Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick Exhibition | Photo: John Tan

TIFF‘s annual fundraising event, BOOMBOX, once again brings awareness to major exhibition’s opening. Last year, the exhibition was in celebration of the work of Canadian David Cronenberg. This year, it’s an exhibition dedicated to the creative genius and film legacy of Stanley Kubrick.

Held once again at the iconic headquarters of TIFF – the TIFF Bell Lightbox – the space was transformed with inspiration from Kubrick’s most memorable films. Upon entering, you immediately know that you’re in for an unforgettable night as you walk through the tunnel from the film that started it all, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Experiencing this exhibition is definitely an opportunity not to be missed.

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Heading to the second floor, you’re greeted by the twins from The Shining as you peruse through the items from the silent auction. You then reach the instantly recognizable door from the Overlook Hotel, where you can have your own “Here’s Johnny!” moment captured.

The War Room is also on the second floor where you’ll see Dr. Strangelove just behind the bar. Part of the War Room area is a makeup station, where professional makeup artists transform you into one of the characters of Kubrick’s movies. Popular was the look of the droogs from A Clockwork Orange. I decided not to pass up this chance to find out what an actor goes through in makeup, and got a ghastly cut across my cheek, just in time for Halloween.

Back on the first floor, in the loading docks area was the Korova Milk Bar and Record Shop. These were incredibly cool backrooms where guests sipped on Clockwork Orange-inspired drinks, ate desserts catered by Parts & Labour, and listened to a live D.J. spin.

One more notable activity was the live performance of the sensual dance from Eyes Wide Shut. Guests were able to purchase tickets to one of four performances during the night. Absolutely no cameras were allowed and guests had to put their phones on silent and into sealed plastic bags during the show while sipping on whiskey or bubbly.

With all of these sights and experiences to behold, to ensure you don’t miss anything, you were encouraged to “check in” by getting your program stamped in each of the different areas.

Finally, lets talk about the the main attraction of the event, and that is of course the exhibition itself. Photographs, letters, and other memorabilia from Kubrick’s filmography were on display. You walk through the history of Kubrick’s films, starting from Spartacus, to Full Metal Jacket and several other noteworthy films, and ending with his last film, Eyes Wide Shut. Walking through this exhibit, I now have a much greater appreciation of the impact Kubrick has made on filmmaking and movie history. Stanley Kubrick: The Exhibition runs now until January 25, 2015.

BOOMBOX was definitely one of the most memorable events of the year, all in support of TIFF’s year-round programming, education and community outreach. We can’t wait to see what next year’s theme will be!

For more information:
BOOMBOX
Stanley Kubrick: The Exhibition
Twitter: @TIFF_NET #Boombox #Kubrick
Instagram: @TIFF_NET #Boombox #Kubrick
Facebook: TIFF

Proceeds help TIFF, as a non-profit organization, showcase world-renowned film programming and innovative exhibitions year-round that support young and aspiring filmmakers through outreach programmes such as Reel Comfort and Pocket Fund.

Photos by John Tan (where indicated) and Nick Lee
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Stanley Kubrick Exhibition | Photo: John Tan

Stanley Kubrick Exhibition | Photo: John Tan

Also check out our photos of TIFF’s David Cronenberg: Evolution and Designing 007: 50 Years of Bond Style (2012).

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John Tan

John is an avid traveller, but equally loves being a tourist in his own city. With camera in hand, he enjoys discovering the sights, sounds, tastes, and everything else that Toronto has to offer. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram (@iam_johntan) to see what he's been up to lately.