The Fall In Film: October At A Glance
By Rob Christopher in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 21, 2009 3:40PM
Don't kid yourself. Anyone who says summer is the best time of year in Chicago is a rotten liar. Autumn is matchless. Especially if you're a movie watcher. From now through Thanksgiving (when Hollywood's Holiday/Oscar assault begins in earnest) an embarrassment of cinematic variety is yours for the taking. Your stamina and your wallet's size are your only limitations.
(Psst. Anxious to see the lineup for the Chicago International Film Festival? You might want to surf over to their site on Wednesday. Beyond that, our lips are sealed.)
Since October is right around the corner, let's start with the scary stuff. During the month of October, every Friday and Saturday at midnight Facets presents Fright School. For only $5 you get a classic horror flick in addition to an introductory lecture and a selection of grindhouse trailers. The series kicks off October 2 and 3 with The Mummy (someone find Boris Karloff a dermatologist) and the original Cat People (don't go swimming alone.) Facets doesn't have the rest of the schedule online yet but keep your eyes peeled.
Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett of Mystery Science Theater 3000 are still ribbing the worst films ever made under a new moniker: RiffTrax. On Thursday, October 8 there will be an encore presentation of their take on Plan 9 from Outer Space, Ed Wood's infamous cult classic (the original evening of live riffing was captured in August; this is a rebroadcast). You can attend the event at various area theatres, including AMC River East 21. Their caustic commentary is the only thing that could make the movie funnier than it already is. Paper plates sub for flying saucers, and there's nonstop brilliant dialog like, "We are all interested in the future, for that is where you and I are going to spend the rest of our lives." Attendees will also receive a download code for two digital shorts, an autographed photo and three songs.
Finally, the Music Box Massacre on October 10 showcases 24 hours of nonstop horror. Director Stuart Gordon will be the guest of honor, introducing his movies Re-Animator, The Black Cat and From Beyond. Your ticket allows you to come and go as you please.