Buster Keaton Archives - Chicago Reader

Film poster showing a two-faced ventriloquist's figure.

Ventriloquism and Oobleck

by Kerry Reid April 27, 2022April 27, 2022

When I think of ventriloquism in film, my thoughts flash to the commercials for 1978’s Magic that creeped me out as a kid. I wasn’t alone; according to the IMDb trivia page, the original trailer for this psychological horror film was pulled from broadcast after parents complained. (“Fats,” the murderous dummy who seemingly possesses Anthony […]

Clockwise from left: Jay Lee, Stephen Ruffin as Langston Hughes, Jasmin Tomlins

Arts & Culture

Into the Mist takes you back in time to 1927

by Kerry Reid March 31, 2021August 18, 2021

Studio5’s virtual speakeasy, Into the Mist, has echoes of the past and resonances for today.

Film

Movie Tuesday: Happy 90th anniversary, Music Box Theatre

by Ben Sachs August 27, 2019August 18, 2021

Five films that put theaters at the center of the action.

Arts & Culture

A lot goes right in The Play That Goes Wrong

by Jack Helbig December 12, 2018August 18, 2021

But it’s the set that steals the show.

Blogs

Peter Bogdanovich explains why Buster Keaton still matters

by Andrea Gronvall October 18, 2018August 18, 2021

The director discusses his new documentary The Great Buster showing this weekend at the Chicago International Film Festival.

Film

The Chicago International Film Festival returns, this time with more experiments and work by female directors

by Chicago Reader October 9, 2018August 18, 2021

It lacks some of the buzzier movies from the international festival circuit, but there’s still plenty worth seeing. Our critics weigh in on 24 offerings.

Blogs

A Scene at the Sea is an early masterpiece from Takeshi Kitano

by Ben Sachs April 27, 2018August 18, 2021

The Chicago Film Society presents a rare 35-millimeter screening of the Japanese director’s 1991 drama, a simple, tender story of love, friendship, and surfing.