Category Archives: 59th Chicago International Film Festival

59th Chicago International Film Festival, Film reviews

Poor Things Review

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Director Yorgos Lanthimos is known for his brilliant use of bizarre and downright weird imagery; however, he knows how to blend these elements with success and brilliance. He builds resilience by pushing the envelope of his strange ideas as a director. He did so with The Lobster (2015), The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017 and my top favorite of his), and The Favourite (2018). In Poor Things he turns up the volume on the grotesque factor combining humor, daring, and genius. It is definitely one of his most sexualized films, but also one where the context is intended for those who want to experience a film that is different and not one’s normal romantic or sci-fi adventure. The plot line is filled with twists and scientific anomalies which lead to hysterical and invigorating outcomes.

Poor Things takes place in a historic setting introducing Dr. Godwin Baxter (played by Willem Dafoe), a professional of unorthodox practices. His studies focus on bringing people andvarious creatures back to life. The film quickly moves into eerie and daring territory. His assistant is Max McCandless (played by Ramy Youssef), and he oversees moderating the experiments of the doctor. Baxter’s most ambitious project is Bella Baxter (played by Emma Stone). Bella has been brought back to life with a brain that is very undeveloped and out of tune. This has left Bella in a state where she is always anxious to experience new things, yet has no filter or social awareness. Her brain and thought processes are so muddled that she keeps pursuing activities that would be considered acts of public indecency. Although she is eager to feel out her new life, she does not know how to hold it together. Being under the care of Baxter and McCandless, Bella finds herself angry that her existence seems uneventful. Suddenly, Bella meets a lawyer, Duncan Wedderburn (played by Mark Ruffalo). Bella falls instantly in love, and she runs away with him. Her undeveloped brain and state of mind are out of whack, but something inside of her is determined to feel connected to the world and find a sense of fairness. Bella’s struggle is that her brain is so sexualized thather behaviors remain highly inappropriate.

Stone’s performance is gutsy in her portrayal of a woman with such eager sexuality. Under the direction of Lanthimos, she depicts a creature whose sense of desired connection has become confused with satisfaction. It is a film where there areno limits. Also, Dafoe’s performance is fierce as Baxter, whoseego and fanaticism blind him to the reality that his procedures have failed. He is unrelenting in his efforts to get Bella back. Dafoe is a master of his craft despite the strange calling of his character. As for Ruffalo, he is playing an attorney who is taking a risk. One with a girl whose brain is undeveloped. The characterizations surrounding Poor Things are like those of Young Frankenstein on steroids.

Lanthimos often plays with the theme of matters getting out of control, and the consequences having to be dealt with. In this story, it is a situation of finding the right direction for Bella.With the film being two hours and twenty-one minutes long, heincorporates all kinds of scenarios to take her on a journey that explores what happens when desires are allowed to manifest themselves without restriction. The film begins in moments of black and white and then transitions to color. The direction of Lanthimos takes a serious approach like a dark novel, but then transitions to brilliant cinematography with an undertone of darkness. The performance of Stone craves for sex, love, experiences, and seeing the real-world. It is one wanting connection, but in the context of behaviors that are immoral. It does go intentionally overboard in some moments, forcing the viewer to question one’s own desires and constraints. That element is the genius of this film. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Poor Things.

59th Chicago International Film Festival, Film reviews

Rustin Review

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This film is faithful to a true story and has a strong sense of appreciation and empathy. Rustin is directed by George C. Wolfe, written by Julian Breece and Dustin Lance Black, and has Barack and Michelle Obama as executive producers. Rustin is one of the most inspiring and realistic films of 2023. It is a story in which voices and delivering a message matter. Rustin tells the tale of Bayard Rustin and the 1963 March on Washington.

In the movie, Bayard Rustin is played by Colman Domingo. Roy Wilkins is played by Chris Rock, A. Philip Randolph is played by Glynn Turman, and Martin Luther King Jr. is played by AmlAmeen. Rustin focuses on the efforts to get the March on Washington to be a monumental success to bring attention to racial discrimination and the passing of the Civil Rights Act. The conflict arises because Bayard is gay. He is closeted and maintains a discreet relationship with Tom (played by Gus Halper). Bayard is trying to do his part in the fight for Civil Rights. However, the politics continue to provide challenges and cause him plateaus, so he must keep finding inspiration for the March on Washington to be successful. The many political voices have various perspectives. Adam Clayton Powell (played by Jeffrey Wright) is the vocal congressmen. Powell, Wilkins, and Randolph believe politics should go by the book. Bayard, however, believes in creating a legacy with the March on Washington and says, “Sound is how you turn a crowd into an audience.” The voice of his wisdom throughout Rustin is monumental.

The era of segregation is not displayed in a negative way during the film, but on establishing a foundation to end it. The building blocks of Rustin are in the screenplay which highlights the importance of having a voice. The story is also built upon the mission of Bayard to do what is right. Unfortunately, his sexuality is his weakness. During this time, racism and sexuality do not mix well. Still, Bayard does not let the negative media or the people around him deter him. He finds inspiration in pursuing his goal. Rock’s performance is strong in portrayingpolitical power. His character believes in playing fair and by the rules, but Bayard is not. Their competing mindsets demonstrate strength in Rustin.

This film’s focus on diversity gets a little misconstrued as it covers the historical evolution of the story. Rustin is realistic in portraying perspectives of black and white characters. Some of the racial dynamics and political conflicts alter the plans for the March. The film primarily highlights the dynamics involved in overcoming the hurdles so that the March can happen. Overall, the film is a revolutionary experience that will touch audiences hearts.

Watching Rustin was thought-provoking for me. What came to my mind is how much lives matter, no matter one’s race. The fight for freedom is an emotional ride in Rustin, and it is a winning experience. The performance of Domingo shines with hope as does much of the movie. There is that historic sense of what the times were like to be a voice for the world. There is a narrative of the trial-and-error throughout the era that reveals how repetition can serve a purpose in life. Rustin is an experience that is alive.

How successful was the March on Washington? Does Rustin have many supporters by his side? Does the message of the film resonate? I had many moments of happiness during Rustin. The story proves that changing the world takes an army of like-minded people. Four out of four stars for Rustin.

59th Chicago International Film Festival, Film reviews

Evil Does Not Exist Review

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Evil Does Not Exist is a film with symbolism in its title. The title does not refer to terror, but instead what matters. There are hidden tensions and a sacred environment in this film where those looking for change impact others. It is an experience in which politics, funding, and people clash. From director and writer Ryusuke Hamaguchi (director of Drive My Car) comes a masterpiece with class and brilliance in its faithful direction Evil Does Not Exist is one of the best films of 2023 because how it-subtly establishes the importance of triumphant empathy. The film displays how far people will go to keep what is right for the sake of themselves and their families. When politics and infrastructure get in the way, it may be time for people to stand their ground and fight for what belongs to them.

The film was primarily filmed in Nagano, Japan. The quiet village setting is beautiful with crisp lighting that emphasizes the film’s scenery. The film focuses on a man named Takumi (played by Hitoshi Omika) and his daughter Hana (played by Ryana Nishikawa). Takumi is a man of a few words, and Hana is a quiet too. Takumi spends his time chopping wood, and his daughter strives to find outdoor adventures. The life of Takumi and his daughter hits a plateau when businesses want to build a camping site around their home. The vast land is considered profitable as a place for tourists to enjoy the natural scenery. Takumi is against the idea because the forest is his place of solitude that he and his daughter have adapted to. However, the profits may provide some benefit for Takumi if he takes part in the project. Based on Takumi’s routines and the life he is used to, it is unlikely he will support the project.

The film opens with some of the strongest direction I have seen. It captures the essence of the life of enjoyment Takumi and his daughter lead in their quiet forest life. It is a film that shows howroutines are important to those who lead fulfilling lives. As Takumi chops wood by his cabin, he does it repeatedly and passionately. His home matters to him as does the life of his daughter. The idea of an infrastructure project is not one he has on his mind. Takumi does not cause conflict with the political factors of the project but tries to have civilized discussions. He focuses on where the meaning lies for his daughter and himself. The location does have meaning in Evil Does Not Exist and it ties to both culture and tradition. These factors make it clear that Takumi will not let go.

The political side of the infrastructure project is where the film battles its climax. The project appears unstoppable because the-land is too profitable not to proceed. Are there irreparable consequences if Takumi tries to stop it? The forest is the playground for Takumi and his daughter. The land is rich withresources and outdoor enrichment that has always fascinated Takumi. The film’s direction which highlights the scenery is spellbinding and shows true appreciation for film as an art form.

I love movies that take me to a place of escapism. I also love movies that are about not giving up what people love. Those movies have class. In my opinion, Evil Does Not Exist should be mandatory for those interested in filmmaking. It is a moving and poetic experience where my eyes could not turn away. There is a climax that is unforeseen and surreal. Evil Does Not Exist will enthrall its audience with nature, culture, and love. Four out of four stars for Evil Does Not Exist.