Films by Scorsese, Van Sant At Sound Of Silent Film Festival

By Rob Christopher in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 14, 2011 4:20PM

Movies from the silent era may not have had synchronized soundtracks but they were never silent either. House musicians at each theater would always play alongside the movie, performing either a specially composed score or improvising one. That tradition continues with the Sound of Silent Film Festival. Unspooling at the Chopin Theatre April 1-3, it features a number of silent shorts all featuring newly composed scores by Chicago composers performed live.

One highlight is sure to be a rare screening of Martin Sorsese's 1967 student film The Big Shave. It's a darkly humorous and disturbing piece that involves blindingly white bathroom tiles, a man's face, a razor, and abundant use of the color red. Although low-quality clips can be found on YouTube, it's had a rather spotty history of distribution. The chance to see it on the big screen shouldn't be missed. Brian O'Hern will provide the soundtrack.

Other films in the lineup are from filmmakers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, Brian Kallies, Manoel de Oliveira, Osama Tezuka (The Mermaid, 1964) , and Gus Van Sant. The final schedule of musicians and composers is still being finalized; more info at the event website.

The Sound of Silent Film Festival is April 1-3 at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W Division, Tickets are $15/$20 at the door