Interview

CHICAGO – At the base of its premise as a documentary, “Young@Heart” seems like a can’t-miss proposition. Take a senior-citizen choral group and have them sing rock ‘n’ roll. But what really emerges is an essence and poignancy that goes beyond the black and white of just singing the rock songs. As the “Grateful Dead” once sang: “In every silver lining there is a touch of grey.”

CHICAGO – Set in the humbling peaks of the Himalayas, the Robson Entertainment documentary “Blindsight” redefines the true meaning of inspiration. East confronts West in this film that captures the journey of six blind Tibetan teenagers led by blind mountain climber Erik Weihenmayer to a place higher than anyone could ever imagine.

CHICAGO – Welcome to a new HollywoodChicago.com column called CineOnSceneChicago. “Cine” is a French word derived from “cinematograph,” is pronounced like its connector word “scene” and roughly means “moving picture”. Our goal is to present a moving picture of the Chicago film scene and have fun with it, too. The debut focuses on Chicago filmmaker Darryl Roberts.

CHICAGO – Sitting down with Oscar-winning actor Chris Cooper and Ira Sachs – the director of Cooper’s latest film, “Married Life,” which opened on March 14, 2008 in Chicago – is to marvel at the passion and commitment these two high-level professionals bring to this entertaining, poignant and hilarious new film.

I interviewed actor and director Denzel Washington on Dec. 6 on the topic of “The Great Debaters,” which is the second film he has directed. “The Great Debaters” opens on Christmas.

CHICAGO – On the other end of the phone, Mary Lynn Rajskub (best known to most Americans as Chloe O’Brian on the hit television show “24”) tells me her Thanksgiving plans.

Even though her voice is sweet and humble as we discuss the logistics and square footage needed to properly deep fry a turkey, something in my mind can’t separate her from the government agent she plays.

CHICAGO – Diablo Cody fittingly ushered in her Chicago “Juno” junket in classic Diablo Cody style: The night prior, she blogged with brevity where she’d be kicking back and when.

CHICAGO – “If you didn’t watch the film and looked at people watching it, you’d see they’re constantly ducking and grabbing at things,” said IMAX Filmed President Greg Foster. “IMAX 3D is at the bridge of your nose.”

CHICAGO – “Evening,” which failed to materialize in two previous attempts, was finally filmed in the hands of Hungarian director Lajos Koltai.