TIFF 2013: Cinematheque Programme Includes Two True Classics: Shivers and Gun Crazy

Steve Barton   |  

Aug 3, 2013

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As if the Toronto International Film Festival isn’t jam-packed enough with horror premieres we’re dying to see, the lineup of the fest’s Cinematheque programme has been announced, and it includes two classics all genre fans should have on their résumés.

TIFF’s Cinematheque section is comprised of curated gems from the history of Canadian and international cinema, and few people represent Canadian horror more than Toronto native David Cronenberg. His 1975 film Shivers will screen at TIFF 2013; written and directed by Cronenberg, it stars Joe Silver, Ronald Mlodzik, Susan Petrie, Paul Hampton, Lynn Lowry, Alan Migicovsky, Barbara Steele, and Fred Doederlein.

Synopsis:
David Cronenberg’s third feature film announced him as the master of “body horror” and features a fast-spreading parasite that quickly overruns a Montreal apartment complex, turning residents into sex-crazed zombies. Shivers is presented in a new digital restoration created by TIFF in anticipation of the upcoming fall exhibition “David Cronenberg: Evolution.”

1950’s Gun Crazy from Joseph H. Lewis is also on the bill. It was written by MacKinlay Kantor (The Best Years of Our Lives) and former blacklisted member of the infamous Hollywood 10 Dalton Trumbo (a two-time Oscar winner for Roman Holiday and The Brave One) and stars John Dall, Peggy Cummins, Berry Kroeger, Morris Carnovsky, Anabel Shaw, Harry Lewis, Nedrick Young, and Rusty Tamblyn. The Best Years of Our Lives

Synopsis:
This stylistically audacious, seminal “rural noir” from director Joseph H. Lewis placed American reverence for firearms in its crosshairs, unloading a sociopathic-erotic crime spree — and setting the template for subsequent lovers-on-the-run thrillers like Bonnie and Clyde.

The 38th Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 5 to 15, 2013.

Purchase Festival ticket packages online 24 hours a day at the official TIFF 2013 website, by phone Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET at 416.599.TIFF or 1.888.599.8433, or visit the box office in person from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET at TIFF Bell Lightbox, Reitman Square, 350 King Street West, until August 19.

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