MICHELLE WILLIAMS ON THE TORONTO SET OF TAKE THIS WALTZ

Yes, way.  That's totally me and Michelle Williams embracing one another in that photo.  The Oscar-nominated actress is a difficult one to gage because she manages to remain out of the Public Eye so well, that I wasn't certain whether she would be stand-offish or not in-person.  Thus, when visiting her on the set of Sarah Polley's Take This Waltz, I proceeded with caution when approaching her especially when co-star Seth Rogen warned me that she is fragile in my conversation with him prior.

As she headed out to Lunch, she stopped to sign a couple photos for me and being careful not to be to overly aggressive, I gave her the option of taking a Photo and she told me, "Of course!  One thing though - it's extremely hot and I think I'll look better after I freshen up.  So how about later?".  And so we set a Date.

She arrived back on set later in the day with her iPod on and seemed to entertain herself between breaks with Music.  Between scenes, Williams came over and threw me a wave and a smile without my initiating it.  By the final scene of the day, which had her and Canadian actor Luke Kirby picking up her husband in the movie (Seth Rogen) in a Rickshaw, there seemed to be a bit of struggle, requiring more takes than normal to get a satisfactory result.  By the last take though, the sky was dark deeming it impossible to blend from a Continuity standpoint with the scene prior.

Williams however, did not disappoint and had her Assistant come over to fetch me alone before she boarded her Van back to her Hotel, disappointing many other fans in waiting (Sorry, Guys!).  She tugged me over and thanked me for waiting for her, telling me how happy she was to be filming in our city.  I told her that I thought she'd forgotten about me and she replied, "Of course not!  I always keep my promises!".  We then posed for a photo, taken by her amazingly sweet Assistant who was happy to help, before sending me off with a big hug.  Amazing!  I am still in awe.  

Michelle, if you stumble upon this in your Googling - what you did meant a lot to me.  Your performances in Wendy and Lucy, Brokeback Mountain and Shutter Island were full of depth and resonance and I was floored.  I am one of your greatest Champions in your quest - whether or not you are conscious of it - for that Oscar.

View more photos of Williams on the set of Take This Waltz below:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)
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EDITOR'S NOTE: I have been inundated with e-mails asking me about set locations for Take This Waltz, and although I love you guys a lot, please understand that I am not at liberty to divulge that information.  If you do happen to stumble upon the set, I ask that you respect the boundaries of the Actors and Crew and be very mindful that they are working.  And if you were at work, you yourself would want the same of your work environment.  I was very fortunate in my experience, but please remember that being on-set does not guarantee you will get to meet or necessarily see the Actors.  So there you have it, The Maven has spoken.  Good luck!