“Make Me Famous” a new film now playing at Wayfarer Theatres in Highland Park

***** This has been a quiet week for the area theatres, so when I was invited to the Wayfarer Theater to see a new film, “Make Me Famous” and meet the creators of the film, I jumped at the opportunity. The film is a documentary that looks at the 1980’s, in New York’s “Lower East Side” and the artists that lived and worked there. As an actor, I resided in the area back in the 1960’s, and based on what this story tells, it became worse during the years that followed my returning to Chicago and a normal life.

The film, created and directed by Brian Vincent, is a look at the art colony of that era. In particular, one of these artists, Edward Brezinski, who is the main character, but in reality, is the key to telling the story of the artists and their lives during a rough time in their lives. The movie does center on Brezinski, and those people in his life who knew him, partied with him and loved him ( as well as hated him). He was searching for fame, as almost all artists are, and those around him had no problem being interviewed and talking about the man and the artist.

One of the amazing parts of the film is the number of film clips that show this man and his life. As it was explained during the Q & A after the screening, Brezinski met a videographer who was invited to all the showings and parties that he was at or hosted. Vincent was also lucky that while making this film, he was able to interview a great number of artisits from that particular community who were anxious to share their stories and experiences, making this a quality and quite informative documentary.

While it was his desire to become famous ( I think every artist is seeking that fame), his antics and wildness made it quite difficult for him. Many of those in his circle , although they felt he was an artist, did not see him becoming more than a struggling artist with some talent, but surely not one to reach fame and fortune. As the film explores his life and his search for fame, we see his obituary and many of the “chapters” of the story are the writers seeking to find out if in fact, Brezinski is dead. During that period of time, with the AIDS epidemic, many artists just disappeared, never to be heard from again. This story has an ending that will answer the questions.

The film is one that will hold your interest and open your eyes to the struggles of an era where we did not have AI, computers, cable, Facebook and social media in general.  The 80’s were difficult for these struggling artists, but somehow they existed through it all and this film shows how. The film will continue being shown at The Wayfarer Theater located in Highland Park at 1850 Second Street ( free parking indoor garage) thru 8/28 with showings at 12:15, 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

running time is 2 hours

Tickets are $15 adults

$12 for seniors

www.wayfarertheaters.com