My pics of Gus Van Sant, Bryce Dallas Howard, Mia Wasikowska Q&A at “Restless” Toronto Film Festival

On Thursday, September 8, 2011 I attended the gala North American Premiere of Restless, one of the Opening Night presentations at the Toronto International Film Festival. The sold-out screening was held in the 1200-seat Ryerson Theatre. The film was a selection in the Masters section.

For Restless, iconic director Gus Van Sant has assembled a stellar cast and equally accomplished crew. Henry Hopper, son of Dennis, and Mia Wasikowska, who floored me as the bold daughter in The Kids Are All Right, star in this dark dramatic comedy about two teens too young to be facing life-changing decisions. Bryce Dallas Howard produces along with her father Ron and his partner Brian Grazer. Legendary cinematographer Harris Savides is behind the camera while award-winning composer Danny Elfman is responsible for the poignant score.
With such cinematic experience backing him up, I had extremely high expectations for Van Sant's latest effort. Restless rests largely on the shoulders of its two young leads, who stand at opposite ends of the spectrum with their resumes. Wasikowska has a dozen features to her credit at the tender age of 21, while this is Hopper's first major role. The distinctions aren't apparent, though, as the two are up to the task and leave the viewer truly moved and emotionally drained by the time Restless comes to its inevitable conclusion (no spoilers here). Van Sant's signature long takes and rear tracking shots aren't overdone but just present enough to satisfy his fans. Jason Lew's story is sweet without being sappy, and the music and photography from Elfman and Savides put the polish on the project.

Director Gus Van Sant was introduced by TIFF CEO Piers Handling prior to the screening, along with producer Bryce Dallas Howard, star Mia Wasikowska, and writer Jan Lew. Van Sant, Howard, Wasikowska, and Lew returned afterward for a Q&A.

Here are some pictures I shot during the intro and Q&A:


Q&A GALLERY (16 photos)