Why?

Notes from a film critic, editor-writer-fact checker-photographer.

From “Chicago Ghost Signs,” multimedia work-in-progress. © 2024 Ray Pride.

A lot of these dispatches include previously unpublished work as well as longer, older pieces that aren’t otherwise available online. The bulk of film reviews I have written since late 2006 can be found here.

I write a movie review column and newsletter, “Talking Screens,” covering a selection of what’s playing in Chicago, a mix of new releases and repertory . The film section holds over 3,000 reviews, interviews and features, an archive that begins in 2006.

You’ll also see proof of life on the progress on “Chicago Ghost Signs.”

I aggregate cultural news from Chicago and the Midwest as a column and newsletter for Newcity, “Today in the Culture.” It’s about 3,000 words each weekday, with as many as thirty entries on any given day.

“Chicago Ghost Signs” peeks above the surface. There are Instagram and Twitter accounts. Twitter for Chicago Ghost Signs here. Instagram for Chicago Ghost Signs here.

The 2022 FILM 50, which I chose, conducted interviews for and wrote is here. Fifty key leaders behind the scenes of Chicago film, in 27,000 words. Also from that enterprise: Why Chicago's Music Box Theatre and Music Box Films are unique: a 7,000-word Q&A with the key players. FILM 50 returns in December 2024.