CIFF23: Actor Michael Shannon Makes Director Debut for ‘Eric Larue’

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CHICAGO – Michael Shannon is also a film director. The distinctive actor, who has wowed cinema fans with his performances over the years, showcased his directorial debut at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) with “Eric Larue.” Shannon did a master class on directing, walked the Red Carpet and appeared at the film screening.

Janice LaRue is (Judy Greer) a middle-aged mother coming to terms with a shooting spree perpetrated by her son. Adapted from Brett Neveu’s 2002 play — which debuted at A Red Orchid Theatre in Chicago — the film follows the shell-shocked Janice as she attempts to navigate the tragedy in her small town. While a local pastor tries to reconcile Janice with the victims’ mothers, Janice’s feeble husband (Alexander Skarsgård) finds refuge in an upstart church led by a motivational preacher (Tracy Letts). But Janice must find her own way. The film was a Special Presentation of the 59th CIFF.

Michael Shannon for ‘Eric Larue’ at the 59th CIFF on October 13, 2023.
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Michael Corbett Shannon was born in Kentucky, and moved to the Chicago area when his father became a professor at DePaul University. Bitten with the performance bug at an early age he made his mark on the professional and storefront stages of Chicago. He made his film debut with a small role in “Groundhog Day,” and moved up the film role spectrum with parts in “Jesus’ Son,” “Cecil B. Demented,” “Pearl Harbor” and “8 Mile.” His exquisite performing style made memorable characters out of everyman personas.

In 2008 his stage work continued, as he worked with the late Philip Seymour Hoffman on “The Little Flower of East Orange” at the Public Theater in New York City. That same year he appeared in the film “Revolutionary Road” as a troubled and bipolar antagonist, which effectively launched the next phase for his in-demand character acting. His roles thereafter ranged memorably between TV (HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire,” “George & Tammy”), stage (“Long Day’s Journey into Night” and upcoming in “Waiting for Godot” on Broadway) and film (“Take Shelter,” “Man of Steel,” “99 Homes,” “Midnight Special” “Elvis and Nixon,” “What They Had,” “The Flash” and the upcoming “Bikeriders”).

From a recent interview, Michael Shannon talks about the craft of acting to Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com.

By PATRICK McDONALD Editor and Film Critic/Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com