Cillian’s Bounty: Toronto International Film Festival

Posted in Canadian Content, Comedy, Current Faves, Encounters of the Fankind, Films, Reviews |

When everyone was seated inside, TIFF co-director Cameron Bailey introduced the film, the director Ian Fitzgibbon, the producers, and both Cillian Murphy and Brendan Gleeson. They spoke briefly and then were ushered towards their reserved seats for the screening.

Perrier’s Bounty was fantastic, and from the audience reaction, everyone in attendance agreed with me. After it was over, Fitzgibbon, Cillian, and Brendan Gleeson came back onstage to answer questions from the audience.

Fitzgibbon praised screenwriter Mark O’Rowe for his “humor, imagination, and dark obsessions,” mentioning that he’d also penned Intermission. He conveyed the terror and excitement of the first day on set, when you hope that what’s in your head makes sense. He mentioned that the cast often sees things differently than a director, but that is the joy of filmmaking. Fitzgibbon also praised the dynamic between Cillian and Brendan in some of the scenes towards the end of the movie, saying, “F___ me, they’ve got balls,” a statement which was met by knowing laughter.

Cillian himself praised the cast and Fitzgibbon, saying it was a real thrill to work with everyone involved. He mentioned that he was a fan of Gleeson’s before and now he’s both a fan and a friend. He also discussed how he was a big fan of Jim Broadbent, too and that he met with him for dinner to discuss their roles before actual filming began.

Brendan Gleeson praised Cillian, calling him a “gem” and one of the actors who makes Ireland proud. With all of the compliments going around I thought to myself that it was a bit of a love fest, upon which Gleeson himself soon commented, half-apologizing for the “love fest” going on onstage.

Also half-apologizing for the “love fest,” Cillian talked more about the joys of working with the cast and mentioned Intermission, stating that O’Rowe writes Irish males particularly well, identifying something about them that might be universal. He called it a tendency towards procrastination and the hope that by “letting things be,” they’ll work themselves out. He added that even when you “grow up” and are “successful,” you frequently “turn into a teenager” when you’re around your parents, and this was also captured brilliantly by O’Rowe in the script.

After about ten questions from audience members, they all left the stage and we filed out of the theatre. By this time, it was dark outside and the lineup for the next movie had already begun. Sadly, there were no more glimpses of Cillian, but we were so filled with glee from the movie itself and the charm and wit on display during the Q&A, that it hardly mattered.

I’m thrilled to have finally gotten the opportunity to see a real red carpet premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, one featuring not only my favorite actor but my favorite actor in a terrific film.

Sorry George Clooney, maybe I’ll see you next year.

For more information on Cillian Murphy’s career, current projects, and other news, please visit The CillianSite . . . the source for all things Cillian Murphy.

Many thanks to Melty_Girl for all of her editorial assistance.

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