Animals

CHICAGO – The film “Dune,” an adaptation of the classic Frank Herbert sci-fi novel, is just coming off its opening weekend. One of the principle roles, Piter De Vries from the House Harkonnen, is portrayed by David Dastmalchian. DD is having a stellar 2021, coming off his triumph as Polka-Dot Man in “The Suicide Squad.” He talked to HollywoodChicago.com via Zoom.

CHICAGO – The rise of David Dastmalchian is going into the stratosphere in 2021.

CHICAGO – One of the more fun, crazy and comic-book-like superhero films opening this week (August 6th) is “The Suicide Squad.” A band of imprisoned misfit rogues in the DC comics universe are sent on a suicide mission in South America, and if they accomplish the assignment they’ll be set free. David Dastmalchian portrays one of the rogues, the freakish Polka-Dot Man.

CHICAGO – Back in 2007, actor David Dastmalchian got the call that he has secured a role in “The Dark Knight,” as one of the Joker’s henchmen. He was living in Chicago at the time, and from then on his world broke open. Today, David is a vital part of the Marvel (“Ant-Man”) AND DC universes (“Suicide Squad”), and has created his own comic, “Count Crowley.”

CHICAGO – One of the coolest-cat young actors is Blake Jenner. The versatile performer began his career on TV’s “Glee,” portraying Ryder Lynn. Since that time, three short years ago, he has broken out in a big way, landing in the ensemble cast of “Everybody Wants Some!!” and “The Edge of Seventeen.” His latest is a combination documentary/narrative film, the unusual and absorbing “American Animals.”

CHICAGO – Jessica Chastain is a memorable and glamorous actress, who continues to challenge herself with in-depth and complex roles. “The Zookeeper’s Wife” is her latest, and her performance outweighs the formulaic based-on-truth story, set during the Holocaust.

CHICAGO – Sometimes you just need a break, that small window of opportunity to burst through and make the mark. Actor David Dastmalchian knows all about that phenomenon, as he produced and starred in his semi-autobiographical film “Animals,” and got the break of a lifetime landing a role in the film, “The Dark Knight.”

CHICAGO – On Tuesday, December 2nd, the Midwest Independent Film Festival gave out their 2014 “Best of the Midwest” awards with a ceremony at The Underground Nightclub in Chicago. Sweeping Best Actor, Director and Feature Film was the Collin Schiffli-directed “Animals,” starring and written by David Dastmalchian.

CHICAGO – The Chicago independent film scene keeps thriving, and a local production that just wrapped up will soon be a part of it. “The View From Tall” is based on a play written by co-director Caitlin Parrish, who along with her directing partner Erica Weiss brought the story to the screen.

CHICAGO – On Tuesday, December 2nd, the Midwest Independent Film Festival will award their 2014 “Best of the Midwest” honors with a ceremony at The Underground Nightclub in Chicago. The evening will be hosted by Festival Director Mike McNamara, and nominees include “Animals” – directed by Collin Schiffli, “The Starfish Throwers” – directed by Jesse Roesler and “Happy Christmas” – directed by Joe Swanberg.