MovieChat Forums > The Singing Detective (2003) Discussion > Toronto Film Festival - SideTracked

Toronto Film Festival - SideTracked

posted 22 years ago by webrageous
3 replies | jump to latest

I noticed that "The Singing Detective" will be screened at the Toronto Film Festival this year. My friends in Toronto are thrilled - I'm a bit sad because I'd planned to go this year, but circumstances are preventing me from being able to attend. However, I'll be there in spirit cheering you on! :)

As you know, Robert Downey Jr has a lot of fan support out there. At the Sundance Film Festival a group of us from various fan sites on the internet had some flowers delivered to him at the screening. We are hoping to do the same in Toronto. Nonetheless, if you have the opportunity, would you please pass along to him that we love him, we are very proud of how well he's doing, and we can't wait to see this movie.

By the way, will you be in Toronto for the festival as well? You've been so kind in answering all the questions here. I want you to know that we really appreciate the fact that a Director would take the time to answer questions from film fans. You are a true gem!

I wish you the best of luck and great success!

Jennifer

[–] picuco9 22 years ago

I heard the movie was re-edited and that the "new" version will be shown in Toronto.(the other version i'm talking about was the one shown at Sundance). Did it change alot?

As for the TFF, Katie Holmes will attend as well. She'll be there for another movie too, 'Pieces of April', a Sundance success. I can't wait to see her in 'Detective' as well. Oh Keith, can we expect a 'Singing Detective' trailer out soon???? I know we've asked the same question ALOT, but fans of the cast and movie have just seen pictures of it, and other than that, NADA!! a trailer would be much appreciated, thanks.

[–] sidetracked 22 years ago

Hi all,

Yes, this is a slightly re-edited version, but nothing very radical. Mostly lots of little trims to tighten up some areas (a couple of trims as long as 45 seconds, some as little as a few frames. It's amazing how a cut less than a second in length can sometimes help the flow of a scene.) We also put back one 30 second sequence we dropped early in editing to help clarify a key transition, and remixed the sound in a couple of spots to help make dialouge clearer, and change some music and sound effects.

Probably no single change would leap out at a casual viewer, but added together I think they make a real positive difference.

The trailer is in the works - currently being finalized at the lab, then copies have to be made. I would guess it would start showing up in theaters in about 2 weeks (?). No idea which theaters. Understand, I'm only somewhat involved in things like trailers and advertising. Paramount Classics and Icon have been great all along about supporting my artistic vision, paying for me to make these tweaks in the film, never pushing me to make choices or changes I didn't believe in, etc. But in turn, I'm letting them run the show as to selling the film. It's not where I think my instincts are best. (As I only half jokingly told one of the heads of Paramount Classics: listen carefully to everything I say about selling the film, then do exactly the opposite). They are smart, classy (and fun - shocking to say about movie execs) people, and I have every confidence they'll do a great job.

I'm glad you're so excited to see stuff, and sorry there isn't more yet to see. Soon!

Best,

Keith

[–] sidetracked 22 years ago

Thank you, Jennifer.

All your support of Robert and the film has been terrific and I will indeed pass this on to Robert in Toronto (it looks like we'll both be there). Maybe I'll print up a hard copy for him to read.

It's been my pleasure to answer your questions. I was a film fan way before I was a film-maker. And most of what I learned about making films was because various people took the time to answer my questions, so I figure it's only right to pass that on in turn.

All my best,

Keith