Happy Canada Day to the world's 7th freest country. Your neighbors, who bang on about freedom, are 15th. Talking Canucks, America's favorite pastime (no, it's not baseball) is making films in Canada and passing it off as American. Chicago's example, Mean Girls was set in the suburb of Evanston (birthplace of Bill Murray), but was shot in Toronto. The viewing experience is more rewarding when the city matches the story, which brings me to a classic segue.
I grew up watching John Hughes films (showing my age), and to now be living in the city where he based many of his films is a dream come true. This brings me to another list-making exercise (to think my all-time film/TV lists were published half a decade ago, refer below). These films bring out the best of Chicago. Even if you're not a Chicagoan, the chances are you're familiar with something connected to America's greatest city.
Here's a list of ten films (in order of date released) I put together, this is not so much about the quality of the films, but ones that show the city in every light, both shiny and gritty. I suggest you re-watch these (if you haven't seen any of them, shame on you), then use the locales as a reference point for your visit to Chicago.
The Blues Brothers (1980, John Landis)
The dynamic duo of Akroyd and Belushi, together with a soundtrack to die for, how can you not put on some Aretha after she performs 'Think' in the deli. So many classic parts of the city on display here, The 6-minute car chase scene (red car dropping from the skyline can't be topped) through downtown is worth an induction into the cinematic hall of fame.
Sixteen Candles (1984, John Hughes)
Having an older sister made me appreciate this even more, Molly Ringwald still speaks for teens everywhere, that's the impact of this film. Many suburbs are used in filming. The famous dance scene (you know with that classic tune playing, True by Spandau Ballet) was shot at Niles East High School in the suburb of Skokie.
The Breakfast Club (1985, John Hughes)
I will go to my grave defending this piece of American history. I will never tire of watching arguably the best teen angst film. Chicago's suburbs are the focus here, from the school exterior scenes (Maine North High School, Des Plaines), interior scenes (Glenbrook North High School, Northbrook) to the powerful ending (fist-pump scene) shot in Park Ridge.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986, John Hughes)
You don't even have to think about it, as soon as I mention this one to anyone over the age of 40 they start singing 'Twist and Shout' straight away. How good is the parade scene? Shot on Michigan Ave, one of the world's great avenues in downtown Chicago. So many iconic scenes covering the city and suburbs from Wrigley Field to the classic Ferrari scene (Ben Rose Auto Museum).
The Untouchables (1987, Brian De Palma)
Wouldn't be an ode to Chicago without Al Capone making an appearance. The Blackstone Hotel is part of film folklore for the baseball bat that Robert De Niro so artistically used for some bloodletting.
The Fugitive (1993, Andrew Davis)
Tommy Lee Jones and Harrison Ford at their height of acting powers. One of the great jumps in cinematic history is featured at Fontana Dam at Lake Cheooh. Plenty of classic scenes all around town, this film has dated badly, referring to the payphone scene at Wacker Drive and Wells St.
While You Were Sleeping (1995, John Turtletaub)
Can be a corny romantic comedy at times, but when Chicago's sensational train system is on display, you have a winner! From now on, every time I catch a train from Randolph/Wabash El station, I will forever be reminded of one of the great (if not, greatest) actors of all-time (if you haven't seen him in Lost highway, you need to exit planet earth immediately).
High Fidelity (2000, Stephen Frears)
A cultural ode to the city by John Cusack (also an Evanston native). Vintage venues, like Double Door, Music Box Theatre all make cameo's. The highlight of the film (1:19:52 - 1:21:16 mark) takes place on the Kinzie St Bridge with a classic Chicago backdrop. This one even features scenes from my neighborhood, Rogers Park. If you are holding onto dear life avoiding music streaming services (nearly as evil as Netflix), then keep watching this flick to remind you of a time just before the world ended (you know, social media).
The Dark Knight (2008, Christopher Nolan)
The only negative about this film (tower under construction in the final scene) and of the city itself is, the presence of a building named after a delusional maniac that for some reason received the nuclear codes for 4 years. So much of Chicago on display, the Old Post Office was used for the infamous bank heist scene. To think Heath Ledger (the best thing to come out of Perth, Australia), a fellow 1979 earthling, passed away two months after production finished.
Southside with You (2016, Richard Tanne)
Wouldn't be a Chicago list without its most famous love story, Barack and Michelle. Historic Quin Chapel (home of the city's first African-American congregation) is used for the community meeting scenes. Chicago and the world needs more reminding of the fact that the true cultural heartbeat of the city remains in the south, even though everyone wants to live in the affluent Northside. Taking of the Southside, be sure to check out 'The Chi' (season 3 is currently airing on Showtime)
https://globaleditorial.blogspot.com/2017/07/30-of-greatest-tv-shows-in-my-humble.html
https://globaleditorial.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-best-films-according-to-yours-truly.html
