Mysteries Abysmal

Pollination

  

Chicago Classical Review  Here's my take on Herbie Hancock and Lang Lang's most recent pit stop. (Photo credit: my friend Florin Loghin)

Queen of the Great Lakes

I imagine this'll do a better job of sustaining interest for Chicagoans, but here is a fascinating glimpse of the city from 60 years ago. (Hat tip, David Polk of WFMT)

Deadgirl

My film review of "Deadgirl" also appears in today's Sun-Times. As a lifelong horror buff, I was intrigued by the original albeit disgusting premise of this promising but utlimately lackluster film. (You'll have to read about the synopsis through my review.) I will say that Noah Segan, who plays a ridiculously sexed-up teenager, is a camp treasure. This screens tonight and tomorrow night at midnight at the Music Box.

Decade

Chicago Sun-Times  I spoke with Lang Lang last week in advance of his upcoming performance at Ravinia. It was ten years ago this summer when the superstar's career was born just north of Chicago. He told me how it all transpired, including a great little anecdote that happened in a Borders Books.

The north side stirs

When filmmakers shoot a movie in Chicago, the result is usually little more than generic postcard fare. A tracking shot of the Chicago river here, a zoom up Lake Shore there. Not with Stir of Echoes, an above average horror film that evocatively captures the working-class quietude of Brighton Park, Wicker Park and Polish Village. "This is a decent neighborhood," one blue collar character would repeat. I was so mesmerized by the portrayal of these homey streets that I spent hours trying to locate exactly where they were. Surprisingly, nowhere on the internet does it reveal the whereabouts of the house where all the action takes place (3619 W. George Street, for the record.) As I parked my car in Polish Village and started walking towards the hell house, the Sunday afternoon choirs started singing at the neighboring Saint Hyacinth Basilica (above). Their voices flooded the neighborhood, taking on a disquieting presence since the sun wasn't shining. As I stood in front of the house, I tried my darndest not to imagine what was underneath the kitchen floorboards.

Fima

 

Here's my brief Q&A with Yefim Bronfman, who's slated to give two performances at Ravinia this Sunday and Tuesday.  (photo: Richard Termine)