Edward Norton

CHICAGO – There was a time when the union of two actors as accomplished as Robert De Niro and Edward Norton would make movie news headlines. And, to be fair, John Curran’s “Stone” was chosen to open the Chicago Internation Film Festival in large part due to the pedigree of its stars. But viewers are smarter than they used to be. They know now that a movie’s success is not solely dependent on the talent of its leads. And while De Niro and Norton are two of our best actors (and they are amply supported by two great female turns as well), “Stone” just doesn’t work.

CHICAGO – As special effects technology continues to become more advanced, filmmakers have found increasingly convincing ways of allowing actors to give dual performances in the same movie, and often in the same frame. This can be achieved in a variety of ways, from the exquisite trick photography in “Moon” to the seamless digital creation of the Winklevi in “The Social Network.”

CHICAGO – Ed Norton and Robert De Niro used to be two of the most consistent actors alive, both with streaks of amazing, Oscar-nominated films that guarantee them places in the history books.

CHICAGO – Many filmmakers speak of going against the grain. By virtue of desiring to take a road less traveled, though, often you’re actually going with the same grain as everyone else who wants to be different.

CHICAGO – Edward Norton was the hottest ticket in town (along with President Barack Obama’s visit to Chicago) on Thursday night for the opening-day screening of his new film “Stone” at the 2010 Chicago International Film Festival.

CHICAGO – In this edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 2 admit-two balcony tickets up for grabs for the opening night of the 2010 Chicago International Film Festival to see the new Edward Norton and Robert De Niro film “Stone”!

CHICAGO – The 2010 Chicago International Film Festival kicked off it’s 46th year with a preview party last night at the Lucky Strike Lounge, next to the location where all the films will be shown, AMC River East 21 on Illinois Street. Founder and Artistic Director Michael Kutza introduced staff members who highlighted the various cinema categories offered by the festival, and then presented a roster of notable films to be shown.

CHICAGO – The 46th Chicago International Film Festival will officially open with the highly anticipated drama “Stone,” which stars Edward Norton, Robert De Niro and Milla Jovovich.

CHICAGO – What took so long? Seriously, why are studios waiting so long to release some essential titles on Blu-Ray? Every time someone asks me why I think that Blu-Ray hasn’t taken off as quickly as some insiders expected, I have the same answer. “Because your favorite movie isn’t on Blu-Ray.” At least one of those “favorite movies” can be checked off the list with the release of “Fight Club” in a glorious tenth anniversary edition from Fox.

CHICAGO – HollywoodChicago.com recently interviewed Edward Norton on the new HBO documentary “By the People: The Election of Barack Obama” along with co-directors Amy Rice and Alicia Sams. Edward Norton served as a producer.