Film Festivals

Exclusive portrait: Jason Isaacs on red carpet for 'Good' at 2008 Chicago International Film Festival

HollywoodChicago.com — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:43:57 -0700

Actor Jason Isaacs greeted the HollywoodChicago.com lens on the red carpet for “Good” on Oct. 29, 2008 on the closing night of the 2008 Chicago International Film Festival. See our exclusive Isaacs portrait here!

HollywoodChicago.com's Patrick McDonald on the 'best' of the Chicago International Film Festival's final night

PatrickMcD — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:19:02 -0700

CHICAGO – The last night of the Chicago International Film Festival is the traditional showing of the Best of the Festival and instead of going for the award-winning films I decided to take in an “audience favorite.”

After perusing the selections here is what I saw on last night’s final showing…

Tokyo! (2008)

This is an anthology film, with three directors offering short pieces under the umbrella of the wild and weird city of Toyko. Since there are three films, they are reviewed below separately…

Interior Design

Written and directed by Michael Gondry (“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”), this strange bit of symbolistic filmmaking regarding youth and purpose never goes in any direction that is expected.

A young boy and girl couple descend upon Toyko and take up residence in the tiny apartment of a friend. Their intention is to find an apartment of their own in the city (no small feat, it’s expensive and difficult) and jump start the boy’s career as a filmmaker.

Difficulties arise and it is the girl that take the brunt of it. One fellow traveler whispers to her at the boyfriend’s film premiere that she understands how hard it is for her to support an “artist.” This realization begins a nightmare for the girl, who literally transforms into a symbol for what she is.

Clean and well-acted, with the fantasy element never overwhelming, the film focuses on the trials of starting out, understanding a place in the world and establishing those small resignations in life that form the process of the life cycle.This films sticks in the spotless mind and never panders.

**** out of five

Merde

Weird, weirder, weirdest. Leos Carax wrote and directed this story of a sewer dweller, who appears randomly on the Toyko streets, stealing cigarettes and flowers, frightening the residents with his red beard and milky eye. When he goes too far, the Japanese legal system must find a way to punish him.

Enter a French lawyer. With the same beard and forbearance, he is the only person who can communicate with the creature (through a series of spastic tics, sounds and gestures). Justice, through a roundabout process, is served.

I liked the strange radicalism of the sewer dweller. There was an aspect within the relationship of the lawyer and his client that tipped them to be aliens or immortals. Why does he do what he does? He hates the Japanese people, he gestures back. The shocked indignation of the courtroom was telling.

***1/2 out of five

Shaking Toyko

Incomplete but intriguing, this is written/directed by Joon-ho Bong, a South Korean director.

This deals with the Japanese phenomenon of “hikikomori,” describing a segment of society that never leaves a room or house. The male character is one such person, reveling his lifestyle with explanations of his rituals and obsessive/complusive order.

His weekly ordering of pizza ritual is suddenly interrupted one day by a beguiling female deliverer. She admires his hermited existence, and he grows more attached after an earthquake suddenly renders his only contact with unconsciousness. His revival of her signals a new era in his life.

Withdrawal from society is a relatable circumstance. It’s so easy to stay inside. In fact, Joon-ho Bong puts a vital spin on the experiment, with the main male character finding EVERYONE to have gone inside. The symptomatic results of this particular fear is nicely symbolized.

Shake it up, baby.

*** out of five

Another festival comes to an end. Visit the website here to get a complete listing of the films shown and watch for them at art houses, video stores and a Netflix activated mailbox near you.

HollywoodChicago.com's Patrick McDonald gets 'surprised' at the 2008 Chicago International Film Festival

PatrickMcD — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 04:58:45 -0700

CHICAGO – Continuing screenings on the closing nights of the Chicago International Film Festival, I decided to take in a “surprise” screening at the Music Box Theater on Monday night.

The Music Box is one of the legendary movie theaters in Chicago, probably in the country. Featuring “star” lights in the ceiling and a fancy decor, it recalls its roots – having opened in 1929 – as a miniature movie palace escape for the neighborhood.

On the first freezing cold night of the fall (a sad harbinger of what is to come, weather-wise), the patrons of the surprise film dutifully lined up outside the venue.

I engaged in a conversation with a line mate. She told me that there were rumors that this might be the new James Bond film. That got me psyched.

After being seated, and procuring popcorn for dinner, the lights dimmed and the surprise film unreeled…

RocknRolla (2008)

After hoping for Bond, I had to settle for Ritchie, Guy Ritchie. The writer/director is back, fresh from his bout with tabloid divorce, to cinematically recollect his glory days with the mobster-esque comedy “RocknRolla.” The surprise was the movie felt like 1998 (“Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”).

Using his trademark quick cuts, gutty soundtrack and flamboyant characters, Ritchie takes on London real estate, where burned out buildings can double their money within a year after being filtered through deals upon deals.

When a gang of dopes called the “Wild Bunch” (headed by Gerald Butler as “One-Two”) need quick cash for a runaway land deal, they steal a Russian businessman’s cash, based on a tip by sultry accountant (Thandie Newton). This queers a profitable handover to their main rival, a ruthless land boss named Lenny (the great Tom Wilkerson).

Just in case this intrigue wasn’t intriguing enough, Ritchie throws in a rocker named Johnny Quid (Toby Kebbell) who is rumored to be dead. Quid’s connection to Lenny allows that a valuable and “lucky” work of art ends up in the wrong hands, and that the pursuit to get the painting back to the rightful owner involves the whole network.

Although this is a confusing and muddled mess, coupled with the deja-vu of all the Ritchie cliches, RocknRolla does manage a few moments that make it watchable. Kebbell as Johnny Quid is a electric wire, a weird quasi-philosopher who loves to throw a wrench into the machinery. There are a couple amusing running gags, especially about modern art, and the cast has fun interpreting the Ritchie ramblings.

The film does, however, have a hard time staying on track and is stunningly cavalier about keeping events straight. It is as if the individual cast members are sometimes doing improvisation, based on a vague notion of character and plot suggestion.

Let’s hope that Guy Ritchie will soon be living in a (new) material world.

*** out of five.

I will wrap up the CIFF adventure with a ‘Best of the Fest’ screening on Wednesday.

For more on the history of the Music Box Theater, including a cool ghost story, click here.

Exclusive portrait: Colin Hanks of 'Mad Men' on red carpet for 'The Great Buck Howard' at Chicago International Film Festival

HollywoodChicago.com — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:54:48 -0700

Actor Colin Hanks walked a Chicago red carpet for “The Great Buck Howard” on Oct. 24, 2008 at the 2008 Chicago International Film Festival. Hanks currently stars in AMC’s hit TV series “Mad Men” and was also featured in Oliver Stone’s “W.,” “Orange County,” “The House Bunny” and “King Kong”. Our exclusive portrait of Hanks can be found here!

HollywoodChicago.com's Patrick McDonald reports from the 2008 Chicago International Film Festival

PatrickMcD — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:30:26 -0700

CHICAGO, IL – The challenge of any film festival is relying on what information that is being heard regarding buzz for any film plus whether you can get in and actually see it before it sells out.

The Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) is no exception. Now in its 44th incredible year, the CIFF draws film buffs and crowds from every corner of the world.

My rule of thumb for attending fest films is to 1) never see a film that will open around here eventually and 2) challenging myself to cover some international offerings.

Here are the reviews from what I’ve seen so far…

The Noise in My Head (Du bruit dans la Tete, 2008)

This film originates from Switzerland, and brings with it a true European sensibility regarding the conditions of emotionalism.

The main character is Linda (Celine Bolomey), an angry journalist who loses her job because of employee conflict. At the same time, she is trying to extricate herself from a obsessive relationship and deal with a homeless teenager (Gabriel Bonnefoy) she is allowing to stay at her flat.

Seemingly directionless, Linda flits from her ex-lover, to the teen and finally to the teen’s uncle Bruno, a doctor who seems on the edge of madness.

There are several in-jokes as to the general ennui in that part of world (who takes more anti-depressants? The Swiss-French or the Swiss-Germans?) and the performances were steady and interesting. But overall the exercise felt pointless, with no narrative flow or conclusions. This is probably intentional due to the subject matter, but with no clear ending or explanations – especially between Linda and the doctor – there is a substantial “who cares” factor.

*** out of five

The Chaser (Chugyeogja, 2008)

Having been on a South Korean film kick lately (they have a collective energy in their films that is both strange and alluring), I checked out this thriller about a ruthless serial killer (his target is mostly prostitutes) versus a former-cop-turned-pimp who finally starts to investigate why all his girls are disappearing.

Filled with political pomposity (the police and the government are basically portrayed as weak) and extreme violence, “The Chaser” is a gory roller coaster ride as to who will get to who first.

The performances are intense and fairly strong (especially Yeong-hie Seo as one of the prostitute victims), but the character of the killing-machine-that-can’t-be-stopped is getting fairly tiresome, even when it’s done stylishly as in last year’s “No Country for Old Men.”

The violence is a complete turn-off, akin to the torture porn of horror films. Also, the mystery and the chase get quite frustrating, with the killer undeservedly getting one lucky break after another. Yes, it’s possible that nobody can win in such a situation, but a thrown bone against the evil portrayed would at least add some subtlety.

** out of five

More reviews and updates during the week as the Festival concludes on Wednesday.

44th Chicago International Film Festival announces 2008 competition winners

HollywoodChicago.com — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 13:37:39 -0700

I just received the following press release, which announces the winners of the 2008 Chicago International Film Festival. I served on the jury for the short film competition.

44th Chicago International Film Festival Announces Competition Winners
United Kingdon, Brazil, United States Among Countries Winning Honors at 44th Chicago International Film Festival

CHICAGO, October 25, 2008 – Michael Kutza, Founder and Artistic Director of the Chicago International Film Festival, Mimi Plauché, Feature Film Programmer, and Jesse Berkowitz, Documentary and Shorts Programmer, proudly announce the winners of the 2008 Festival competitions. The announcement was made at the dana hotel and spa’s new Vertigo Sky Lounge.

Chicago audiences were able to choose from 116 feature films, 38 short and student films, and 18 documentaries from more than 45 countries, showcasing both established and promising new filmmakers. Competitions were held in the Feature Film, New Directors, Documentary and Short Film categories, along with a special Chicago Award for a local filmmaker. The Festival’s highest honor is The Gold Hugo, named after the mythological God of Discovery.

Feature Film Competition

The Gold Hugo is awarded to Hunger (UK), directed by Steve McQueen, for its’ outstanding visual and dramatic strength, telling an uncompromisingly disturbing story of the courage to fight for one’s belief.

The Grand Jury Prize is awarded to Tokyo Sonata (Japan/Netherlands/Hong Kong), directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, which uses a story of humble family life as a metaphor of global anxieties in an era of economic and moral collapse. The jury specially commends the fine ensemble acting.

The Silver Hugo Award for Direction is awarded to Henrik Ruben Genz for Terribly Happy (Denmark), for great storytelling full of surprises, overturning all expectations of genre.

The Silver Hugo Award for Best Actor is awarded to Michael Fassbender for Hunger (UK), for his self-sacrificing performance exemplifying the ideal of “being” rather than “acting.”

The Silver Hugo Award for Best Actress is awarded to Preity Zinta for Heaven on Earth (Canada), for her strong yet subtle performance as a woman struggling to keep her dreams despite brutal realities.

The Silver Hugo Award for Best Screenplay is awarded Maurizio Braucci, Ugo Chiti, Gianni Di Gregorio, Matteo Garrone, Massimo Gaudioso, and Roberto Saviano for Gomorrah (Italy), for their courageous adaptation of Roberto Saviano’s novel, presenting a horrifyingly realistic expose of the effect of organized crime on everyday life.

The Silver Plaque is awarded to Nanni Moretti, Laura Paolucci and Francesco Piccolo for their sensitive adaptation of Sandro Veronesi’s Quiet Chaos (Italy/UK).

The Main Feature Film Jury includes Mihai Chirilov (Romania), Andy Gillet (France), Ted Kim (Korea), Denise Robert (France), Yu Nan (China), and David Robinson (UK).

New Directors Competition

The Gold Hugo is awarded to The Dead Girl’s Feast (Brazil), directed by Matheus Nachtergaele, for transporting us to an unfamiliar world and fully embracing the freedoms that should characterize a first feature.

The Silver Hugo is awarded to King of Ping Pong (Sweden), directed by Jens Jonsson, for its humorous defense of an egalitarian sport and its atypical lead characters.

The New Directors Jury includes Dr. Yael Munk (Israel), Lisa Nesselson (France), Joe Swanberg (USA), and John Russell Taylor (UK).

Documentary Competition

The Gold Hugo for Best Documentary is awarded to Valentino: The Last Emperor (USA), directed by Matt Tyrnauer, for its ability to entertain and educate, to reveal character, and to move us through images and editing.

The Silver Hugo is awarded to Anvil! The Story of Anvil (USA), directed by Sacha Gervasi, which provides a rich character study of a decades-long friendship and celebrates the perseverance of the artistic impulse on an emotionally satisfying journey.

The Silver Hugo is awarded to They Killed Sister Dorothy (USA/Brazil), directed by Daniel Junge, for the suspense of a thriller that begins with a terrible crime and discovers unexpected complexities.

The Documentary Jury includes Richard Knight, Jr. (Windy City Times, USA), Claude Nouchi (Colifilms Diffusion, France) and Hank Sartin (Time Out Chicago, USA).

Short Film Competition

The Gold Hugo for Best Short Film is awarded to Man (USA) directed by Myna Joseph.

The Silver Hugo for Best Animated Short Film is awarded to Lies (Sweden), directed by Jonas Odell

The Short Film Jury includes Eddie Griffin (WTTW), Scott Tobias (The AV Club), Xan Aranda (Kartemquin Films, The Short Film Brigade) and Adam Fendelman (HollywoodChicago.com)

The Chicago Award

As part of the 44th Chicago International Film Festival’s special section focusing on local filmmakers, the Chicago Award is presented to a Chicago or Illinois artist for the best feature film, short film, or documentary. The Chicago Award applauds and celebrates the tireless efforts of regional talents who are devotees to the art of cinema and for their contributions to the medium.

The Gold Hugo for the Chicago Award Winner is Wesley Willis’s Joyrides (Dirs. Chris Bagley and Kim Shively, USA)

The Silver Hugo for a Special Mention is Microphysics (Dir. Joan Carles Martorell)

The Chicago Award Jury includes: Matty Robinson (Filmspotting) and Clayton Brown (137 Films).

Audience Choice Award

The Audience Choice Award will be announced immediately following the completion of the Festival, which is October 29, 2008.

Special Tributes

On October 17, 2008, Director Mike Leigh was presented with a Career Achievement Award preceding the screening of his film, Happy-Go-Lucky.

On October 18, 2008, Academy Award® winning-actor Sidney Poitier was presented with a Gold Hugo, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Academy Award® winning-actress Jennifer Hudson was presented with an Artistic Achievement Award during the 12th Annual Black Perspectives Tribute.

On October 29, 2008, Academy Award® nominee Viggo Mortensen will be presented with a Career Achievement Award preceding the screening of the U.S. Premiere of Good.

About Cinema/Chicago
Cinema/Chicago is the not for profit, tax exempt cultural and educational organization that presents the annual Chicago International Film Festival, North America’s oldest competitive international film festival, organized to encourage better understanding between cultures and its people and to make a positive contribution to the art form of the moving image. Subscribers to Cinema/Chicago’s membership program form a loyal core audience for the organization and are granted access to more than 15 free film screenings and sneak previews throughout the year. Cinema/Chicago also offers year-round educational programs designed for students and the deaf and hard of hearing to provide new film experiences and offer insight into other cultures, languages, and ideas. These programs include the Educational Outreach Program, the Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Black Perspectives Program.

The 44th Chicago International Film Festival, presented by Cinema/Chicago, continues through Wednesday, October 29, 2008. For up-to-date and detailed Festival information, call 312-332-FILM or visit http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com.

Jada Pinkett Smith to walk red carpet with Jason Clarke for 'The Human Contract' at Chicago International Film Festival

HollywoodChicago.com — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:17:00 -0700

I just received the following press release.

Actress Jada Pinkett Smith to Present the North American Premiere of Her Directorial Debut ‘The Human Contract’
Actor Jason Clarke Also to Walk the Red Carpet on Oct. 28, 2008

Actress/Writer/Director Jada Pinkett Smith (The Women, Madagascar 1 & 2, The Matrix Reloaded) and Actor Jason Clarke (Showtime’s Brotherhood, Death Race, Rabbit-Proof Fence) will walk the red carpet prior to the North American Premiere of The Human Contract, at the 44th Chicago International Film Festival. This Gala screening is presented by Columbia College.

WHEN: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28
RED CARPET: 6:30 P.M.
FILM PRESENTATION: 7:30 P.M.

WHERE: AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois, Chicago

The Human Contract, Jada Pinkett Smith’s directorial-debut, is the provocative psychological journey of a successful but repressed advertising executive (Jason Clarke) in full control of his life and career. That is, until he encounters a beautiful and sensual woman (Paz Vega) who introduces him to her world of uninhibited passion and reckless freedom—one not bound by conventional rules. The perfect modern fantasy…passion and sex, exploration and escape…without ties or commitment. As their journey progresses and his once perfect life dissolves, he is forced to confront deep-seated wounds from his past. Ultimately, their relationship becomes a catharsis for truths neither has dared faced before.

Columbia College Chicago, an urban institution committed to open access, opportunity and excellence in higher education, provides innovative degree programs in the visual, performing, media and communication arts to more than 12,500 students in over 120 undergraduate and graduate programs, including film & video, art & design, arts management, television, radio, music, interactive multimedia – all within a liberal arts context. Founded in 1890 as a communications school, Columbia College Chicago was revisioned in 1963 as a liberal arts college with a “hands-on minds-on” approach to arts and media education and a progressive social agenda.

Under the current leadership of President Warrick L. Carter, Ph.D., Columbia is aggressively pursuing this mission. Columbia is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The college is accredited as a teacher training institution by the Illinois State Board of Education. For further information visit http://www.colum.edu.

The 44th Chicago International Film Festival, October 16 – 29, 2008, presented by Cinema/Chicago, will offer moviegoers the best new films from around the world, with several exciting additions, including a “Festival Village” and the launch of Green Screen, a program celebrating our natural environment, the power and artistry of filmmaking, and the intersection between the two. In its fifth decade, the Festival continues to present special appearances by legendary international actors and directors, along with the impressive film line-up for which the Festival is known. Audiences this year will be captivated by 116 feature films, 38 short and student films, and 18 documentaries from more than 45 countries, showcasing both established and promising new filmmakers. For up-to-date and detailed Festival information, call 312-332-FILM or visit http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com.

Exclusive photo: 'Zack and Miri Make a Porno' director Kevin Smith at 2008 Chicago International Film Festival

HollywoodChicago.com — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 20:48:45 -0700

HollywoodChicago.com captured a photo of “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” director Kevin Smith at an audience Q&A on Oct. 21, 2008 as part of the 2008 Chicago International Film Festival. The film stars Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Traci Lords and Justin Long. View our exclusive Kevin Smith photo here!

2008 Chicago International Film Festival to debut major surprise film on Oct. 27, 2008

HollywoodChicago.com — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:41:58 -0700

I just received the following press release.

The 44th Chicago International Film Festival to Debut Major Surprise Film
Audience won’t know what film they’re watching until the curtain rises Monday, October 27, 2008

CHICAGO, October 23, 2008 – Yes, man, the 44th Chicago International Film Festival’s Surprise Film will transport the audience—perhaps to Australia, perhaps to the underworld—through one curious case of filmmaking. Film lovers, soul men, and role models are encouraged to pop a rocknrolla record in their Cadillacs and head to the Music Box Theatre, where the earth will stand still as the seven-pound curtain rises on a Surprise Film—and no one will know what they’re going to see until the credits roll… not Marley, not even me.

Everyone from watchmen to panthers, Argentine revolutionaries to Norse maidens should bolt to the theater for the big Surprise Film—sure to leave you shaken, not stirred. Bring a glass of milk because it’ll feel like many Christmases all at once. I love you, man, but leave the kiddies at home.

The 44th Chicago International Film Festival’s Surprise Film will be held at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., on Monday, October 27. Showtime is at 8:00 p.m. Tickets for the Surprise Film are now on sale and available via Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com or 312-902-1500. Ticket prices are $9 for Cinema/Chicago members and $12 for non-members.

About Cinema/Chicago
Cinema/Chicago is the not for profit, tax exempt cultural and educational organization that presents the annual Chicago International Film Festival, North America’s oldest competitive international film festival, organized to encourage better understanding between cultures and its people and to make a positive contribution to the art form of the moving image. Subscribers to Cinema/Chicago’s membership program form a loyal core audience for the organization and are granted access to more than 15 free film screenings and sneak previews throughout the year. Cinema/Chicago also offers year-round educational programs designed for students and the deaf and hard of hearing to provide new film experiences and offer insight into other cultures, languages, and ideas. These programs include the Educational Outreach Program, the Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Black Perspectives Program.

The Festival continues through Wednesday, October 29, for up-to-date and detailed information, call 312-332-FILM or visit http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com.

Exclusive HollywoodChicago.com portrait: Robert Davi for 'The Dukes' at Chicago International Film Festival

HollywoodChicago.com — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:37:36 -0700

Actor, director and all-around Hollywood tough guy Robert Davi greets the HollywoodChicago.com camera at the premiere of his film “The Dukes” on Oct. 22, 2008 as part of the 2008 Chicago International Film Festival. See the new portrait here!