“Has never ceased to be relevant.” - J. Hoberman, Village Voice
“One of the few genuinely political assaults the cinema has made. And it belongs to a different era. It savages. It explodes: it is a guided missile.” - Dilys Powell, Sunday Times (UK)
Saturday, September 21, 2:00 p.m. | Disturbingly prescient and chillingly relevant, Elia Kazan’s A FACE IN THE CROWD chronicles the rise and fall of Larry Rhodes (a truly creepy Andy Griffith, in his debut role), who is plucked out of obscurity (and a drunk tank in Arkansas) and put on the radio by local entertainment producer Maria Jeffries (Patricia Neal). Rhodes quickly gains popularity for his charismatic “tell it like it is” attitude, and as his fame and ego inflate, capitalizes on his stardom to endorse a presidential candidate for personal gain. A FACE IN THE CROWD is a savage cautionary tale about the incestuous relationship between media and politics and the danger of celebrity. As Rhodes says himself, “I'm not just an entertainer. I'm an influence, a wielder of opinion, a force...a force!”
Awards & Nominations
Nominee - Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures, Directors Guild of America
Democracy at Risk: In collaboration with the Gene Siskel Film Center, the League of Women Voters of Chicago (LWV Chicago) presents four explorations of democracy’s trials and tribulations. Whether you're a seasoned activist or new to civic engagement, Democracy at Risk will deepen your appreciation for democracy's complexities and the vital work that goes into fostering informed and active participation in government. Read more
About The League Women Voters of Chicago: The League of Women Voters of Chicago (LWV Chicago) is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. We empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy and education. The League of Women Voters of Chicago encourages informed and active participation in government while influencing public policy. We never endorse or oppose political parties or candidates, but we are political. LWV Chicago is a 501(c)(3) organization.
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu