews of A Star is Born and more are coming.
← The highlight of the fest, other than staying with Joe, Chris, and Nick, and comparing notes each night and reuniting with lots of friends (even long lost Katey Rich!) was meeting Nicole Kidman again...
At the pre-premiere reception for Boy Erased, Erik Anderson of Awards Watch and I got a chance to talk to the icon (the blissful moment pictured above). As ever, she was chatty, friendly, and loves talking acting and movies.
Just before leaving the party I introduced myself to the real life mother and son that Boy Erased is about. I asked the very colorful mom (if anything Nicole dials her down in the film!) how thrilled she was that a living legend was playing her? "Nicole is my favorite." I added, perhaps too enthusiastically, claiming the superstar. 'Oh, you think she's yours?!' Nancy teased. 'I'm sorry, she's MINE. She plays me onscreen.' Okay okay, Nancy, you win.
Troye Sivan, Nicole Kidman, and the real life mother & son whose story BOY ERASED is aboutThis delightful woman hadn't actually seen the movie yet (she was on her way to the premiere that very night) but she must have loved it given what Nicole does onscreen.
Reader Comments (14)
Interesting ranking. I actually liked Vox Lux quite a bit, though I'd love to hear more of your thoughts on that one, and I didn't hate The Death and Life of John F. Donovan as much as a lot of people seem to (it wasn't a good movie, but there's stuff I enjoyed). I sadly missed many of the films you have on there, but caught others instead (the nature of film festivals). I wonder what your thoughts would be on Ben is Back, Her Smell, Green Book (a huge crowdpleaser if I ever saw one, with beautiful performances from Viggo Mortnesen and Mahershala Ali) and Hotel Mumbai. I also loved A Star is Born and Roma, so I'm looking forward to your full thoughts on those (First Man I liked, except that I think it was too long). Anyway, I'll keep your recommendations in mind when many of these come to a theater near me (or if I catch them in the next festival I'll be attending).
I know you've liked Dolan in the past, so I'm particularly heartbroken to see Donovan ranked last. Especially with that cast. Also surprised Beautiful Boy is that low, or that If Beale didn't do more for you.
Glad to see you enjoyed Roma and A Star is Born so much
You did to get to screen FAHRENHEIT 11/9?
Tell me more about Vita and Virginia!
You saw the new movie directed by Paprika Steen? I had completely forgotten that she directed as well, but I’m so happy she’s giving herself some creativ challenges!
Nicole appears to be expressing ownership of YOU with that grip on your shoulder, Nathaniel!! It’s contagious and vicarious fun seeing you two meet again!❤️
Kidman double nominee, is that it?
I am so thrilled that A Star Is Born is your #1. I don't know when I've looked forward to a movie so much, and that is saying something!
Oh you and Nicole <3
I follow this blog for such a long time and I see how much she inspires you (and La Pfeiffer too), Nice to see you guys together again!
Can't wait to hear your thoughts on these movies... actually I can't wait to see them.
Cannot wait for A Star is Born. So glad you loved it!
Nicoles always comes first. Boo!
That's a great picture of you, Nathaniel! Very handsome with the beard.
Honestly, it sounds like Nancy threw shade at your over eagerness.
I fear that Nicole doesn't have a strong chance of getting nominated for Best Actress. I thought her positive raves are bound for an Oscar nomination. I'm just so saddened. The way it looks, the ranking of likely Best Actress nominees based on reviews and the films they're in is as follows:
1. Lady Gaga
2. Olivia Colman
3. Yalitza Aparicio
4. Melissa McCarthy
5. Viola Davis
6. Glenn Close
7. Nicole Kidman
8. Carey Mulligan
9. Julia Roberts
10. Saoirse Ronan
11. Julianne Moore
12. Keira Knightley
13. Toni Collette
14. Emily Blunt
15. Kiki Layne (she can pull off an upset)
16. Natalie Portman
17. Emma Stone (could go supporting)
18. Emma Thompson
19. Charlize Theron
20. Everybody
What a strong year.