Chicago Film Discussion Group

As part of Noir City Chicago, the Music Box is showcasing the dark drama "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers" from 1946. With the presence of two noir stalwarts Barbara Stanwyck ("Double Indemnity") and Lizabeth Scott ("Dead Reckoning"), the movie goes beyond the form's stylistic expression to explore themes of legacy, industry, family, and divided loyalty among a quartet of phenomenal complex performances. In addition to Scott and Stanwyck is an excellent modulated portrayal by Van Heflin ("3:10 To Yuma") and an intense fearless one by Kirk Douglas - in his debut performance!

The movie will be preceded by an introduction from Film Noir Foundation member Alan Rode, who will provide a wealth of details in front of and behind the cameras about the movie. After the screening we'll head to the nearby Coalfire to talk over the movie's many angles, corners, and twists, plus how it fits in the noir tradition. Tickets are $16 and you can pick them up in advance at: https://musicboxtheatre.com/films-and-events/the-strange-love-of-martha-ivers

Any list of the most compelling and commanding actors of the modern era would have to include Denzel Washington. It's not just his critical and public acclaim (and two Oscars ) that are so impressive, but the variety of genres and character types he inhabits. This September, we’ll explore that variety, including a brand-new release. Below are some suggested viewings, but there a plenty more gems we’ll be happy to talk about.

(All of the following films (except "Highest 2 Lowest", in theaters and then AppleTV) are available for rental via either AppleTV, Amazon, or Fandango at Home. All titles apart from "Highest" or "Macbeth" also available from the Chicago Public Library.)

· A Soldier's Story – 1984 (Norman Jewison)
· Glory – 1989 (Edward Zwick) free on Roku: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/a6eef0c99a06586cb5a176b462686c70/glory
· Malcolm X – 1992 (Spike Lee)
· Philadelphia – 1993 (Jonathan Demme)
· Devil in a Blue Dress – 1995 (Carl Franklin) also Hulu
· The Hurricane – 1999 (Norman Jewison) also Starz
· Training Day – 2001 (Antoine Fuqua)
· Fences – 2016 (Denzel Washington) free on Roku: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/8a268ceb22605ec18dc011e81a295952/fences
· The Tragedy of Macbeth – 2021 (Joel Coen)
· Highest 2 Lowest – 2025 (Spike Lee)