the inside
the arts
Frosh guide to campus
TIFF is here
page 6, 7
page 11
the newspaper University of Toronto’s Independent Weekly
Vol. XXXIII N0. 1
Student aid
September 9, 2010
Research
Bees less busy
Students for Pakistan raise funds for flooddamaged country
U of T researchers discover 50% decrease in pollination MELINDA MORTILLARO Plants are in need of more pollinators, and they need them earlier. However, this has become difficult as the population of bees and
U of T students respond to the crisis
Continued on page 4
MELINDA MORTILLARO
The Varsity Blues charge onto the field for their season opener against the Windsor Lancers in front of a packed Varsity Stadium.
Green initiatives
Solar panel initiative means one less carbon foot print towards a greener campus Students could see a lot more panels by year’s end JAMAIAS DACOSTA As the world continues to face the reality of climate change, the University of Toronto is taking a leading role in implementing sustainable practices on campus. This past January, the Athletic Centre at Harbord and Spadina began using its 100 newly installed solar collector panels, the biggest initiative of its kind in the GTA or on a Canadian campus. According to the Sustainability Office at U of T, the panels will supply nearly 25 per cent of the heat for the building’s showers and laundry facilities during peak sunshine months. Though the panels have been in use since January, metering of the panels didn’t start until the beginning of the summer. At present, the estimated energy output is enough to heat 11 new average sized-single detached homes in Canada. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions reduction, it is equal to permanently removing 11 passenger vehicles from the road, and combusting 135 barrels of oil per year. U of T Sustainability Coordinator Ashley Taylor predicts it will
Continued on page 4
the blotters In an effort to put a little more pulp in our paper, both petty and indecent, we present you with the scoundrelly deeds that kept campus cops busy over the past week.
June 23 Occurrence type: Demonstration Location: Main Campus Details: Campus Police received a report of a protest in the main campus.
September 6
MELINDA MORTILLARO
Although the response to the cry for help emanating from Pakistan since midsummer was slow, some U of T students have already answered the call. The floods in the ravaged northern regions of the country have killed, displaced, or destroyed the livelihoods of millions of people. As the displaced struggle to find food, shelter, loved ones and security, U of T’s Pakistan Students Federation are devoting themselves to fund-raising. The PSF, in conjunction with two other campus groups-The South Asian Development Council and the Pakistan Development Fund--have formed a fundraising group, Students for Pakistan. They have raised over $10,000 from events on campus, local sponsors and the GTA Pakistani community. In the week following the floods a bustle of barbecues at Hart House and bake sales at Sid Smith were well-supported. One fundraising dinner seated 300 guests and raised $3,500 for the cause. Students For Pakistan has partnered with UNICEF Canada and the Red Cross to distribute the cash. The charities welcomed them and have added an online donation form to their website. None of the PSF members we spoke to knew any of the flood victims but were moved to action nonetheless. “It’s our country. It’s our responsibility,” said Urooj Shahzadi. But their help isn’t limited to their home country. PSF president, Seher Shafiq also raised money for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.
DAN EPSTEIN
DIANA WILSON
The solar-powered Athletic Centre is just a start
Occurrence type: Indecent Act Location: Varsity Stadium Details: Campus police attended to investigate one person streaking at the football game. The person was arrested for public intoxication and transported to 52 Division.
September 7 take a year before the meter data can be analyzed to determine the outputs. Taylor says that the Athletic Building was the most ideal for the solar panel project due to its high hot water demand, as well as
the south facing sloped roof area, which meant saving construction cost for the installation of the panels (solar panels are most effective Continued on page 4
Occurrence type: Bomb threat Location: Falconer Hall Details: Campus police attended to investigate a bomb threat. The area was searched, all was in order.
the news
2
September 9, 2010
Call to arms
Errata
CALLING ALL THE USUAL SUSPECTS Hardened newswriters, gossips, plucky young reporters, ilstrators, copy editors, ad sales people.
Meetings at our 1 Spadina office, Thursdays at 6pm.
SEPT. 16 & 17 Last Tuesday’s issue of the newsmagazine didn’t credit the lovely cover drawing to its lovely illustrator: Ginette Lapalme.
the newspaper Editor-in-Chief
9-7
Helene Goderis
Art Desk
MED-SCI BUILDING LOBBY
News Desk
Cara Sabatini Cailin Smart Mnrupe Virk
Amy Stupavsky Mohammed Abbas
Web Editor
Illustrations Editor
Jerry Saskatchewan
9-5
Melinda Mortillaro
Contributors
Jamaias DaCosta, Alan Jones, Cara Sabatini, Diana Wilson
Business Manager Taylor Ramsay ads@thenewspaper.ca
the newspaper 1 Spadina Crescent, Suite 245 Toronto, ON M5S 1A1 Editorial: 416-593-1552 thenewspaper@gmail.com www.thenewspaper.ca the newspaper is U of T’s independent weekly paper, published by Planet Publications Inc., a non-profit corporation. All U of T community members, including students, staff and faculty, are encouraged to contribute to the newspaper.
stereos
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SADM1002_EE_UofT_Sept9.indd 1
01/09/10 3:52 PM
September 9, 2010
the news
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the news
4 Pakistan floods
Bees
Solar Panels
Continued from page 1
Continued from page 1
Students for Pakistan’s efforts are not over yet. PSF will have a donation box at UTSU Clubs Day on September 12, and will also be collecting donations and screening a documentary about the flood at their first campus event. A friend of the PSF spent his summer documenting the disaster. His film was originally screened on the Pakistan network DunyaTV. Students interested in seeing the film and supporting Students For Pakistan can attend at 6pm on September 24th at the International Student’s Centre, 33 St. George.
when on a 45 degree angle). The cost of the Solar Panel Project was $473,000, though U of T did not foot the bill on its own. Funding came in part from the Federal Ecoenergy For Renewable Heat Incentive Fund and the Ontario Solar Thermal Heating Incentive. If all goes well with the outputs, students can expect to see the use of solar panels on campus really take off. In fact, Trinity College has taken its own initiative and within the next two month plans to install solar photovoltaic panels on the roof of the Larkin Building. According to Trinity College Bursar Geoff Seaborn, the panels are part of the Ontario Government Feed-in Tariff, and will provide 66,000 kilowatt hours of power to the Toronto Hydro grid, enough to power almost 7 average size Toronto homes. Trinity College struck a 20 year deal with the Ontario Power Authority for 71.3 cents per kilowatt hour, and once the initial $535,000 from the City of Toronto interest free loan is paid back and maintenance fees are paid for, the remaining income will go towards student bursaries for the college.
September 9, 2010
Continued from page 1 There are also some smaller scale initiatives happening as U of T continues to fulfill its mandate for greening its campuses. The Sustainability Office cites that more than 100 million sheets of copy paper are consumed annually on the St. George campus alone, which equates to 1,500 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. A beta project piloted at the Gerstein Science Information Centre to conserve paper is reaching 15 additional libraries and aims to reduce paper use by up to 50 per cent. The solution comes from simple technical changes to printer settings, which will provide students with tools to reduce and reuse. U of T has a long history of sustainable awareness and practices, dating back to the 70s. In fact, according to the 2009 St. George 3rd Party Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report, in 1977 the University dedicated a full time engineer to energy conservation research and analysis. Over the years, initiatives like the solar panel projects, paper reduction, as well as roof top gardens for local food production and other reduction and reuse projects and research have kept U of T at the forefront of sustainable practices in Toronto.
other flower-visiting animals has declined, and climate change has made pollination even more challenging. A recent University of Toronto study provides the first long-term evidence that pollination is undergoing a downward trend and that climate change may be a possible contributor. In his 17-year examination of the wild lily in the Rocky Mountains, Professor James Thomson, a scientist with U of T’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, has observed not only a decrease in bee numbers, but also significant pollination shortages early in the season. While successful plant reproduction depends on both weather factors as well as pollination, Thomson has used data on the fruit set of unpollinated control plants to estimate that pollination has declined nearly 50% from the early 1990’s to the present. One cause attributed to waning pollination is the widely documented decline in the population of bees. Within the last two decades in North America, “at least three closely related species have gone from being common to very rare in most of their former ranges,” Thomson says.
Another cause for the pollination deficit is a disturbance between plants’ flowering time and pollinators period of activity: a disturbance most likely caused by climate change. Thomson has evidence that flowers which blossom later in the season receive better pollination than those that blossom earlier. Flowers are beginning to bloom but pollinators have not yet emerged from hibernation to assist them in their reproduction. What are the implications of this decline in pollination? Thomson warns that regardless of the underlying cause, weakened pollination “could reduce fruit and seed production, and in extreme cases might cause plant populations to decline or even go extinct.” Despite the robust numbers cited in his conclusion, Thomson is leery of generalizing his conclusion onto other systems. Considering that his study reveals pollination decline in a pristine habitat, there is just cause to extend concern to pollination decay in systems that face additional hazards of habitat destruction and pesticides. Thomson also emphasizes that more long-term research is necessary, as trends cannot be determined from short-term studies.
September 9, 2010
5
the frosh
6
sweet study spots Emmanuel College Library
Tucked away at Victoria College, this library is straight out of Hogwarts. Delight in its old-fashioned charm as you bury yourself in your books.
Hart House Library
A place to learn and be inspired... especially if you don’t mind the hum of gentle snoring! Alumnus Morley Callaghan noted in his memoir That Summer in Paris that his time here spurred his intellectual development. For a little diversion, check the sexy time section.
The Quadrangles
If leafy, natural settings are your thing, bring your books to the Trinity or University College Quads where you can study in the fresh air.
Gerstein Library
A place for serious studying, especially for science keeners: a hushed, quiet, airy atmosphere. Park yourself in one of the big leather chairs by the windows.
Future’s Bakery
For light revisions, it’s a great place to surf the web, enjoy a snack, and people watch.
Robarts
This non-peacock-shaped building was designed to resemble a peacock. Similarly, while they may resemble decent human beings, many of this library’s employees are sociopathic authoritarians who’d sooner think you’re quoting the Beatles when saying you, ten minutes before your paper’s due, need somebody for help in fixing a broken stapler that should always be functional under their watch. Despite the stuffy air and lack of windows, the stacks are about as quiet and studious as they come. And don’t worry about the ghouls roaming the 9th and 13th floor; although these geriatrics appear ghastly and eternal because of their gaunt features that make them right at home in Transylvania, and their propensity to wear the same exact outfit every single day, you’ll be safe as long as you don’t even remotely remind them of a “life lesson” they’ll wish to impart on your freshfaced ass.
Regis College Library
Associated with the Faculty of Theology, This little known, modestly-sized library is the perfect getaway spot from the bump-and-greet social environment of Robarts.
E.J. Pratt
With its all-glass room partitions, bottom floor, leather chair-abundant lounge space, and foliagespruced pond facing the window, E.J. Pratt is, hands down, the flashiest library on campus. Alas, its beauty is also a magnet for business-student, puma-wearing jocks and Ginos, and their loud, tanned, STD-riddled counterparts.
UC Library (Laidlaw Library)
The only library at U of T where a librarian will shush you after so much as a peep. Deathly quiet with plenty of natural light and electrical outlets, this is the perfect paper-writing spot, conveniently located near Hart House’s Sammy’s for food breaks.
In your own damn room
A perhaps inspiring, mostly quiet, always controllable environment where you never have to wear pants or try to cover a stiffy when studying the female anatomy.
September 9, 2010
Welcome, freshmen. Still finding your sea legs around campus? the newspaper staff presents you with this campus round up to help shorten your learning curve.
academic resources College writing centres
Avoid being one of those illiterate students that professors complain about. Although you are most likely a product of the public education system, you are not hopeless. There are several non-mandatory but very helpful workshops that are designed to get your writing structured and up to university standards
Librarians Perhaps the most
underused academic resource at U of T. Much more than just clerks who put books back on shelves, they are educated and often bottomless wells of knowledge that are waiting to help you find the sources you need. Start up a conversation
and release a big chunk of “Oh crap how am I going to get this done”-type stress.
Counselling and Psychological Services CAPS is a great service offered to students and covered by OHIP. If you are depressed, anxious or a victim of trauma or abuse, this is the place for you. Also a great place to get prescription uppers like dexadrin and ritalin. 214 College Street, Main Floor.
Dental and Prescription Drug Benefits Not many new
students, or students in general, are aware of the benefits of paying tuition. Just tell your dentist or your pharmacist that you are a student and show them your T Card to get discounts or perhaps even full coverage.
the frosh
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party spots
student job$
Dance Cave
So long as the often frustrating security staff doesn’t think you are too drunk, or you are a provocatively dressed young lady, students can get into this dance party for free. Non-student friends get in for $5. Alternative rock and ‘indie’ themed songs spun by the DJ.
Times may be tough all over, but there’s still work available for those willing to suss it out.
The Work/Study Program
provides part-time employment initiatives for eligible students. Offering practical experience in a student’s area of study, the program also allows exploration into future academic and professional endeavors. Visit www.adm.utoronto.ca/fa/ workstudy.htm for more information.
regale people with at parties. Get thee to the Career Centre at Koffler Student Services (214 College Street) for advice on resume-writing, interview skills, and hiring opportunities.
Kensington Market - The Boat, Terranga, Ronnie’s Start the night off with a chilled out evening on the patio of Ronnie’s, if you can get a seat. End up down the street at the hippest dance party for hipsters. Tight pants and tight cotton tees recommended but not required.
Participating in research studies advertised on your
The Brunswick House (if you want gonorrhea)
The perfect place to unleash your inner frat boy. Also the perfect place to get hit on no matter how attractive you are. Just remember to hit the deck if you hear gunshots.
my.utoronto.ca page run the gamut from psychology experiments to health programs. It may not bring in the big bucks, but at the very least, it’ll be an interesting anecdote you can
House Parties
The drinks are cheaper, and the liquor laws of Ontario do not apply. Stop by the LCBO before you hit the party and drink as much as you can afford and for as long as the host will tolerate you.
free stuff to do Free Films at the National Film Board
Free screenings of thousands of NFB-produced Canadian films. Be sure to catch films by luminaries Norman McLaren and particularly Arthur Lipsett, a filmmaker whose evocative short films inspired George Lucas and Stanley Kubrick.
Fun in the Sun on Centre Island
PETER MOHIDEEN
Before the weather cools, catch a ferry — a measly $4-8 for a round trip — to one of the most beautiful spots in the city. Bring a frisbee and a few friends to take advantage of the open space, and swimwear for a swim at the beach.
ALEX NURSALL
September 9, 2010
the arts
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September 9, 2010
INTRODUCING THE NEW
99 POST-SECONDARY
$
STUDENT MONTHLY METROPASS
• The Post-Secondary Student Metropass can be purchased from TTC Collectors, Pass Vending Machines (at Dundas, St George and Queen’s Park stations) or at participating TTC Fare Media Sellers. • Show your Post-Secondary TTC Student Photo ID every time you use your Post-Secondary Metropass. • For details about how to get your Post-Secondary TTC Student Photo ID visit www.ttc.ca
( 4636 )
“
the campus comment CLIENT:
TTC
TRIM:
JOB #:
TS-1124-104
LIVE:
DESCRIPTION:
Post Secondary Student Card
BLEED:
10" x 7.5"
PUBLICATION:
U of T St. George (Newspaper)
”
the newspaper asks: What are your hopes, fears, and expectations for this year? INSERTION DATE:
Sept 9, 2010
AGENCY59 | 1910 YONGE STREET 4TH FL TORONTO ON M4S 1Z5 | 416.484.1959 | AGENCY59.CA
Tina Shu, Commerce, 1st year
Get over 67% in all my classes because I need to keep this average to get into Rotman.
Stefan Penev, Mama’s Best vendor The weather is a big factor for the business. If it rains or snows, the students stay inside. I pray for the weather.
Terence C, Statistics and Economics, 3rd year Continue passing. I’m doing a Women’s Studies course. I’m trying new things. Going to have a good time.
Jake S, Social Sciences, 1st year
Taylor Ramsay, Everything from art to business, 6th year
DIANA WILSON
Shannon MacInnes, NCSC Prez, 4th year From the involvement and ththusiasm of the frosh, I expect a lot more student involvement and a successful student life.
Meet new people; makes friends for the next 4 years,. Do well in my studies. Become a more complete person.
Graduate already.
the arts
September 9, 2010
9
Art Attack!
Newly founded Art Society draws outside the boundaries of U of T’s current art scene MNRUPE VIRK Shalini Makdani of Woodsworth College has a challenge for University of Toronto students this September, “I want to see our University campus turn into a hub of artistic activity. This is such a huge school… there is probably no shortage of creative minds looking to inspire and be inspired.” Makdani, a fourth year student from Woodsworth College, decided to start up U of T’s newest arts organization, the Art Society at Woodsworth College, after a growing disillusionment with the artistic opportunities offered by the university’s Visual Studies department. “I was just getting fed up. I wanted an environment where I could create what I wanted to create and meet like-minded people without the stress of marks and prerequisites.” The students of the Art Society aim to foster a lively and productive artistic community at U of T beyond the Visual Studies classrooms. The group plans to hold student exhibitions, performance nights, workshops and publications showcasing student artwork. Makdani intends to keep the focus of the Art Society as diverse and all-encompassing as possible. “I don’t want to limit us to the Visual Arts. I want this group to include those interested in creating music, in writing plays, in performing plays, in writing poetry or creative fiction. Anyone that’s interested in any type of art is welcome!” The Art Society also hopes to bring diversity to the kinds of social events scheduled on campus. There is no shortage of club and pub nights offered by colleges and campus organizations, but unfortunately not as many alternatives. “Those events are great, but sometimes you need different social programming. I hope the
Art Society will do its part in creating different ways to socialize at the University, all while keeping a focus on the arts and artistic expression.” With an inclusive attitude and an extensive list of ideas, the Art Society is one its way to becoming a unique addition to existing arts organization at the university. “Some of the other colleges have their own arts societies too. Trin has that great exhibition every year, and I remember last year UC put out an awesome little publication with student artwork. The Arts Society isn’t aiming to compete with existing arts organizations, just provide a new outlet for artistic individuals at the university,” remarks Makdani. The group is already planning something big for as early as November.
Tomorrow’s Professionals Apply Today!
Apply Online! OMSAS
September 15, 2010: Last day to create an account for the online application October 1, 2010: Application deadline
OLSAS
To become involved with the group, follow their group on Facebook or send an email to the artsociety.club@gmail.com to be added to the mailing list.
Finest Cutting and Style Colour and Highlights
7 HART HOUSE CIRCLE MONDAY TO FRIDAY, 8:30 - 5:30 SATURDAY, 9:00 - 5:00 For Appointments Call: 416-978-2431 EXCELLENT EXCELLENT WORK WORK & & REASONABLE REASONABLE RATES RATES
www.ouac.on.ca/olsas/
Ontario Law School Application Service
November 1, 2010: Application deadline for first-year English programs May 1, 2011: Application deadline for upper-year programs
TEAS
HART HART HOUSE HOUSE HAIR HAIR PLACE PLACE
www.ouac.on.ca/omsas/
Ontario Medical School Application Service
www.ouac.on.ca/teas/
Teacher Education Application Service
December 1, 2010: Application deadline for English programs March 1, 2011: Application deadline for French programs
ORPAS
www.ouac.on.ca/orpas/
Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs Application Service
(Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy/Physiotherapy, Speech-Language Pathology)
January 7, 2011: Application deadline
170 Research Lane Guelph ON N1G 5E2 www.ouac.on.ca
the arts
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September 9, 2010
TIFF Bell Lightbox opens to public with free festivities CARA SABATINI This Sunday at noon, an agglomeration of film buffs and music enthusiasts will gather on King Street to celebrate the opening of the TIFF Bell Lightbox: the future, multipurpos home of the Toronto International Film Festival. Following the ribbon cutting, film fans will enjoy a free “block party” in honor of the city’s newest cultural hub, including performances by bands of varying genres, a celebrity lookalike contest, a special guest appearance, and, a necessary ingredient of any block party: free food. The five-cinema film facility, a project in the works since February 2007, aims at allowing Toronto’s world-renowned film fest to “expand to become the world’s premiere centre for film.” In addition to providing a complete milieu for TIFF, the Lightbox will offer other programming initiatives that typical theatres do not offer such as
Canadian and foreign films, exclusive documentaries, and other rare film exhibitions. As the realms of communication and entertainment become increasingly visual - not to knock the obvious value of the written word – the “multi-channel nature of the moving image” is an undeniably essential mechanism to achieve global change and understanding, purports Piers Handling, CEO and TIFF Director. Says Handling, “there is an urgency to teach and cultivate an understanding of the moving image in all its diversity,” aiming at building a centre “where audiences of all ages can . . . learn about the magnificence of film.” TIFF Bell Lightbox anticipates housing events every day of the year, including opportunities for budding filmmakers of all ages to tell their stories through workshops, mentorships and panel discussions. The building will provide a centre for professionals, educators, and followers of film to gather from around the globe. What is
perhaps even more impressive – and relevant – for cinemagoers is the fact that audience members are allowed to bring food into the theatres – just in case the centre’s bistro, restaurant, or lounge fail to satiate – contesting the accustomed monopoly of junk food found in the majority of theatres. Though the expected films, lectures, and concerts will not occur on site until the 23rd of the month, this Sunday, TIFF Lightbox offers public showings of feature films and shorts,
along with a variety of other programming. Canadian bands, such as Montreal’s Kawarka and Toronto’s very own The Sadies, are to perform at the opening celebration. Attendees will also have the chance to take a tour of the fresh film facility. If that’s not enough to get any filmgoer to join the festivities, take note that free cupcakes and cherry pie will be served. This weekend, join Piers Handling, as he calls Toronto to celebrate: for the love of film (and food).
HART HART HOUSE HOUSE HAIR HAIR PLACE PLACE Finest Cutting and Style Colour and Highlights
7 HART HOUSE CIRCLE MONDAY TO FRIDAY, 8:30 - 5:30 SATURDAY, 9:00 - 5:00 For Appointments Call: 416-978-2431 EXCELLENT EXCELLENT WORK WORK & & REASONABLE REASONABLE RATES RATES
Nepali and North Indian Cuisine 469 Bloor St. West, just East of Brunswick
416-964-8849 www.mteverestrestaurant.ca
September 9, 2010
TIFF previews
the arts
DON’T MISS AT TIFF
I fucking love Toronto. It’s big enough that any musical act I could ever want to see comes through here regularly, it’s small enough that I can get anywhere downtown (aka anywhere that matters) within ten minutes on my bike, and every September a bevy of wonderful cinema finds its way into
the screens of Toronto’s film community. Starting Thursday, the AMC at Yonge and Dundas, the Scotiabank Theatre, the Varsity Theatre, and the Cumberland will all be inundated with cinema from around the world for Toronto’s 35th International Film Festival, a festival with a repu-
NEVER LET ME GO If you were confused by the trailer for this one, you’re not alone. It’s really baffling, but after looking up plot details, which includes the words “science fiction” (despite being set in the past), I really wish I hadn’t. Mark Romanek, the music video director behind the haunting One Hour Photo directs a stellar cast including Carey Mulligan and Andrew Garfield.
THE BLACK SWAN Darren Aronofsky’s last film to hit TIFF was the surprisingly normal (and excellent) The Wrestler. But before that, he made the harrowing Requiem for a Dream and the cerebral mindtrip Pi. In addition to featuring Natalie Portman slowly turning into a giant Black Swan, ala The Fly, it also features a lesbian sex scene between Portman and Mila Kunis. Are you sold yet?
BRIGHTON ROCK Graham Greene’s Brighton Rock is an excellent novel. It’s full of tension and self-loathing and Catholic guilt and regret and all of those juicy details that make British thrillers so damn good. Knowing that this film was written and directed by Rowan Joffe, the man who wrote last week’s fantastic and very Graham Greene-like The American is icing on the proverbial cake.
KABOOM I’ve only seen one of Gregg Araki’s films, the misunderstood Anna Faris stoner comedy Smiley Face, but I’m interested in this film, which appears to be pure madness, featuring a gay dude, his sexy straight male roommate, his female best friend, and many absurd, surreal, going- ons. Find the clips on YouTube if you can’t figure out what I’m talking about, because I can’t figure it out either.
11 Alan Jones takes you through his must-see list
tation surpassed only by Cannes that is available to the public as well. That means you can go see anything that’s playing, as long as you get your tickets early enough. Here’s a list of eight films you should try to see:
SUPER Super is a movie starring Rainn Wilson as a man who dresses up as a superhero and accosts the sort of bastards that cut in front of the line at a movie theatre. Many cineastes and film nerds (including myself) can relate. Think last year’s Defendor, but wickedly funny rather than pointlessly melodramatic.
BIUTIFUL Biutiful is one story centred around one character, which makes it different from director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s previous films Babel and 21 Grams. It’s also his first film without co-screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga. Let’s hope this means he’ll retain his humanitarian touch, but leave the heavy-handed moralizing behind.
FUBAR II I must confess that I haven’t seen Fubar, the 2002 Canadian cult comedy that this film sequelizes. But I recommend it because a) it looks very funny b) I can relate to the plight of white trash moving to Fort MacMurray for work, and c) I can’t justify recommending either of the other two major Canadian films Score: A Hockey Musical, and Barney’s Version.
THE WARD I don’t really feel the need to explain myself for recommending you take a look at John Carpenter’s first film in nine years. This is the man that brought us Assault on Precinct 13, The Thing, Big Trouble in Little China, etc. If you need any more persuading, just know that it stars the very sexy Amber Heard.
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September 9, 2010