School is open at the TIFF Bell Lightbox this week as filmmaker Guillermo del Toro gives a series of masterclasses on the work of Alfred Hitchcock.
The classes are a one-of-a-kind experience for any film buff: one legendary filmmaker examining the work of another, creating an exciting and inspiring look at the culture of the films.
Del Toro is one of the most prolific and exciting filmmakers of his generation. Though he is known for the fantastical movies like Cronos, Hellboy, The Devil’s Backbone and Pan’s Labyrinth, all his monsters have a soul, making his films visually and emotionally stunning. British-born director Alfred Hitchcock was the most influential director of his generation, who was fascinated by thrilling his audience by any means necessary. From the iconic Psycho to the stylish North by Northwest, no other director’s unique style has crossed genre boundaries to create an untouchable canon of classics.
Del Toro held his first class last night and chose the 1946 romantic thriller Notorious, which stars Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman as lovers in a dangerous time who learn that love may be the most tricky game of all. To a theatre packed with a diverse audience of young and old, fan boys and TIFF members, del Toro kicked off with an hour-long introduction to the film before taking a seat in the audiece to enjoy the movie. After the credits rolled, the director held a talk-back session with the audience, which he said reminded him of the film clubs he used to attend as a young man in Mexico.
If last night’s masterclass is anything to go by, audiences are in for a wide-ranging look at Hitchcock’s work: del Toro touched on the film’s advanced technical aspects, its complex way of dealing with the traditional love story as well as the abandoment felt by many in the post-war period.
Del Toro’s masterclasses will re-invigorate your love of film in the way only real passion can. Limited tickets still available for Frenzy (May 8), Shadow of a Doubt (May) and North by Northwest (May 16).
Hitchcock masterclasses, TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W., 416-599-8433. To May 16.
