October 10th through October 21st, 2017. We were there. Read our capsule reviews, watch Red Carpet and more interviews here. More at ChicagoFilmFestival.com
Roma – Alfonso Cuarón’s latest masterpiece is his very detailed re-creation of life in old Mexico, including every aspect of the middle class in the 70’s. Women may not be as attracted to the story because their roles have changed. But you will appreciate the detail and artistry of Cuarón’s vision of his childhood. Cuaron’s started this 12 years ago as a tribute to the women who raised him. We interviewed Yalitza Aparicio, who plays housekeeper, Cleo, the housekeeper, who has never acted before. The real Cleo is still alive. Actress Marina de Tavira plays the director’s mother. Neither cast nor crew were given a script. Cuarón had the only copy based 90 per cent on his memories. interviews soon.
Beautiful Boy – Steven Carell and Timothée Chalamet star in a heartbreaking film directed by Felix van Groeningen (Interview here). The director slowly unfolds portrayal of a difficult father/son relationship made even more difficult when trust is lost because of the son’s former addiction to drugs. Is he still using? Lying about it? Carell, Chalamet and Maura Tierny, give strong and emotional performances. Maura Tierney is kept reserved but convincing as the step-Mom trying to balance the tension placed on her husband and their new young family with compassion for the boy who can’t quite get his life and relationships on track. 111 minutes
The Hate U Give -Powerful film shows in detail how one Black family has to deal with gangs and police to keep their children out of trouble. Interviews with Director George Tillman, Jr. and Amendla Stenberg who gives a riveting performance as the young teen who witnesses police shoot a friend unjustly. Should she speak up and testify, or keep her mouth shut? And at what cost? The film helps to understand what Black families are up against. So many issues covered. Regina Hall, Russell Hornsby, Common, Anthony Mackie. 133 minutes R
Wildlife – Carey Mulligan plays a wife and mother in the 50’s when life was very different for women. She talked about how those roles have changed and about working with actor Paul Dano as a first-time director on the movie. Red Carpet interview here. IFC films 104 minutes PG-13
Ben Is Back – Peter Hedges directs his son, Lucas Hedges in a story also about addiction, but this time, affecting a mother/son relationship. Julia Roberts is the frantic Mom worried about his son’s showing up unexpectedly at Christmas, not knowing if he’s really ready to leave drug rehab. Will he be the problem he was when he was using. Hedges gives a sensitive performance that makes you want to pull for a successful outcome. Roberts will make you nervous as the Mom who continually says the wrong thing at the wrong time trying to anticipate what could happen so it doesn’t. 103 minutes.
Front Runner – Director Jason Reitman (Juno, Up in the Air, Thank You for Smoking), tackles how presidential campaigns and coverage of them changed for him in one week in 1987 when Gary Hart’s image was tarnished and he left politics forever. Hugh Jackman and J.K.Simmons go head to head in a high-powered film on politics relevant right now. Interview soon with Director Jason Reitman. Columbia Pictures 1 hour 53 minutes R
What They Had – Director Elizabeth Chomko, directs a poignant look at what to do with senior parents who are starting to lose it but don’t want to be separated from their mates. Blythe Danner is extraordinary as the bright and beautiful woman who knows she’s not the same woman she once was. Robert Forster is strong, loyal and determined to stay with her to the end, despite their children’s wishes. Michael Shannon is realistic as the son frustrated as the go-to person when Mom gets lost. Hilary Swank, (glad to see her back in action) comes to grips with the situation and her own problems. Based on a true story and shot in Chicago. Interview with Director Chomko and Robert Forster. 101 minutes. R
Can You Ever Forgive Me? – Marielle Heller directs Melissa McCarthy in an unusual role for the actress. It’s a dark dramedy where she plays Lee Israel, the juicy celebrity biographer of 70’s and 80’s stars including Katherine Hepburn, Tallulah Bankhead, Estée Lauder and Dorothy Kilgallen. McCarthy plays the frumpy, middle aged, washed up writer with disdain. When she can’t find success writing books anymore, she turns to forging letters from celebrities to sell for high prices to pay for rent and alcohol. Her partner in crime, Jack, played blue eyes and white teeth flashing, by the charming Richard E. Grant (Their Finest, Logan). Plot moves slowly but takes you through each fascinating step of their sad existence. Fox Searchlight 107 minutes R
Widows – What happens when mob husbands die and their wives continue the family business? Director Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave) directs Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Cynthia Erivo and Elizabeth Debicki in the heist they undertake to clear up the boys’ debts. But there’s more. Shot in Chicago, includes politics, race relations, police brutality, economic inequality, grief, and even a love story. Stellar Red Carpet packed at the Midwest Premiere at the Chicago International Film Festival included McQueen, Davis, Rodriguez, Liam Neeson, Cynthia Erivo, Brian Tyree Henry. Interviews soon.
Friedkin Uncut – This documentary by Italian filmmaker Francesco Zippel talks not only to the legendary Award winning director, William (Billly) Friedkin, (The Exorcist, Killer Joe) but to his actors and fellow filmmakers including Ellen Burstyn, Quentin Tarantino, and William Dafoe about his distinctive brand of filmmaking.
Non Fiction – Juliette Binoche stars in a French film directed by Olivier Assayas about authors and editors having to change their ways in the digital age while dealing with middle age. Two couples who are friends have their own secrets about marriage and cheating. Binoche plays the star of a TV Cop bored wither series. Interesting statement on relationships in the digital age and the business of publishing vs. downloading. Cute twist at the end.
Art Paul of Playboy: The man behind the bunny. Art Paul was a prolific artist who created the look of the iconic symbol of Playboy. What made him so special was that he knew how to market his work to entice buyers for the magazine. He also created many different kinds of art his wife Suzanne is now archiving. This film is the story of the artist, his marriage to a true partner, and his work in a film that’s a tribute to his creativity. Interview Art Paul’s widow, Suzanne Seed, soon.
Diane – Mary Kay Place as a woman desperately trying to bond with and help her drug addicted son. Slow pace but Place is exceptional in the role of a lonely woman who has plenty to be depressed about. With a close relative dying and loneliness of her own to deal with. 1 hour 35 minutes.
The 54th Chicago International Film Festival – Artistic Director, Mimi Plauché, tells MoviesandShakers some highlights of films being shown. They include features from around the world, dramas starring Timothy Chalamet, Steve Carell and Julia Roberts, comedies including a dark one starring Melissa McCarthy and documentaries about William Friedkin and Buster Keaton. More women directors and Chicago filmmakers, too.
