Saturday of Fantastic Fest began, for me, with a special panel/presentation for Richard Linklater's upcoming film, A Scanner Darkly. Producer Tommy Pallotta and animator Lance Myers conducted a great sneak preview of their adaptation of the Philip K. Dick novel, starring Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, Robert Downey, Jr. and Woody Harrelson. The animation really blows everything we've seen before away. Plus, it's evident in the select scenes that Robert Downey Jr. delivers an intensely funny and delirious performance. I can't wait to see his whole role when Warner Independent releases the film next Spring.

Meanwhile, I was playing Phil Donahue, moderating the Q&A with an eager and excited audience. Check out AICN's report of the Scanner Darkly panel, and more.

Later in the day, Fantastic Fest had screenings of Canadian horror feature Dark Hours and an encore of fest hit Strings. Late Saturday night was dedicated to Asian horror, with Marebito, P, and Magnolia's November release, Pulse.

There were some real gems in the program. I look forward to see how it evolves for next year.