Robert Downey Jr. film The Judge to open 2014 TIFF
Programmers select world premiere of the David Dobkin-directed family drama to kick off fest
The Judge, starring RobertDowneyJr., RobertDuvall, VeraFarmiga, VincentD'Onofrio,and Billy Bob Thornton, will open the 39thToronto International Festival.
Organizers announced the selection Friday morning, three days after they revealed the first batch of films,including the closing night selection,AlanRickman'sA Little Chaos.
- Kate Winslet's film A Little Chaos to close 39th TIFF
- Photo gallery: 10 top films to see at TIFF 2014
- TIFF: A history of opening nights
It's not clear what caused the delay, but it is unusual that a previously announced galafilm would then be revealed as the opener.
TIFF's director and CEO Piers Handling said he is thrilled to have David Dobkin'sThe Judgekick off the event:
"Dobkin has delivered a moving, textured story about family, duty and the way we remember our past. We couldnt have asked for a better start."
The family drama starsRobert Downey Jr.as a big city lawyer whoreturns to his childhood home where his estranged father (Duvall), the towns judge, is suspected of murder.
Other stars with films in this year's festival include Jennifer Aniston, Andrew Garfield, Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer, Denzel Washington, Anthony Michael Hall, Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Vanessa Redgrave, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo, Jason Bateman, Julianne Moore and Benedict Cumberbatch.
The 2014 Toronto International Film Festival runsSept.4 to14.