Professional film complainer.
Last Sunday, “King Richard” (starring Will Smith as the father of Venus and Serena Williams) played at the Music Box Theater in Wrigleyville as part of the 57th annual Chicago International Film Festival. As the credits rolled, not only did the film celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Black Perspectives program — it also signaled… Continue reading And that’s a wrap on the 2021 Chicago International Film Festival
Sorry for the delay, folks. Am I flattering myself in thinking that anyone was actually waiting for this? Probably, but I don’t mind. While I hope my CIFF coverage over the course of fall break has expanded your watchlist — or maybe even encouraged you to participate in the local arts in the future —… Continue reading Scene at Chi Film Fest: ‘Spencer,’ ‘Mayor Pete’
No introduction today — here’s what I saw since we last spoke. "Belfast" One of this year’s Gala Presentations is “Belfast,” the new film written and directed by Kenneth Branagh. The 60-year-old actor turned filmmaker has had a long and accomplished career: he’s made several Shakespeare adaptations, most notably “Henry V” and “Hamlet”; he’s starred… Continue reading Scene at Chi Film Fest: ‘Belfast,’ ‘Cow’
Another day, another 1,000 words or so about the Chicago International Film Festival. Before I dive into the films themselves, I want to acknowledge just how special these moviegoing experiences were for me. I saw “The Worst Person in the World,” for example, at a press-only screening. I felt like a real Roger Ebert —… Continue reading Scene at Chi Film Fest: ‘C’mon C’mon,’ ‘The Worst Person in the World’
This year will mark the 57th edition of the Chicago International Film Festival, the longest-running festival of its kind in North America. It will also mark my seventh year in attendance — and my first with press credentials. As evidenced by this tweet when I first heard the news (shameless self-promotion, and it won’t be the last!),… Continue reading A preview of the 2021 Chicago International Film Festival
Aidan O'Malley 