It's almost time for the 48th Chicago International Film Festival, which begins next Thursday (October 11) and runs for two weeks. Below I've highlighted some of the movies in the festival's line-up that caught my eye (click on a title to purchase tickets online or call the Festival Hotline at 312-332-3456).
For more information and a complete schedule of films, go to www.chicagofilmfestival.com. All film screenings are located at AMC River East 21 (322 E. Illinois St), and the above photo is from Keep the Lights On.
Any Day Now
Directed by Travis Fine
6:15 pm, Monday, October 15
9:15 pm, Wednesday, October 17
3:15 pm, Thursday, October 18
In the late 1970s, when a mentally handicapped teenager is abandoned, a gay couple - a drag performer (Alan Cumming) and a closeted attorney (Garret Dillahunt from TV's Raising Hope) - takes him in and becomes the family he’s never had. Director Travis Fine and Producer Kristine Fine are scheduled to attend the screenings on October 15 and 17.
Bound by Flesh
Directed by Leslie Zemeckis
5 pm, Friday, October 19
This compelling documentary explores the colorful and tragic lives of the world’s most famous conjoined twins, Daisy and Violet Hilton, who became the biggest stars in vaudeville and appeared in the films, Freaks (1932) and Chained for Life (1951). The 1997 Broadway musical, Side Show, was loosely based on their lives. Director Leslie Zemeckis is scheduled to attend the screening.
F*ckload of Scotchtape
Directed by Julian Grant
8 pm, Thursday, October 18
9:30 pm, Saturday, October 20
1 pm, Tuesday, October 23
From Chicago filmmaker Julian Grant comes this “neo-noir musical crime drama.” Benji is set up to take the fall for an ill-fated kidnapping, but he still finds time to sing when he isn’t hastily bandaging injuries or trying to determine the motivations of a stripper with questionable loyalties. Mr. Grant is scheduled to attend all the screenings.
The Impossible
Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona
7 pm, Thursday, October 18
Maria (Naomi Watts), Henry (Ewan McGregor) and their three sons begin their winter vacation in Thailand, looking forward to a few days in tropical paradise. But then they are caught - with tens of thousands of strangers - in the mayhem of one of the worst natural catastrophes of our time.
Keep the Lights On
Directed by Ira Sachs
8:30 pm, Friday, October 12
2 pm, Saturday, October 13
A one-night stand between Erik and Paul quickly grows into something more. However, the two men’s drastically different attitudes towards work, life and intimacy, along with Paul’s struggles with addiction, soon chip away at their chances of happiness. Director Ira Sachs scheduled to attend both screenings.
Liv & Ingmar
Directed by Dheeraj Akolkar
12:30 pm, Saturday, October 13
This feature documentary is an affectionate yet truthful account of the 42-year relationship between legendary actress Liv Ullmann and master filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, who made 12 films together.
Not Fade Away
Directed by David Chase
7:30 pm, Tuesday, October 16
James Gandolfini stars in this movie about three best friends from the suburbs of New Jersey who decide to form a rock band in 1964. Director David Chase, who created the HBO drama, The Sopranos, is scheduled to attend the screening.
Out in the Dark
Directed by Michael Mayer
8 pm, Saturday, October 13
6 pm, Sunday, October 14
6:15 pm, Sunday, October 21
After Nimer, a Palestinian student, falls in love with Roy, an Israeli lawyer, he is soon confronted with some harsh realities and must choose between love and the life he thought he wanted. Director Michael Mayer is scheduled to attend all the screenings.
The Patsy
Directed by King Vidor
3 pm, Sunday, October 21
This beloved 1928 silent classic follows Pat (a thoroughly charming Marion Davies), who finds herself competing with her sister for the affections of a boy. The film is presented with live musical accompaniment by David Draizen, and a post-screening discussion will be led by renowned silent film expert, David Robinson.
Quartet
Directed by Dustin Hoffman
6 pm, Sunday, October 21
Reginald (Tom Courtenay), Wilfred (Billy Connolly) and Cecily (Pauline Collins) are shocked when the new resident at Beecham House - a home for retired musicians - turns out to be their estranged former singing partner, Jean Horton (Maggie Smith).
The Sapphires
Directed by Wayne Blair
6:30 pm, Friday, October 12
2:30 pm, Sunday, October 14
Inspired by a true story, this film follows four talented Australian Aboriginal sisters who form a girl group, The Sapphires. They are discovered by a talent scout (Chris O’Dowd), who brings them to Vietnam to sing for the American troops.
The Sessions
Directed by Ben Lewin
7 pm, Saturday, October 20
Based on the poignantly optimistic autobiographical writings of California-based journalist and poet Mark O’Brien, the film tells the story of a man confined to an iron lung who is determined - at age 38 - to lose his virginity. Actress Helen Hunt is scheduled to accept the CIFF's Silver Hugo for her breadth of work and participate in a post-screening Q&A session.
Shorts 4: Not OK, Cupid!
8:30 pm, Friday, October 19
A stimulating program of short films that encompasses sweet, saucy, sad and subversive elements of our romantic and sexual relationships. The delightful UK comedy, Friend Request Pending, is included, featuring Judi Dench.
Silver Linings Playbook
Directed by David O. Russell
7 pm, Wednesday, October 24
Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper) finds himself living back with his mother (Jacki Weaver) and father (Robert DeNiro) after spending eight months in a state institution on a plea bargain. As he sets out to rebuild his life, Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a mysterious girl with problems of her own, and an unexpected bond begins to form between them.
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