Make Way For “Old Wave” Films!?

Older is better at this year's Toronto International Film Festival where senior stars showed off their chops in films made about their generation
Old folks rule: Robert Redford, Costa Gavras, Maggie Smith, Vanessa Redgrave, all show up with senior-subject films at TIFF 2012

The term “What is old is now new again” can be used to describe what went down at the Toronto International Film Festival this year.  That is, Dustin Hoffman finally shows off his directing chops in the film “Quartet.”

Elderly Actors have show off some senior power at this year's film festival in Toronto
Glamour Seniors: Maggie Smith and Pauline Collins in Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut “Quartet”

When asked why he is only now getting around to directing at the age of 75, Hoffman joked, “I can’t tell you why it took so long to direct. Because I am still working it out with my therapist.”

"The Company You Keep" stars Robert Redford, Shia Labeouf, Julie Christie, Susan Sarandon and more
Robert Redford promoting his thriller “The Company You keep” on the red carpet at Toronto International Film Festival 2012 – photo: BNH

Also, his old “All the President’s Men” co-star, the much older (by a whole year) Robert Redford proves he can still get it up (huh, on a movie screen that is) by directing and starring in “The Company You Keep.”

But another director puts these two youngsters to shame. Yes, not only is Costa Garvas (“Z”—in 1969!) still alive and kickin’ it at 79, but this oldie has a goodie coming out called “Capital,” starring French comedian Gad Elmalehin a dramatic role.

Even some actors and actresses aren’t “acting their age.”  The old stand-by’s, Terrence Stamp and Vanessa Redgrave, show they still have some new wrinkles (as long as with their old ones) as they star in Paul Willams“Song for Marion.”

movies for Seniors by the biggest stars of their generation flexing their muscles at TIFF 2012
Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford in Alan J. Pakula’s “All The President’s Men” (1976)

Yes, it’s refreshing to know that a director’s impressive body of work trumps the fact that he has a not-so-impressive body.

No word yet if Clint Eastwood will reprise his role as Dirty Harry (Calahan) and direct and star in a movie where he sees an invisible 6’ rabbit sitting in a chair and call it “Dirty Harvey.”

And, hopefully, one day this can be filed under “justified comeuppance:” Warren Beatty will direct and star in a commercial for Viagra.

CLICK HERE For TIFF’s list of Films

CLICK HERE to read more about Hoffman and Redford on Deadline.com

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