In my college cinema courses, I had the opportunity to create a Super 8 film called Movie Girl. It was a heartfelt tribute to the magic of movies, set in Hollywood and centered around a dreamy Musso & Franks waitress who immersed herself in the plots of classic films. The film won an award, but it was the pinnacle of my directing career that never fully took off. Nevertheless, I’ve always admired filmmakers who infuse their own love for movies into their work. You may be familiar with some of them. Kenneth Branagh, for example, won an Oscar for his deeply personal film Belfast. Steven Spielberg received multiple nominations last year for his heartfelt creation, The Fabelmans. Woody Allen also had his own charming take on the love of movies in The Purple Rose Of Cairo. Peter Bogdanovich left a lasting impression with his 1971 masterpiece, The Last Picture Show, just like Giuseppe Tornatore did with his Oscar-winning film, Cinema Paradiso. It’s the combination of these two films that best captures the essence of the latest movie about the love of movies, The Movie Teller (La Contadora de Peliculas), which had its World Premiere tonight at the Toronto Film Festival. And let me tell you, this film breaks records in terms of the number of classic film clips incorporated into its nearly two-hour runtime. For all the movie lovers out there, The Movie Teller is an absolute must-see.Meet Maria Margarita, a young girl from Chile who has a deep love for movies. Growing up in a small town, her family can only afford one ticket to the local theater, so they take turns acting out the films they see. Maria Margarita’s father, once a strong and active man, becomes wheelchair-bound after a mining accident. Despite this tragedy, Maria Margarita remains hopeful and becomes a talented storyteller, captivating the town with her renditions of movies they can’t afford to watch.
As the film unfolds, we witness the power of cinema and storytelling in shaping our lives and memories. The story takes a dramatic turn when Maria Margarita’s mother leaves her family behind to pursue a different path. However, Maria Margarita stays behind, becoming a beacon of love and hope in a changing world.
“The Movie Teller” is a truly international production, with collaboration from Spain, Chile, and France. Directed by Lone Scherfig, known for her previous works like “Italian For Beginners” and “An Education,” this film brings together a talented cast from around the globe. Berenice Bejo, Daniel Bruhl, and Antonio De La Torre deliver powerful performances, but it’s the young actors who steal the show, particularly Sara Becker and Alondra Valenzuela, who portray Maria Margarita with heart and authenticity.
With its mix of Spanish and English language dialogue, “The Movie Teller” is a testament to the universal language of cinema. It explores not only our obsession with movies but also the political realities of Chile during this time. The film doesn’t shy away from addressing the impact of dictator Pinochet, a theme also explored in other Chilean films of the year.
Overall, “The Movie Teller” is a beautifully crafted film that celebrates the magic of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s Lone Scherfig’s finest work since “An Education” and a must-see for cinema lovers everywhere.
