The 44th Chicago International Film Festival continues through October 29, and highlights include a repeat showing of Darren Aronofsky’s “The Wrestler,” with Mickey Rourke as a man whose body had been his living is killing himself with it; “Anvil! The Story of Anvil,” a seeming mock-doc about a real, middle-aged Canadian heavy metal band; and “Wesley Willis’ Joyrides,” which chronicles the local musician who did not make it to middle age. Erick Zoncka’s “Julia,” with Tilda Swinton in the central role, reportedly examines the far reaches of a troubled woman’s sanity; it’s his first feature since “The Dreamlife of Angels.” James Gray moves outside of his usual realm of New York corruption to examine a love affair between two troubled souls, played by Joaquin Phoenix and Gwyneth Paltrow, in “Two Lovers”; holiday family conflict is on the menu in Arnaud Desplechin’s “A Christmas Tale,” a worthy complement to his earlier features like “My Sex Life… or How I Got Into An Argument” and “Kings and Queen.” Stefan Forbes’ “Boogey Man: The Story of Lee Atwater” is the most seasonal of attractions, dealing with the amoral life and painful, slow death of the political advisor who developed much of the Republican style of campaigning, and was a mentor to Karl Rove. It’s almost possible to believe that such a loathsome man existed, but Forbes does fine work in capturing his life and legacy. Established directors are on hand as well, with Andrzej Wajda’s “Katyn,” about the aftereffects of the Russian slaughter of the cream of the Polish military; Jerzy Skolimowski’s “Four Nights With Anna,” reportedly a return to form for the genially absurdist director of “Deep End” and “Moonlighting”; and Hong Kong action master Johnny To’s “Sparrow” makes its Chicago debut. (Ray Pride)
Talking Screens, October 15-21, 2021: The Best of the Chicago International Film Fest The fifty-seventh Chicago International Film Festival runs through Sunday, October 24. And, Michael Caplan's "Algren" has its Chicago theatrical run beginning this week via Music Box virtual cinema. Several movies open Friday, including David Gordon Green's "Halloween Kills," Ridley Scott's "The Last Duel," Mia Hansen-Løve's "Bergman Island" and Todd Haynes' "Velvet Underground."
