Guy Maddin's Keyhole: A Post Production Diary

The premiere of  Keyhole at TIFF was very enjoyable. It was the first film I’ve seen at the TIFF Lightbox theatre (though I’ve been there in the past as a speaker on stereoscopic 3D post production). The picture quality and sound are tremendous, and I can say this having watched it sitting in the balcony - no complaints on the fidelity. It did seem as if the colour balance between the film reels was not consistent (an issue the producer also noted), which is very easy to notice on a B&W film since, being printed on colour stock, tonal shifts tend to go either toward blue or green - I am hoping the lab will investigate.

Aside from that, nearly the entire cast was in attendance with the exception of Isabella Rossellini, who sadly could not join. 

(Guy and cast during the after-screening Q&A with the audience)

Even Jason Patric and Udo Kier were there, though they missed the beginning of the audience Q&A because they were in the mens room. Kudos to Brooke Palsson for an adept handling of an audience member’s “So, what’s it about?” question.

After the screening, title designer Ingrid Paulson and I took a moment to enjoy the atmosphere in the Luma lounge, just outside the screening theatre. There was a lovely view of King Street beneath us.

We soon joined the rest of the cast and crew at a venue on John Street (it had no name), where drinks were poured and hors d’oeuvres were served with little napkins. People came and went, including ex-Sex Pistol, ex-PiL-member, sometimes radio personality, John Lydon. Nothing was broken. Things, however, were cut to pieces on the 3rd floor where a collage-making party was happening.

(Guy, standing, beside Louis Negin, seated, who looks like George C. Scott in the lighting)

It was all very warm and cozy. Both Jason Patric and Udo Kier came by for drinks and nosh. I must say, Udo’s eyes are a most piercing blue, like lapis lazuli.

(Udo Kier posing for a photo with a fan)

All in all, a good evening. No word on a trailer yet, but I will let you know when something surfaces.