Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall took the spotlight at Thursday’s opening night gala at the Toronto International Film Festival, with their performances in “The Judge” drawing a sustained ovation from the crowd at the huge Roy Thomson Hall.
At the same time, reaction was more muted for the film itself, a change-of-pace drama from the director of “Wedding Crashers” but probably not a movie likely to (or, for that matter, designed to) draw much awards buzz this Oscar season.
In other words, it was business as usual for a TIFF opening night.
See photos: 25 Must-See Movies at the Toronto Film Festival (Photos)
The festival doesn’t have a reputation for scheduling its strongest films to kick things off.