Toronto 2012: 'Iceman' Screenings Kick Off Fall Festival Market

Marking the start of the fall festival acquisitions market, Bleiberg/Millennium Films screened Ariel Vromen's mafia pic The Iceman for buyers in Los Angeles Thursday afternoon, coinciding with the movie's worldwide premiere at the Venice Film Festival.

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The Iceman: Venice Review

Iceman -- headlining Michael Shannon as real-life hitman Richard Kuklinski in what several buyers said is a standout performance -- also stars Chris Evans, Winona Ryder, David Schwimmer, Stephen Dorff and Ray Liotta.

VIDEO: Michael Shannon Shoots James Franco in 'The Iceman' Trailer

The movie, produced by Bleiberg Entertainment and Millennium, is one of the must-see titles on domestic buyers' lists as they gear up for the Toronto Film Festival, kicking off Sept. 6. Several of those also play this weekend at the Telluride Film Festival.

Iceman is among those films playing at both. One buyer who has seen the movie believes offers will indeed be made, although the person was unsure of the timing. 

VENICE REVIEW: The Iceman

Many of the films that are looking for a domestic distributor won't be shown at all to buyers until Toronto, where most acquisitions deals are made.

Kuklinski, who lead a double life as contract killer and devoted family man, murdered more than 100 people before he was apprehended in 1986. Ryder plays the role of Kuklinski's wife, while Evans plays fellow contract killer Robert 'Mr. Softee' Pronge.