Hey everyone. Capone in Chicago here.
Just before I left for Austin last week, I managed to squeeze in a screening of writer-director Robert Siegel's directing debut BIG FAN. Siegel, who wrote last year's transcendent THE WRESTLER, has a real gift for giving voice to citizens of the marginalized world of sports, and my guess is the man could probably do the same outside the sporting confines. There are moments in BIG FAN that are so believable as to be beyond uncomfortable to watch. The life of Paul Aufiero (comedian Patton Oswalt, who gives a subtle and perfect performance) is slightly pathetic--a 35-year-old living with his mother and working as a parking garage attendant. Paul is also a huge New York Giants fan, who gets the chance to meet his all-time hero and is soundly reminded of his place in life's pecking order.
Those who came to the Chicago screening seemed to really enjoy the film, and we have a unique opportunity in the Windy City to meet and talk to the creators of BIG FAN on its opening day here. Just a bit of background, this screening is the result of a conversation I had with Oswalt back in March at SXSW Film Festival. I spotted him at a midnight showing one night and introduced myself, since at one point we were actually coworkers at Ain't It Cool. I mentioned to him that I'd been hearing great things about BIG FAN on the festival circuit and that I would love to bring the film and him to Chicago. He said he would make that happen, and sure enough, he lived up to his word.
Here are the details on two special screenings of BIG FAN on Friday, October 2 at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Avenue in Chicago. At the 7:20pm showing, writer-director Robert Siegel will be doing a post-screening Q&A with, moderated by yours truly. At the 9:40pm showing, both Siegel and Patton Oswalt will appear to answer audience questions. Oswalt has a stand-up gig that night, so he'll be coming straight from that event to the Music Box Theatre.
These are not free screenings. You can order tickets for either showing in advance at the Music Box Theatre's Website, and I fully expect these to sell out, so get your tickets now.
In case you didn't know this Oswalt is not only one of the funniest men in America, but he's also an internationally known film geek. His shows are peppered with movie references, and every interview I've read with him is loaded with great observations about movies, directors, actors, film movements, you name it. These are going to be great Q&As, and you need to just get to the Music Box Theatre on Friday and see this remarkable little movie. See you there. And just as a heads up. There is a Cubs game Friday afternoon, but it shouldn't affect traffic or parking for these screenings. Still, if you're driving, give yourself enough time to get to the theater and find parking--it can be tricky in that neighborhood.
-- Capone
capone@aintitcoolmail.com
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