The Rendition gala day - a perfect day

The Press Conference - 2.30-3pm, Sutton Place Hotel

What a day - after 2am and I don't want to believe it's over. Toronto's Rendition day was an extraordinary, unforgettable experience and all due to Jake Gyllenhaal. In my last post, I showed Jake going into the press conference, well this is what happened when he came out. And this time he's not blurry - a first for me!


This time, the crowds at the side of the hotel were much less and so we were able to get to the front and have a very close encounter with the beautiful Jake. He came out of the nearest doorway and was ready to sign autographs for all, including me. I thanked him and wished him a wonderful night.


When Jake had got into his SUV and been driven off, Peter Sarsgaard came out and seemed happy to chat a little. I asked him if he wouldn't mind signing my magazine for me and he said he'd be happy too, but then I realised it would have to be the same picture of Jake that Jake had signed. I told him I was sorry it was a picture of Jake and Peter joked that he was always happy to write over the face of that guy - so he did!


Gavin Hood was next, but a security guard let slip that Reese would be coming out of a different exit. When we walked round to the front of the hotel Omar Metwally was there being interviewed for the cameras, before quietly chatting.



The Rendition gala premiere - 6.30-9pm, Roy Thomson Hall

At the Roy Thomspon Hall we made a decision to focus on getting good seats for the gala because the red carpet area was so small. Also, I didn't think anything could beat the earlier experience. Jake arrived, the place erupted and we went into the foyer. A section of the foyer along the wall was corded off, for the cast to walk to the elevator/lift to go back stage. We were able to be at the front, right by the lift. The first person we recognised to walk past us was Chris Fischer, looking extremely handsome - so handsome I forgot to take a picture! Finally, Jake went by and as he was even more handsome I completely forgot to take his picture as well. Dear oh dear... As we ran up to get a seat, I passed Reese looking so beautiful with the wavy hair and the little black dress.


Before the film, Gavin took to the podium and thanked his producers and writer Kelly Sane, who came on stage, before thanking and introducing the Hollywood actors who had made the characters a reality - each coming on stage one at a time: Jake, Reese, Peter and Omar. Jake and Reese appeared to mirror each other's body language but she definitely cast Jake a few glances.


Rendition

I'm going to say very little about Rendition at the moment as it needs to sink in a little and I want to give absolutely nothing away. I can safely say that, to my mind, Jake has never looked as sexy as he does in this film - Gavin made full use of it - and there were signs of a new Jake, one I've not seen before, but who seems utterly fascinating. There were new expressions, new tones in his voice and a real physicality - a long way from Robert Graysmith. Having Jake in in the theatre was - a distraction. At the end there was a standing ovation that lasted and lasted. I loved this film and can't wait to see it again - everyone was excellent. We were able to congratulate Omar (he was superb) and writer Kelly Sane in person outside and they were really sweet and kind.


We came out of the theatre into the madness that is a George Clooney premiere. Afterwards, we headed back to Yorkville and had some drinks in the Hazleton Hotel. Later on we saw Peter walk around the corner to a steakhouse. I finally decided to call it a day when Chris walked past me in the street. No sign of Jake. What a day. Perfect.

All pictures taken by yours truly on one of the best days of her life. Thank you Jake.