Category Archives: Uncategorized

A selected inventory of 2016.

By the numbers … 175: movies I watched in 2016 (25 of which I viewed in a theater) 30: pizzas we ordered from The Art of Pizza 10: mystery green statistic Happy New Year!

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The ten best films I watched in 2016.

When it comes to moviegoing, personally this has been a very weird year. With a few exceptions I wasn’t actively reviewing films for Chicagoist (working on my own film put a stop to that) and I wasn’t going to see … Continue reading

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3 things about Denis Villeneuve’s ARRIVAL

Arrival [2016] 1. “It’s not true. But it proves my point.” 2. Play-Doh figures. 3. She turns to the dedication page of her book, which reads, “For Hannah.”

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Update: the sounds of ROY’S WORLD.

Jason Adasiewicz and I (but mostly Jason) have been hard at work on the soundtrack of my forthcoming documentary Roy’s World: Barry Gifford’s Chicago. And after a lot of wrangling on Jason’s part we’ve finally assembled the combo that will … Continue reading

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3 things about Kelly Reichardt’s CERTAIN WOMEN

Certain Women [2016] 1. Fifteenth in line from the throne. 2. Blaze King fireplace. 3. Horse ride to the diner.

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Best Chicago Film?!

The Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle Awards nominations have just been announced, and I’m stunned to discover that Pause of the Clock is up for Best Chicago Film. It’s up against Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party and Southside with You. I’m … Continue reading

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3 things about Anthony Mann’s THE GLENN MILLER STORY

The Glenn Miller Story [1954] 1. A film from the 50s with two sympathetic Jewish characters! 2. Multicolored lights at Connie’s Inn. Psychedelic Louis Armstrong. 3. Slow dissolve from her face to the foggy runway.

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3 things abut W.S. Van Dyke’s AFTER THE THIN MAN

After the Thin Man [1936] 1. “Are you packing?” “Yes. Just putting away this liquor.” He empties the glass in a swallow. 2. A rolled up carpet standing on its end in the hallway. 3. “I wanted to see you … Continue reading

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3 things about Gareth Edwards’ ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story [2016] 1. The return of Peter Cushing. A shade Gollumesque. 2. “Are you kidding me? I’m blind!” 3. Literally, a flying triangle.

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3 things about Frank Capra’s IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

It’s a Wonderful Life [1946] 1. A butterfly collection displayed on the wall of the dining room. 2. Burt gives the newlyweds a bottle of champagne. It’s during Prohibition! 3. Mr. Gower wears newspapers under his shirt to keep warm. … Continue reading

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