Tag Archives: documentaries

3 things about Questlove’s SUMMER OF SOUL

Posted on March 20, 2022 by robchristopher

Summer of Soul [2021] 1. The stage was built facing west to achieve the best lighting for the cameras. 2. “It smelled like Afro Sheen and chicken.” 3. Awe-inspiring duet between Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples. Kudos to Questlove for … Continue reading →

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3 things about Michael Apted’s INCIDENT AT OGLALA

Posted on February 19, 2022 by robchristopher

Incident at Oglala [1992] 1. The dowdy woman smiled at him while entering the courtroom, and that’s how he knew that things might swing their way. 2. False affidavits used for extradition. 3. Pickup or van? Red or red-and-white?

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My first screening of 2022

Posted on February 16, 2022 by robchristopher

Roy’s World: Barry Gifford’s Chicago, that is. When someone requests an encore, I don’t say no. So, after being named Best Illinois Film in 2021, we’re returning to the Beloit International Film Festival—but this time we’ll be there IN PERSON! … Continue reading →

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3 things about Anthony Powell’s ANTARCTICA: A YEAR ON ICE

Posted on January 19, 2022 by robchristopher

Antarctica: A Year on Ice [2013] 1. T3 Syndrome. 2. Mummified seal. 3. He shows us the bunkhouse, spumes of frozen air piled everywhere.

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3 things about Arthur Dong’s HOLLYWOOD CHINESE

Posted on November 24, 2021 by robchristopher

Hollywood Chinese [2007] 1. Christopher Lee explains eye makeup and prosthetics. 2. Notes on Anna May Wong’s screen test for The Good Earth: “disappointing.” 3. Roger Ebert defending Better Luck Tomorrow at Sundance.

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3 things about Arthur Dong’s COMING OUT UNDER FIRE

Posted on November 21, 2021 by robchristopher

Coming Out Under Fire [1994] 1. Incompatible. 2. Using the word “darling” in a letter was a giveaway. 3. Mimeographed bulletin, “The Myrtle Bitch Beach.” Invaluable.

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One week from today: our Chicago Premiere at the Music Box Theatre!

Posted on November 6, 2021 by robchristopher

I do hope you’ll join me. Buy tix now—it’s going to be a fantastic afternoon. We’ll have a special, limited edition movie poster for sale, as well as copies of some of Barry’s books, all of which you can get … Continue reading →

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3 things about Theo Anthony’s ALL LIGHT, EVERYWHERE

Posted on October 28, 2021 by robchristopher

All Light, Everywhere [2021] 1. “The eye only sees in each thing that for which it looks, and it only looks for that of which it already has an idea.” — Alphonse Bertillon 2. The plentiful trees and foliage in … Continue reading →

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Our Chicago Premiere! November 13 at the Music Box Theatre.

Posted on October 21, 2021 by robchristopher

Originally we meant to screen at the Music Box back in May 2020. But we all know what happened. I am so grateful to the Chicago Critics Film Festival for persevering despite some truly daunting circumstances and rescheduling the event. … Continue reading →

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3 things about Steve James’ and Alex Kotlowitz’s THE INTERRUPTERS

Posted on October 9, 2021 by robchristopher

The Interrupters [2011] 1. “Violence is a learned behavior.”2. In the casket wearing his cap.3. She can’t participate in the pageant but knows all the words to the song. 3 other things.

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