An iconic Hollywood screenwriter and director roasted Toronto during his stay for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and many locals are divided by his take.
On Sunday, renowned screenwriter Paul Schrader posted his thoughts about the city on his Facebook page, comparing its buildings to the video game series, SimCity.
“When I first started going to Toronto in the 60s it was like a hip Boston. It’s now become the Manhattan skyline with Los Angeles sprawl. Many of the high rises that have been built in the past thirty years are indistinguishable from each other–like Sim City replicants,” he said in his post.
Schrader was recently in Toronto for the premiere of his latest drama film, Oh, Canada, starring Richard Gere, Uma Thurman and Jacob Elordi.
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The American screenwriter, director and critic is best known for writing the screenplay of Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, The Last Temptation of Christ, and Bringing Out the Dead.
In addition, he’s directed acclaimed films such as Blue Collar, First Reformed, Affliction, American Gigolo, and Hardcore.
Since posting his negative take on the city, his comment has gone viral on Facebook and X, leaving some online users divided.
“Gore Vidal described Toronto as ‘Manhattan run by the Swiss.’ I would describe it as the dullest, most characterless city I have ever been to,” one Facebook user wrote under his post.
“I agree completely, Paul, I don’t know anyone who finds those grey and green glass monstrosities attractive. It’s also outrageously expensive to live in…did you get a chance to talk to any of the audience that paid $100+ Cnd for a single ticket to your movie?” another user said.
Meanwhile, other users are defending the city and pointing out its positive qualities.
“Like any major city, it has its own share of good and bad. Architecture has not been top of mind for many of the buildings and the traffic is… well Toronto is an hour from Toronto wherever you are going. However, it still has a diversity of cultures that are easily accessed and despite its size, often has the feel of a small town in the best way. I could go on,” one user wrote.
“I’ve lived in Toronto for over 30 years and I would never characterize it as being anything like Manhattan,” another user commented.
