TIFF 2007: You, The Dead

Today’s Reviews:

You, The Living

One of the most critically acclaimed films of the festival so far, You, The Living (pictured above), is a very warm look at the hopes and dreams of the misfit inhabitants of a Swedish apartment complex, told through a series of vignettes. From Roy Andersson (Songs from the Second Floor), the warmth isn’t just towards the characters—it coats each shot like a fog. The film unfortunately places its funniest scene at the beginning (best dog ever) and then sags a bit. But it places one of the loveliest scenes ever at the end to make up for it. A little uneven, but quite adorable. 3.5/5

Diary of the Dead

This film completely reinforces George A. Romero’s place as one of the most important (but under-appreciated) socially-conscious directors out there. Perhaps his most obvious satire—a “mock” documentary uploaded online from a group of college students during the beginning of the zombie outbreak—it touches on everything from Katrina to the YouTube phenomenon. As ever, the acting is clumsy and a little stagey, but it doesn’t detract from the visceral zombie kills or the message. Plus it contains the most awesome Amish hero of all time! 4/5

Today’s Listings:

1:00 p.m. – Religulous: A Conversation with Bill Maher and Larry Charles (Mavericks) – Ryerson Theatre
2:30 p.m. – Ping Pong Playa (Vanguard) – Varsity 8
2:30 p.m. – Shake Hands With The Devil (Special Presentations) – Review – Varsity 8
3:30 p.m. – The Band’s Visit (Contemporary World Cinema) – Review – Ryerson Theatre
5:00 p.m. – My Winnipeg (Vanguard) – Varsity 8
5:30 p.m. – Joy Division (Real To Reel) – Cumberland 3
6:30 p.m. – Breakfast With Scot (Real To Reel) – Review – Cumberland 3
11:59 p.m. – Vexille (Midnight Madness) – Ryerson Theatre