Perversion, Diversion

By Rob Christopher in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 15, 2007 4:30PM

The Reeling Film Festival is in its last days, but there's still time to catch what's sure to be one of the most fascinating movies in the program. Quearborn & Perversion, a new documentary by Columbia College alum Ron Pajak, tells stories of lesbian/gay Chicago life spanning the years 1924-1974. It's surely a beautiful irony of history: what is today the epicenter of the Viagra Triangle was, in the 50's, the epicenter of gay life; thus the nickname for the intersection of Dearborn/Division. The screening is 8:00 tomorrow night at the Chicago History Museum. Advance tickets are recommended so call (773) 293-1447.

For many years, the movies of Andy Warhol have largely been a lot like gay Republicans: much talked about, rarely seen. Thankfully, that's finally changing (the Warhol part). Facets is presenting a full week of Andy's films, ranging from early silent shorts like 1964's Haircut to 1967's feature-length I, A Man (which features an eerie scene featuring Valerie Solanas, the woman who would try to assassinate Warhol the following year). Contrary to what most people might think, these are not the kind of experimental movies where nothing happens and the camera is nailed to floor. They're actually very deadpan comedies for the most part, teasing the audience's expectations (the infamous Blow Job consists entirely of a close up of a young man's face while he's getting a ...) and turning stereotypes inside out (Lonesome Cowboys features lots of drag). There's also The Velvet Underground and Nico, Warhol's 1965 document of a band rehearsal interrupted by a police raid. Facets' program also includes a panel discussion and screenings of two new documentaries, Superstar in a Housedress and Beautiful Darling. It'll be a rare chance to see amazing work which has influenced everyone from Gus van Sant and Todd Haynes to mumblecore auteur Andrew Bujalski. Full schedule here.

still image from Blow Job via Telegraph