STEPHEN DORFF IN TORONTO FOR PREMIERE OF SOFIA COPPOLA'S "SOMEWHERE"

Richard Crouse (L), Stephen Dorff (M)
& Mr. Will-W. (R)

Toronto was lucky enough to get an official Premiere for Sofia Coppola's highly-anticipated new Film Somewhere, winner of the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival this September. The festivities took place at Varsity Cinema where its star Stephen Dorff came by to greet an intimate audience, which included many close friends made over the years in his many visits to the City. In fact, Dorff filmed his first Movie ever, The Gate, in Toronto back in 1986 and since then the Los Angeles native's career has seen many highs including starring roles in important Films like Backbeat, Blade and Cecil B. Demented.  He completes two full days of Press in the City tomorrow.

Dropping by quickly the introduce what he called "the most important film of his career", Dorff was presented by CTV's Canada AM Film Critic Richard Crouse and returned post-Screening for a Q&A. Dressed in a well-cut Suit, Dorff arrived exactly as expected - ruggedly handsome. The Actor who surprisingly is diminutive compared to his on-screen presence, undoubtedly is proud of his work here.

Somewhere is a story about a lonely Film Star perhaps past his prime, Johnny Marco, who calls the famed Château Marmont home. He is a Playboy - bedding many adoring Women - drinking and partying heavily, or as one anonymous spiteful ex-Lover succinctly calls him in a Text Message, "an Asshole". One day his twelve year-old Daughter Cleo (Elle Fanning, younger sister of Dakota) shows up unexpectedly for an undetermined period as her Mother must sort out some personal issues. Although interfering with his structure-free lifestyle, Johnny soon finds the experience rewarding, ultimately forcing him to re-evaluate his priorities in life in having been spoiled by Hollywood as an eternal adolescent.

Dorff admitted to Crouse and the audience, "I couldn't have played this role ten years ago" and only after his Mother Nancy had fallen ill, subsequently passing away, did he acquire the maturity and depth required in the quiet role of Johnny.  Coppola wrote the Screenplay for Somewhere specifically with Dorff in mind and his admiration for her was mutual, praising her unique vision. "She (Coppola) wants us to observe her characters like a fly on the wall" says Dorff, indicating that he felt really challenged by his role - despite having much screen-time, he has little to say;  he felt stripped of all his tricks.

In preparation for the Film, Dorff was given bonding assignments by Coppola to get him better acquainted with his on-screen Daughter. "I'd have to pick Elle up from school, realizing that my car stank of Cigarettes and this helped put me into the role Johnny that much easier", he recalled. Dorff also took her out for Ice Cream, only to realize that Fanning much prefers Frozen Yogurt. Before he knew it, they had transformed convincingly into Father and Daughter.

Although I was hoping v. much for it to have premiered this September at TIFF, I am thrilled to have been able to review this fourth effort from superlative Coppola. Due to a Press Embargo though, I won't be able to post my Review until Wednesday, so please remember to check back. Somewhere will open in select cities December 22, 2010 and everywhere on January 7, 2011 via Focus Features/Alliance Films.

Check out some more Photos I got of Dorff below:

 Watch a Clip of the Q&A below:

(Photo/Video credit: Mr. Will-W.)