Responses to HBO’s touring exhibition Game of Thrones have been, in a word, mixed. Presented in New York, Mexico City, Austin, Oslo, Rio de Janeiro and Belfast, the show’s been called everything from innovatively terrifying to torturously mind numbing. How Torontonians will react when the mammoth spectacle descends on us is anyone’s guess. But if you’re looking to brave the lines in the hopes of scoring a rush ticket to the sold-out affair, here are a few things to keep in mind.
It’s all about the craft
The hours put into costumes and props on most TV shows don’t get much hype. But checking out the GoT team’s handiwork up close is awe-inspiring. Hundreds of tailors, embroiderers, dyers, weavers, carpenters and metal workers give the show a wow factor unlike anything else on the big or small screen.
It’s interactive (sort of)
Designed to “bring the fans closer to the series, on both a physical and emotional level,” the exhibition’s interactive components vary in their level of interactivity. The “Blackwater Bay” video-game simulator lets you shoot flaming arrows at Stannis Baratheon’s ships while defending King’s Landing. “Ascend the Wall” replicates the Night’s Watch elevator through a virtual-reality headset complete with blasts of cold air. Oddly, the most popular feature is a replica of the Iron Throne. Visitors wait for hours to snap selfies while seated on a plastic copy of the royal chair built from the swords of the Targaryen’s vanquished enemies.
There are no hot guys
Overwhelming art direction and ridiculously complex story lines aside, much of the show’s appeal can be attributed to its stunningly attractive and often naked cast. But while there’s a video component to the show, those hoping to view unreleased Tyrion Lannister or Jon Snow nude scenes will be disappointed. Yes, I asked.
Game of Thrones: The Exhibition
Wed, May 14–Sun, May 18
TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St W
tiff.net/exhibitions
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