This was the second film that I watched at Hot Docs this year and it was an easy fan favorite at this year’s festival as the film is funny, inspiring and lighthearted. The film is about Wayne White, an artist who worked as an Art Director on Pee Wee’s Playhouse and the Smashing Pumpkins music video “Tonight, Tonight” along with many other shows and music videos. He has built his life around the notion of doing what you love. Wayne is now reinventing himself and his art as he still keeps his idea of doing what you love in order to live life.

It is a great, inspiring film as Wayne White is an amazing character that is well spoken and has a lot to say about how people should live their lives and expressing themselves through art. The film manages to balance as a comedy and a drama in one. It’s a hilarious look at a man who has changed and will continue to change and adapt on his own terms and nothing more. It contains a variety of interviews, but mainly sticks to Wayne as he works on different projects and shows. Each interview manages to bring a new level to the film as it adds comedy or drama to Wayne’s life. The only complaint I have of the film is there was a major event that changed Wayne’s life, however the film really skims over this very dramatic point in order to keep with the lighthearted style. This element would have added so much more to the film, and it's a shame that it was left out.

Overall, it’s a great documentary that captures the hearts of the public and inspires people to do what they love and express themselves any way they can, as well as show the importance of art not only in society but in yourself. A funny, lighthearted tale of an artist that is changing his way, this film is a must see for all.
Final Rating: 4.5/5

This is the first film I watched at this year’s Canadian international documentary festival, Hot Docs. "About Face" is a film about supermodels from the 60’s to the 80’s, and their experiences back in their prime to now as they have felt the pressure of losing their good looks.

Generally this movie is not that good as it relies on repeating itself in order to get the message through that the life of a supermodel is glamorous, but only for a short while. The film features a lot of former Supermodels, which tends to slow things down as it tries to tell everyone’s full story. However the problem with that is they all generally have the same story. It does manage to have some funny moments with good characters, but it's all buried underneath a lot of dull and forgettable moments. It does have positive moments, however, as it's a good look inside the politics of modelling and how models can get a quick rise to fame only to have it pulled out from underneath them.

Overall though, the film is very forgettable as its not very deep and only tells the same predictable story. The subject matter never goes deep enough for you to feel emotionally connected to the characters either. Generally speaking, its one of the most forgettable films at this years Hot Docs.
Final Rating: 2/5